In these days of computers and CCD cameras, visual comet observers can still contribute scientifically useful data with the help of this handy reference for use in the field. Comets are one of the principal areas for productive pro-amateur collaboration in astronomy, but finding comets requires a different approach than the observing of more predictable targets. Principally directed toward amateur astronomers who prefer visual observing or who are interested in discovering a new comet or visually monitoring the behavior of known comets, it includes all the advice needed to thrive as a comet observer. After presenting a brief overview of the nature of comets and how we came to the modern understanding of comets, this book details the various types of observations that can usefully be carried out at the eyepiece of a telescope. Subjects range from how to search for new comets to visually estimating the brightness of comets and the length and orientation of tails, in addition to what to look for in comet heads and tails. Details are also given of 20 periodic comets, predicted to return between the years 2017 and 2027, that are expected to become suitable targets for visual observing, in addition to information on a famous comet potentially visible each year and subject to great outbursts of brightness.
Zaccheus Daniel used a 6 - inch refractor from the Princeton University Observatory to discover three comets , one of which ( Comet Daniel 1907 IV ) reached second magnitude . Shortly before Mellish's last comet discovery in 1923 ...
To begin with, here are a few pieces of data you should attempt to determine whenever you visually observe a comet: • How condensed is the false nucleus and coma? There is a scale for this. The quantity is called the Degree of.
Observers can obtain valuable practice by drawing various nebular objects in the sky ( see Eicher , 1983 and Romer , 1984 ) . Observations in twilight or moonlight can make fine detail in the coma visible and simply staring for a while ...
This comprehensive book (with an accompanying CD-ROM) is at once a "primer" for comet hunters and a text for advanced amateurs and will thus appeal to a wide audience of amateur astronomers
Newtonian (left) and Schmidt-Cassegrain (right) telescopes. Note how much shorter the Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is compared to the Newtonian. The Newtonian is on a Dobsonian mount and the Schmidt-Cassegrain is on an equatorial mount ...
Historical Perspective There is a rich historical tradition of visual observations of comets, starting with the era when the eye was the only detector. It was during this time that cometary phenomena were first being characterized, ...
From the reviews: "I recommend it to anyone with an interest in binary stars who wants to learn more about these fascinating objects." (Jocelyn Tomkin, The Observatory, April 2005)
Written by a well-known and experienced amateur astronomer, this is a practical primer for all aspiring observers of the planets and other Solar System objects.
A substantial display, though still perhaps less intense than that of 1966, was recorded by radar observations in 1965 some 196 days behind the comet. Visual observations in 1965 were restricted, however, by a strong, broad waning ...
Brinkmann Brinkmann, R. P. 091.094 Brinkmann, W. 067,056 117.073 126.035 143.005 Brion, J. 022.158 Brissenden, R. 142.057 Britt, D. T. 105.015 Britt, J. P. 034.191 .222 Broadfoot, A. L. 035.057 084,092 099,047 101.066.067 103.475 .706 ...