Comet Machholz

[eosophobiac]

I was reading about comet Machholz, and I had tried to view it over the weekend. According to what Skymaps.com had on their chart, the comet should have been close to the Pleiades. I located the Pleiades, but was unable to locate the comet. I was using binoculars of 15 x 70. (I'm not sure these would be good enough to see it, but it sure makes a difference over my own eyes!) I am curious if anyone else is having any difficulty seeing it. I know it's not very bright, but any other pointers anyone can give to help out my viewing would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[tfwthom]

Well the 6th (when we had clear skies) it was:<br /><br />Stand facing west, put Pleiades in the north corner of the FOV of the binoculars. the comet was there.<br /><br />Here's some pictures a friend took:<br /><br />http://www.schursastrophotography.com/10dastro/machholz010605.html <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[eosophobiac]

Those pictures were really good. (That's something I'd love to do one day - astrophotography.) And thanks, I'll try positioning myself and the FOV as you suggested. Here's hoping the weather holds! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[bobvanx]

I took advantage of a brief moment of cloud-free skies last night, and my 8x binocs picked it up not far past the Pleiades. Nice little greenish/bluish blob. I've got a bit of light pollution here, so I can't claim to have seen it with the naked eye.

 

[yurkin]

It is very pretty though my 8in dob on the 1st. It had a pale blue color and a very bright nucleus. But I still couldn’t see any tail.

 

[berna]

I saw it on the 7th using a 11 cm reflector telescope, but I could not see any tail and it looked mostly white to me. It was too dim to take a picture by holding the camera in front of the occular. (this crazy trick worked for mars pictures)

 

[eosophobiac]

I got to see it last night - YAY! (Forgive my enthusiasm, I'm a relatively new star gazer.) After reorienting myself a bit, I located it. I got a bit of a kink in my neck from looking at it so high overhead, but thoroughly enjoyed myself. I hope I have to chance to see it a bit more, before it's gone. I use binoculars, since I don't have a telescope (yet! I was advised to start small, and they seem to be working out for me for now.) Anyway, just wanted to share that I had indeed located/viewed the comet. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p> </div>