Off topic: Comet Lovejoy

[Crater Eddie]

I know some of our members here have at least a passing interest in astronomy, just thought I would make sure everyone knew that comet Lovejoy is now a naked eye object in the southern sky.
It is very easy to spot in binoculars, and in a dark sky is a pretty easy naked eye object if you know just where to look.
CE

[lorez]

So, where does one look ?

lorez

[Crater Eddie]

Here is the locator map for this Friday night, keyed to 7pm Central time. I didn't make one for tonight as it is cloudy here.
Of course the sky will look different depending on your location, but if you can see the constellation of Orion you should be able to find the comet. It is quite dim, all you will see with the naked eye is a somewhat fuzzy dim fat "star". But in binoculars and telescopes it is a very nice sight.

[JimT]

Thanks for the "Heads up"

[lorez]

Thanks, Eddie,

That's right on the edge of light pollution for me, but I will certainly give it a go.

lorez

[vasselle]

Merci beaucoup

[lorez]

WOOHOO !!! After a couple of hours, actually 5 or 10 minutes at a time as it was 1F last night, I finally found the comet. It was the first clear night we've had in several days/weeks and as the night wore on the comet moved across the sky into an area which was much darker. I have a set of 10/50 binoculars which are on the upper edge of fair quality. The best part of star gazing is the large hot chocolate with marshmallows that I rewarded myself.

lorez

[Crater Eddie]

Hey, congratulations! Thanks for letting me know that you found it.
It was a balmy 12 degrees F here last night, but Wife and I watched it and a few other few things for an hour or so.
CE