New Comet Lulin sightings

bdewoody · Feb 17, 2009

Has anyone in the southern United States seen this new comet?  And can it be seen without the aid of binoculars? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Bob DeWoody </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 18, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Has anyone in the southern United States seen this new comet?  And can it be seen without the aid of binoculars? Posted by bdewoody</DIV> I saw comet 2007/N3 Lulin two mornings ago with binoculars while it was near Spica. It was quite faint and fuzzy, with no visible tail in my 7x35's here in NJ. I didn't have time to get the scope out. It was too faint to be seen with the unaided eye.I assume that is the comet you were referring to?It was pretty high in the sky even here in NJ in the early morning, maybe 35 degrees elevation. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

bdewoody · Feb 18, 2009

That's the one.  So at least for now there's no use trying to find it without magnification. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Bob DeWoody </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 18, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>That's the one.  So at least for now there's no use trying to find it without magnification. Posted by bdewoody</DIV> I'd say so, yes. Now the moon was above the horizon at the time, so the sky was not perfectly dark, but based on my view so far, I would say you need binoculars for sure. When and if we get another clear morning (it doesn't rise till about midnight for me) I'll report back with another obs. However, based on the weather forecast, that will be a few days from now.The good news is: It is rising higher in the sky each day, it is supposed to be getting brighter, and we are approaching the new moon.

MW <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

CalliArcale · Feb 18, 2009

Reportedly, it has gotten above mag 6 -- so it is *theoretically* visible with the naked eye, and certainly visible in long-duration photos taken without any magnification.  It will be at closest approach on the 26th, and at that time it will apparently also be close to Saturn, making it easy to find it. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff." -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 18, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Reportedly, it has gotten above mag 6 -- so it is *theoretically* visible with the naked eye, and certainly visible in long-duration photos taken without any magnification.  It will be at closest approach on the 26th, and at that time it will apparently also be close to Saturn, making it easy to find it. Posted by CalliArcale</DIV> LOL, well theoretically is the operative word there

Here in NJ, even on my best nights a magnitude 6 point source (star) is at the limit of what can be seen.On dark nights, I have no trouble seeing the Andromeda galaxy... (Mag +4.4) <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

3488 · Feb 18, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>LOL, well theoretically is the operative word there

Here in NJ, even on my best nights a magnitude 6 point source (star) is at the limit of what can be seen.On dark nights, I have no trouble seeing the Andromeda galaxy... (Mag +4.4) Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV>Of course that magnitude 6 is spread out over a larger area, so at the moment unlikely to be visible to the naked eye unless you have the eyes of a Lynx & the darkness of a lunar night on the farside. <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/11/2/5bbda36a-36e6-4640-8200-e0f4f9e8c19f.Medium.gif" alt="" />At the moment, we are totally clouded out, but I hope to see the comet at some point.Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before". Linda Morabito on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.http://www.launchphotography.com/ http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearthhttp://web.me.com/meridianijournal </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 19, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Of course that magnitude 6 is spread out over a larger area, so at the moment unlikely to be visible to the naked eye unless you have the eyes of a Lynx & the darkness of a lunar night on the farside. At the moment, we are totally clouded out, but I hope to see the comet at some point.Andrew Brown. Posted by 3488</DIV> It should be easiest to find around the 24th and 25th. At that time it will be just below Saturn, and should be at it's brightest, In fact, for west coast observers on the morning of the 24th, 4 of Saturns moons will transit the planet!http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/19feb_quadrupletransit.htm?list110584There's a very cool animation of the event on the bottom of the page. Note the time on the animation is in UT, so the west coast is 8 hours earlier. It will be daytime then for the east coast of the US and europe

And the next morning, Ceres reaches opposition so will be at it's brightest for the next 2000 years!As the Four Seasons sang:"Oh what a night"MW <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

Archer17 · Feb 19, 2009

I'll be in Florida from Feb. 21-28 so I'm hoping to catch this comet from generally clearer skies than here in the 'Burgh when it brightens next week. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

adrenalynn · Feb 21, 2009

I caught it late last night once it rose high enough, little 7x24 binocular viewable as a fuzzball, no color, just a smudge. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> .bipartisan (bī-pär'tĭ-zən, -sən) [Adj.] Maintaining the ability to blame republications when your stimulus plan proves to be a devastating failure.IMPEACH OBAMA! </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 21, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I caught it late last night once it rose high enough, little 7x24 binocular viewable as a fuzzball, no color, just a smudge. Posted by adrenalynn</DIV> I saw it in binoculars early this morning as well. Skies were kind of hazy, so I didn't even attempt it without the binoculars. Over the last week it has been moving from Spica toward Saturn, so with two bright objects as endpoints it's easy to find; just start at Saturn and sweep left toward Spica. I didn't know it's exact position before looking, but still was able to pick it up easily. I have a feeling it's never gonna make Mag +5 though... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 21, 2009

Today's APOD: <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/6/13/26fe3b90-314a-4071-bd30-bee8b6d2282d.Medium.jpg" alt="" />Now growing brighter, Comet Lulin is headed for its closest approach to planet Earth early next week. But the comet's greenish glow, familiar to earthbound skygazers, is replaced by false colors in this premier view from the orbiting Swift satellite. Image data from the Swift detectors, normally intended to follow cosmic gamma-ray bursts, were recorded on January 28. The data are combined here, along with a sky survey image of background stars, to show optical and ultraviolet light in green-blue hues and x-rays from the comet in red. The result maps remarkable x-ray emission on the comet's sunward side as incoming solar wind ions interact with gases in the swollen coma. It also shows substantial ultraviolet emission opposite the Sun, in the direction of motion and the comet's tail. The ultraviolet emission is from the OH molecule derived from the breakup of water, an indicator of the copius amounts of water produced by this extremely active comet. In fact, astronomers estimate Lulin was releasing about 800 gallons of water each second, enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool in less than 15 minutes. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 22, 2009

striper1 asked this in a duplicate thread:"I really do not want to miss this event!I live in bristol,pa and would like to know if someone can give some kind of direction on where to look for the comet.i live one block from the delaware river to my east.any help would be greatly appreciated! "I'm not far away from you; I live near the NJAA observatory ( http://www.njaa.org/ ) in High Bridge (near Clinton NJ).BTW, we will be open to the public next Saturday night and I will be on duty. Stop by if you can! We'll have multiple scopes out, including our 26 inch, our 12 inch, dobs of all shapes and sizes, and many others. We'll be looking at Saturn, the comet, and Ceres, since they are all in the same part of the sky. We will also be open the following Saturday night when Saturn is at opposition (best placed for viewing)It depends on what time you intend to look. Let me look up and give you some info on various times. The best is about midnight when it is highest in the sky, nearly due south.Unless you are in a VERY dark area, you will need at least binoculars to see it.Are you familiar with the constellation Leo?If you are it is easy to find. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

striper1 · Feb 22, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>striper1 asked this in a duplicate thread:"I really do not want to miss this event!I live in bristol,pa and would like to know if someone can give some kind of direction on where to look for the comet.i live one block from the delaware river to my east.any help would be greatly appreciated! "I'm not far away from you; I live near the NJAA observatory ( http://www.njaa.org/ ) in High Bridge (near Clinton NJ).BTW, we will be open to the public next Saturday night and I will be on duty. Stop by if you can! We'll have multiple scopes out, including our 26 inch, our 12 inch, dobs of all shapes and sizes, and many others. We'll be looking at Saturn, the comet, and Ceres, since they are all in the same part of the sky. We will also be open the following Saturday night when Saturn is at opposition (best placed for viewing)It depends on what time you intend to look. Let me look up and give you some info on various times. The best is about midnight when it is highest in the sky, nearly due south.Unless you are in a VERY dark area, you will need at least binoculars to see it.Are you familiar with the constellation Leo?If you are it is easy to find. Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV> I honestly can say i am not familiar w/ leo ! I plan on trying to view the comet whenever possible til no longer visible to us.If you can,i just need to know when i go outside around 10:00pm where to look.where would Saturn be if i was looking south torwards philadelphia?            thank you for your help!     fred...................

MeteorWayne · Feb 22, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I honestly can say i am not familiar w/ leo ! I plan on trying to view the comet whenever possible til no longer visible to us.If you can,i just need to know when i go outside around 10:00pm where to look.where would Saturn be if i was looking south torwards philadelphia?            thank you for your help!     fred................... Posted by striper1</DIV> For the next few nights, Saturn and the comet are right next to each other. They are Due South at midnight.This is a picture of Leo, showing where Saturn is in relation to it, this view is about midnight. The comet will be a little to the left of Saturn. Saturn is the brightest object in that direction. Click on the image to see a slightly larger view.At 9 PM it will be due east, lower in the sky, and the comet will be a little below Saturn. Leo will be tilted up at that time, with the front of this image facing higher. <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/2/8/e22804e2-e26e-4653-8859-d2e295992345.Medium.jpg" alt="" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

striper1 · Feb 23, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>For the next few nights, Saturn and the comet are right next to each other. They are Due South at midnight.This is a picture of Leo, showing where Saturn is in relation to it, this view is about midnight. The comet will be a little to the left of Saturn. Saturn is the brightest object in that direction. Click on the image to see a slightly larger view.At 9 PM it will be due east, lower in the sky, and the comet will be a little below Saturn. Leo will be tilted up at that time, with the front of this image facing higher. Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV> Thank you ! Istill have a question about viewing this event.what color will saturn be in velavence to other objects,just so that i know what saturn will look like after 9:00pm.i tried last night but just could not figure it out .i appreciate all your help....................     fred,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Chris_Tucson · Feb 23, 2009

For the past 5 nights, I have been watching Satarn (independently of the comet, Lulin) with my telescope.  Last night was the first time I was aware that Lulin may be near Saturn, but all I could see were "fuzz balls" (probably nothing really).  Saturn in my telescope is yellow with its beautiful rings - I recommend a telescope so you can see the rings clearly.  When I switched to binoculars, I could determine easily where Satarn was located (just a slight hint of its rings).  Nothing was clearly visible to me as Lulin.  I will keep trying ... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Christopher </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 23, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Thank you ! Istill have a question about viewing this event.what color will saturn be in velavence to other objects,just so that i know what saturn will look like after 9:00pm.i tried last night but just could not figure it out .i appreciate all your help....................     fred,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Posted by striper1</DIV> Saturn is kind of a creamy white color. Once you learn it, it is easy to recognize, since it is a unique shade. Through Binoculars, you should be able to tell it's not a point like a star is. Good Luck! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

striper1 · Feb 23, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Saturn is kind of a creamy white color. Once you learn it, it is easy to recognize, since it is a unique shade. Through Binoculars, you should be able to tell it's not a point like a star is. Good Luck! Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV> where do i find the threads ?

MeteorWayne · Feb 23, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>where do i find the threads ? Posted by striper1</DIV> What threads? This is the only active comet Lulin thread.I don't know what more we can tell you. I said Saturn is the brightest object due south at midnight. At 10 PM it will be in the southeast (i.e. across the river) If you don't know Leo, one of the more recognizeable constellations, I don't know how we can help you.Lets try this. What do you recognize in the sky? Maybe we can point you in the right direction from there. How about Orion? The Big Dipper?Do you know where the north star is?Can you see Venus after dark, and do you recognize it?We're trying to help, but a dim fuzzy comet is not going to be easy to find unless you know your way around the sky. Tonight it will be right next to Saturn. just as it is supposed to be at it's brightest. You will never have a better opportunity to see it!Here's an all sky chart for your location as of 10 PM tonight:http://heavens-above.com/skychart.aspx?SL=1&SN=1&lat=40.101&lng=-74.852&loc=Bristol&alt=2&tz=EST <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 23, 2009

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>For the past 5 nights, I have been watching Satarn (independently of the comet, Lulin) with my telescope.  Last night was the first time I was aware that Lulin may be near Saturn, but all I could see were "fuzz balls" (probably nothing really).  Saturn in my telescope is yellow with its beautiful rings - I recommend a telescope so you can see the rings clearly.  When I switched to binoculars, I could determine easily where Satarn was located (just a slight hint of its rings).  Nothing was clearly visible to me as Lulin.  I will keep trying ... Posted by Chris_Tucson</DIV> The comet was the fuzz ball just to the left and below Saturn. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 24, 2009

I saw it again this morning, under good (but not great) conditions. A most unimpressive sight in binoculars. It was right below Saturn (about 1/2 degree or so).I am not an expert at judging comet magnitudes (it's actually complicated) but I have to believe that reports of it being +5 are wrong. I would judge in as no brighter than Mag +6, and that might be a bit generous. It's faint enough that if you were randomly sweeping the area in binoculars you could easily miss it, so having a very good idea of the exact location is essential IMHO. Much fainter than Andromeda, the Beehive, the double cluster, or other naked eye fuzzballs. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Feb 24, 2009

C/2007 N3 Lulin has a very interesting orbit. It is in a retrograde orbit (traveling around the sun the opposite way of 97% of the stuff in the solar system) with an inclination of 178.4 degrees. In other words it's exactly in the plane of the solar system, but moving the other way around the sun.The other interesting thing is that using the positional data derived so far it is in a hyperbolic orbit; in other words it might never come near the sun again. Ever. There is no semimajor axis. The eccentricity is 1.0002. The periherlion (closest approach to the sun) was January 10th at 1.21 AU, closest to the earth is today at 0.411 AU.I've never seen a small body data base browser orbit like this one!http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?ID=dK07N030;orb=1;cov=0;log=0;cad=0#orb <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

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