Comet McNaught has brightened as it approaches the Sun. Astronomers now are considering it to be the brightest comet that has been seen from the Earth in about thirty years. For people located in the northern hemisphere, the night of January 12, 2007 is probably the best time to see it.

On January 9th, Chris Cook, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, reported, “What a beautiful sight! …. The star-like nucleus glowed with a golden hue as a broad elegant tail extended more than one degree.”

To observe Comet McNaught (officially C/2006 P1), sky watchers should look in the direction of the setting Sun. A clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon must be in front of you because the comet will appear low in the sky, hanging just above the horizon. Once the Sun has set, and the sky has turned dark, the comet should quickly appear. It will be visible with only the eyes, but will look more brilliant when seen through binoculars.

In addition, in the early mornings around daybreak for the next few days, look into the eastern horizon, if in the northern hemisphere, for other chances to see Comet McNaught.

In the days ahead, Comet McNaught will pass around the Sun and start traveling away from the Sun (after passing perihelion—its closest passage to the Sun). Eventually it will emerge for people in the southern hemisphere to see, probably closer to the end of January.

During this time of viewing—both in the northern and southern hemispheres—Comet McNaught should be a very bright comet to see. In fact, astronomers are predicting that it could be one of the brightest comets that we have seen in several centuries—one that is possible to see even in the day sky.

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Astronomy  Science  Space  William Atkins