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Date: 22 Oct 2006 23:38:49
From: Willie R. Meghar
Subject: Comet SWAN: Oct. 23rd (U.T.) Observation
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Using tripod-mounted 25x100 binoculars beneath a magnitude 6.5 (at
zenith) sky I observed Comet C/2006 M4 (SWAN) from 2:05 until 2:30
U.T.
The bright, round coma was estimated to have a diameter between 6 and
7 (closer to 7) minutes of arc. The coma was suspected to have a
slightly greenish color. It was much brighter at its center; but in
the binoculars the center was non-stellar in appearance.
A (very) faint tail 1.0 degrees in length was visible extending in a
narrow, straight line from the comet's head in a north-northwest
direction.
The comet was at an altitude of 29 degrees near the midpoint of this
observation.
Willie R. Meghar
Observational Notes at:
http://meghar.blogspot.com/
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Date: 23 Oct 2006 15:48:28
From: Willie R. Meghar
Subject: Re: Comet SWAN: Oct. 23rd (U.T.) Observation
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I wrote:
>A (very) faint tail 1.0 degrees in length was visible extending in a
>narrow, straight line from the comet's head in a north-northwest
>direction.
In case it's relevant to anyone: Change "north-northwest" to
"north-northeast." I had my sketch labeled correctly; and I had it
right in my blog (I just checked!); but confusion struck when I made
the saa posting.
One of these days I hope to eliminate "east" and "west" from my
astronomical vocabulary. The terms: "preceding" and "following" tend
to be more intuitive and less prone to confusion.
By the way, there's a nice little group of sunspots near the sun's
north-preceding limb ;-)
Willie R. Meghar
Observational Notes at:
http://meghar.blogspot.com/
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