The Scooter: Comet IRAS-Araki-Alcock(C/1983 H1)
Sketch by Janis Romer
About this comet Janis wrote:
“This gorgeous comet moved so fast, I could actually see it move in front of the stars! IAA was an “opportunity” object, leaving us as quickly as it came. I was one of the lucky ones who got a really good look at it.”
Comet IAA was an earth passing comet that for a time moved 30° per day and was as close as 4.6 million kilometers from earth. It was a naked eye comet between 2nd and 4th magnitude and was impressive in the sky moving through Ursa Major towards Cancer. Jan’s sketch is an accurate rendition on the night of close approach.
Written details compiled by Frank McCabe.