C/2009 R1 (McNaught)
By Michael Rosolina
Hi,
This comet, a new visitor from the far outer reaches of our solar system, is currently visible to the northeast in the early morning skies. It has been brightening rapidly as it approaches the Sun, but this proximity to the Sun means that an observer has only a short time to see the comet before it disappears in the skyglow of morning twilight.
Another result of solar proximity is the comet’s tail. R1 McNaught has a long gas tail (at least 1° in length) and a short, stubby dust tail which have been visible in images. In this sketched observation, I was able to visually detect part of the gas tail, which is pushed straight away from the Sun by the pressure of the solar wind.
The sketch was done in the field just at the onset of twilight with a 2B pencil and stump on white sketch paper and inverted digitally. Good luck with your own comet chasing!
Michael Rosolina
C/2009 R1 (McNaught)
Comet
Friars Hill, WV USA
0820-0830 UT 11 June 2010
Michael,
Impressive sketch of this morning visitor. It looks like now is the time to see this one.
Frank 🙂
Michael,
Cool sketch and write up!
…and GOOD LUCK is possibly the best next thing to have on your side as this cosmic snowball gets washed away by twilight so soon!
Juanchin
Frank, Juanchin–thank you for your comments. These morning comets are even more fleeting than the name implies.
Michael
Michael,
Wonderful sketch. Perhaps this weekend if skies are good I may try to get up to catch a peek. Thanks for the inspiration.
Michael,
I like your view!
Marek 😀
Jay and Marek, thank you very much.