Green Comet

[jpurdy]

The comet makes its closest approach to Earth (0.41 AU) February 24, 2009. Current estimates peg the maximum brightness at 4th or 5th magnitude, which means dark country skies would be required to see it. No one can say for sure, however, because this appears to be Lulin's first visit to the inner solar system and its first exposure to intense sunlight. Surprises are possible

To see Comet Lulin with your eyes, set your alarm for 3 a.m. The comet rises a few hours before the Sun and may be found about one-third of the way up the southern sky before dawn. Here are some dates when it is especially easy to find:

February 16th: Comet Lulin passes Spica in the constellation Virgo. Spica is a star of first magnitude and a guidepost even city astronomers cannot miss. A finder scope pointed at Spica will capture Comet Lulin in the field of view, centering the optics within a nudge of both objects.

February 24th: Closest approach! On this special morning, Lulin will lay just a few degrees from Saturn in the constellation Leo. Saturn is obvious to the unaided eye, and Lulin could be as well. If this doesn't draw you out of bed, nothing will.

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=7902

[renodesertfox]

Green Comet

Howdy John and thanks for the infor. will you send me a wake up call email on the day you get up to look for the thing, so I can read about then.

[jpurdy]

gee, I thought you had a telescope when you went camping
and were an early riser