I observed Comet ISON (C/2012 S1) for the first time with 10x50 binoculars. It is much brighter than I expected, slightly brighter than HIP62421 (magnitude 6.2), north of which it is just passing . It is almost as bright as Chi Virginis (magnitude 4.6) to its west. This is much brighter than predicted by Starry Night (magnitude 8.2). I thought I could just see a faint tail to the northwest with averted vision. This is very promising! While it is not yet visible naked eye, it is getting close to it.
Temperature = 0.8°C
Geoff,
ReplyDeleteComet ISON has experienced a significant outburst and has brightened to fifth magnitude, according to the report by comet expert John Bortle at http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/6194029/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1
A time-lapse video of the comet rising this morning is posted at http://blog.cajunastro.com/?cat=6
See http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/Comet-ISON-Comes-to-Life-231893451.html and http://astronomia.udea.edu.co/cometspage/OUTBURST.html for additional information.