LtE in CMO #263

From Dr P Clay SHERROD



© . . . . . . . . . Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2002 10:38 AM

Subject: A brief [unnerving] update on 2002 NT7

 

If your GO TOs on the computerized scope are not hitting just right, or if the power source to your scope or CCD keeps fluctuating, perhaps a reality check will put it all into perspective.

 

If you have not been keeping up with the approaching Near Earth Object 2002 NT7, then you might want to refresh (or humble) yourself a bit.

 

Sky and Telescope just today issued their weekly bulletin concerning this (and others) object and it is discussed a bit at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/readnews.pl

 

or go to the main page (www.arksky.org) and click onto Current News.

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2002 3:09 PM

Subject: ASO Comet Observations July 27, 2002 U.T.

 

A few comets measured at early moonlight; good clear skies, but moonlight interfering from east.  Stellar ccd limiting magnitude to about 17.6.  The rising gibbous moon stopped observing at 05:47 UT.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet LINEAR - C2001 N2:

*2002 July 27.192 UT: m1 =14.79 ccd, Dia.= 7", DC =2/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [round, and uniformly bright

and diffuse; strong moonlight to east interferes]

 

Comet Linear -C/2000 WM1:

*2002 July 27.139 UT: m1 =15.01 ccd, Dia.= 0.2'; DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [comet does NOT show the coma extensions noted on previous night and appears noticeably fainter; round and uniformly diffuse; moonlight possibly affecting mag. estimate]

 

Comet Linear - C2001 K5:

*2002 July 27.215 UT: m1 = 13.95ccd, Dia.= 10", DC = 6/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [continued short, bright and straight tail in PA 181d, 1.1' length; Comet is somewhat brighter tonight with a slightly more distinct nuclear brightening than previously noted; tail and coma maintain consistent brightness uniformity across total expanse;  moonlight possibly affecting mag. estimate]

2001 Linear K5 image:

www.arksky.org/asoimg/linearK5_0727.jpg

 

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte

*2002 July 27. 219 UT: m1 = 14.61 ccd, Dia.= 12", DC = 3/9....0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [comet is difficult in strong moonlight very close to east; round and diffuse with no structure seen....slightly brighter than anticipated]

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2002 4:18 PM

Subject: ASO Comet Observations - July 28, 2002 U.T.

 

A few comets prior to near-full moonlight interfering last night; stellar ccd limiting magnitude to about 17.1.  Clouds and the rising gibbous moon stopped interfered with some estimates as noted.

 

**ALSO NOTE:  confirmation attempts for new object (comet) 2002 0   are included in this report.**

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

 

!! Comet C/2002 O4 (new):

*2002 July 28.260 UT: m1 =11.99 ccd, Dia.= 14", DC =5/9, ...0.3m SCT

/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [NEW COMET confirmed tonight,

with tail length at 0.4' in PA 191d; the comet is very bright and large, much more so than expected]  Comet was astrometrically measured at:

 

R.A. 23h 21.192m

DEC +41d 44.853m

[image posted at www.arksky.org]

------------------------------

Comet LINEAR - C2002 H2:

*2002 July 28.177 UT: m1 =15.51 ccd, Dia.= 8", DC = 4/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [round and very vague; diffuse with no central condensation; difficult object with some high clouds]

-----------------------------

Comet Linear - C2001 K5:

*2002 July 28.205 UT: m1 =13.97 ccd, Dia.= 8", DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [continued short, bright and straight tail in PA 181d, 0.7' length; comet maintaining uniform brightness and structure, strong moonlight far to SE]

-------------------------------

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte:

*2002 July 28.193 UT: m1 =14.98 ccd, Dia.= 8", DC =2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [round, and most definitely diffuse with no central detail visible; strong moonlight is very near]

-------------------------------------

Comet 29P Schwassmann-Wachmann:

*2002 July 28.241 UT: m1 =14.29 ccd, Dia.= 12", DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [a distinct elongation in a N-S direction on the comet, although moonlight causes significant imaging problems]

------------------------------------

Comet Ikeya-Zhang c/2002 C1

*2002 July 28.169 UT: m2* = 13.91 ccd, Dia.= 1.1, DC = 7/9, ...0.3m

SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [extension in PA ~322d not seen tonight; second fainter tail imaged at PA 135 deg, 1.0' length; coma is very large and transparent with nucleus, m2 = 13.91(ccd); nucleus appears less distinct tonight]

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 6:51 PM

Subject: ASO Comet observations - August 2, 2002 U.T.

 

Beautiful night here in Conway, with stellar limiting magnitude around 19.0 prior to quarter moonrise.  Was able to get a couple of comets.....Hoenig (C/2002 O4) and du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte (57P).

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 July 26.143 UT: m1 =14.29 ccd, Dia.= 7", DC =2/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is quite spectacular, with a vivid fanned tail from PA 180 to 192 deg, 1.8' length; coma is highly concentrated in brightness relative to tail; no nuclear center noted.]

[image attached or found at:

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 ]

 

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte:

*2002 Aug. 02.260 UT: m1 = 14.98ccd, Dia.= 8-9", DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [comet is coma-only, uniformly round now with no peripheral detail nor nucleus seen]

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 6:59 PM

Subject: Correction on ASO C.2002 O4 Hoenig

 

Sorry, but I realized after I sent that the leading data for Comet Hoenig 2002 O4 was incorrect....it should read as follows:  (quite a difference in the formatted data that I copied.....).

 

NEW:

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 Aug. 02.302 UT: m1 = 12.01ccd, Dia.= 0.9', DC =5/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is quite spectacular,

with a vivid fanned tail from PA 180 to 192 deg, 1.8' length; coma is highly concentrated in brightness relative to tail; no nuclear center noted.]

[image attached or found at:

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

]

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2002 5:52 PM

Subject: C/2002 Hoenig and 57P - du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte

 

A few comets from the past two nights (August 3 & 4, U.T.), including 57P and 2002 O4 Hoenig; stellar ccd limiting magnitude to about 17.1.  Considerable humidity and moisture in the air is limiting quality ccd measurements.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at

www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

---------------------------

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 Aug. 03.294 UT: m1 = 11.87ccd, Dia.= 1.2', DC =5/9, ...0.3m SCT

/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [comet appears much brighter than photometry via ccd indicates (??) {m1 per 10cm refractor = 9.7}; a very fine fan tail continues, perhaps a bit longer than on previous night, at 2' in PA 178 to 191 deg.]

 

*2002 Aug. 04.317. UT: m1 =11.91 ccd, Dia.= 1.0', DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is much more condensed tonight with a clear though not well defined nucleus; tail appears less fanned than on previous nights, in PA 102 deg, for 1.7' length; tail appears to be more diffuse and less defined; fog and haze]

{image is available at the above link}

----------------------------------

 

Comet du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte 57P:

*2002 Aug. 03.274. UT: m1 =14.61 ccd, Dia.= 10", DC = 4/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Round and diffuse, but uniformly bright throughout expanse of coma; no nucleus, but slight brightening toward comet's center]

 

*2002 Aug. 04.236. UT: m1 = 14.86ccd, Dia.= 14", DC = 6/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Round and diffuse, but uniformly bright throughout expanse of coma; a fuzzy nuclear condensation is now quite evident]

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Monday, August 05, 2002 3:11 PM

Subject: Preliminary on 29P Schwassmann-Wachmann

 

Wow - quite a nice show going on with 29P at this time (August 5, about 06:00 UT); the comet is definitely in another unusual outburst and ccd photometry reveal it to be mag. 13.99 (0.31m SCT) and visually in a 10cm Televue refractor the comet is showing a splendid 11.6 magnitude.

 

The best description of this (an image will follow soon at ASO) new appearance of the comet is distinctly as that of a "cross-cut egg" with a fuzzy stellar nucleus "yolk" surrounded by a quite oval-appearing bright nucleus, with a very distinct peripheral boundary.

 

This comet definitely bears watching.  More will be posted later this morning at www.arksky.org.

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Monday, August 05, 2002 5:27 PM

Subject: ASO Comets - Aug. 5, 2002 UT - Outburst of 29P

 

NOTE:  Schwassmann-Wachmann showing nice outburst; image indicates some possible spiral pattern to coma.  Sky conditions fair to good this morning with some high haze early.  Stellar limiting magnitude 18.7.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 Aug. 05.283 UT: m1 = 10.66 ccd, Dia.= 0.9', DC = 4/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is a beautiful sight, with a long (2.2') tail in PA 192d; fanning slightly; motion is clear in 90-sec. ccd]

{....image found at www.arksky.org if not attached....}

 

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte:

*2002 Aug. 05. UT: m1 =14.92 ccd, Dia.= 8-9" DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is maintaining a diffuse and round coma with only a slight degree of central condensation; some suggestion of short extension in PA 138d; fair skies with some haze]

 

Comet 29P Schwassmann-Wachmann:

*2002 Aug. 05.289 UT: m1 = 11.6, Dia.= 1.3' , DC = 7/9, ...10cm Refra....P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [A most unusual sight; appearance of the comet is distinctly as that of a "cross-cut egg" with a fuzzy stellar nucleus "yolk" surrounded by a quite oval-appearing bright coma, with a very distinct peripheral boundary; m2* = 13.99 (ccd, 0.31m SCT) nuclear condensation, and strong elongation in PA 220deg.]

{....image found at www.arksky.org if not attached....}

 

Comet C/2002 K4  (NEAT):

*2002 Aug. 05.211 UT: m1 = 15.99ccd, Dia.= 7" DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [A very difficult object to measure photometrically due to dense star field and proximity of numerous stars to comet; very compact, nearly stellar with indication of short tail in PA 180d.]

 

Comet Linear - C2001 K5:

*2002 Aug. 05.203 UT: m1 =14.23 ccd, Dia.= 10", DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Continued short straight tail in PA 178d, 1.1' length; tail is definitely subsiding in brightness relative to coma; dark skies but some haze]

 

Comet McNaught-Hartley - C/1999 T1:

*2002 Aug. 05.203 UT: m1 =17.37 ccd, Dia.= 4", DC = 8/9, ...0.3mSCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet was confirmed via blink-verified motion in 35-min. span; very faint, near scope threshold; tiny, nearly stellar in appearance.

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Monday, August 05, 2002 10:40 PM

Subject: Increase in Perseid meteors!

 

Just a reminder to everyone that the Perseid meteor shower will peak one week from tonight, on the evening of August 12 (Monday night) and throughout the dark morning hours of Tuesday, August 13.  A complete Guide to observing the meteors and what may be in store is posted at the Arkansas Sky Observatory site home page.....

 

During the past week as we have been searching out faint comets, I have been serendipitously seeing up to 12-15 comets per hour from the Perseus radiant. All of these have been very swift fireballs with trains easily traced back to the location of the rising shower in the northeast morning sky.  I am sure that there are at least that same number of fainter meteors that we are not picking up on....

 

I have noted a marked increase in the meteors just in the past days, notable on Aug. 3, 4, and 5 U.T., and all coming in much greater numbers AFTER 2:30 a.m. local time (07:30 U.T.) when the radiant is fairly high in the sky.

 

Nearly all have been seen almost directly overhead.  Magnitudes have been on the order of -1 to -3 for all.

 

Remember, I am predicting (under very dark and ideal skies) as many as "80-90 meteors per hour" around 2:30 - 4 a.m. local time (07:30 to 09:00 U.T.) on August 13.  The greatest activity will likely begin just before midnight on the 12th and continue to increase steadily throughout the morning hours.  Note that the near-quarter moon will have set by that time.

 

See the ASO complete summary and suggested observing tips on the ASO Home page ( www.arksky.org )  and click the PERSEID LINK at the top of the page to access our complete guide.

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 5:55 PM

Subject: 29P in outburst / continued development of 2002-O4

 

Not a particularly good night with heavy inversion and haze set in; much humidity and moisture in the air; stellar limiting magnitude at zenith is only 17.0.  However, 29P in outburst is still and incredibly interesting sight!

 

** COMET 2002 O4 - Note in image the multiple tail spikes emanating from coma.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte:

*2002 Aug. 06.234 UT: m1 =14.93 ccd, Dia.= 7", DC =3/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is round, but shows a very irregular perimeter; appearing smaller now than on previous dates.]

 

Comet 29P Schwassmann-Wachmann :

*2002 Aug. 06. UT: m1 =11.1*, Dia.= 0.6' DC = 8/9, ...0.3m

SCT (visual)...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Still an extraordinary site, with a highly concentrated coma and distinct offset (toward NNE) nuclear center; this can possibly indicate a tail in PA 200 deg; coma is oval shaped and uniformly bright with several indications, particularly on the W. side, of irregularities; *nucleus measured at 13.29ccd]

{....image attached....or available at above link}

 

Comet 2002 O4 - Hoenig:

*2002 Aug. 06.322 UT: m1 = 9.7, Dia.= 0.8' DC = 3/9, ...10cm refr....P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Distinct tail, now quite straight and not fanned as before, PA 215d, 2.3' length; at least 3 spikes emanating in tail PA from coma (0.31m SCT/ccd); no sign of nucleus; coma is very concentrated and bright.]

{....image attached....or available at above link}

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2002 1:27 AM

Subject: ASO Comets July 30, 2002 U.T.

 

A few comets prior to near-full moonlight interfering last night; stellar ccd limiting magnitude to about 16.7.  Clouds, lightening and the rising moon stopped observing at 06:15 UT.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

 http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 July 30.212 UT: m1 =12.08* ccd, Dia.= 21", DC = 7/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [*ccd measurement m2 = 13.22, with very strong concentration; otherwise coma is uniformly faint across and circular;  continued short, bright and straight tail in PA 195d, 1.7' length; comet maintaining uniform brightness and structure, virtually unchanged from previous observations;  moonlight to east possibly affecting mag. estimate]

(image attached or found at www.arksky.org / under "Comet Patrol" tables)

 

Comet Schwassman-Wachmann

*2002 July 30.220 UT: m1 = 15.03ccd, Dia.= 25", DC =2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [large, round; comet is uniform in brightness across the coma and diffuse; no nucleus seen, moonlight interferes]

 

Comet duToit-Neujmin-Delporte:

*2002 July 30.189 UT: m1 = 14.63ccd, Dia.= 15", DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [m2 = 15.19 ccd; a most unusual sight; comet is considerably irregular with strong central condensation at this time; coma perimeter is not oval nor round, but highly irregular]

 

Comet Linear - C2001 K5:

*2002 July 30.181 UT: m1 =14.55 ccd, Dia.= 10", DC = 6/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [bright and straight tail in PA 183d, 0.5' length; comet maintaining uniform brightness and structure, virtually unchanged from previous observations;  moonlight possibly affecting mag. estimate]

----------------------------------------

A few comets prior to near-full moonlight interfering last night; stellar ccd limiting magnitude to about 17.1.  Clouds and the rising gibbous moon stopped observing at 05:30 UT.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 July 30.203 UT: m1 = 11.13 (*)ccd, Dia.= 0.3', DC =7/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is quite large with a very fine differential between a "halo" coma and concentrated nucleus {*m2 = 12.88ccd}; demonstrates a fine fan tail that stretches from 180 to 215 deg., about 0.8' length]

{image attached or see above links for 07-31-02 image}

 

Comet NEAT -C/2002 K4:

*2002 July 31.245 UT: m1 = <17.48 ccd, ...0.3m

SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [three images taken @30-min intervals and blinked to magnitude 17.48 stellar; no object demonstrating any motion over 65 minutes was found under exceptionally dark sky]

 

Comet du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte - 57P:

*2002 July 31.208 UT: m1 =14.76 ccd, Dia.= 10", DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [round and uniformly diffuse; no structure seen, nor nuclear condensation; high clouds and haze]

 

© . . . . . . . .Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2002 5:41 AM

Subject: Another New Comet NEAT C2002 O5

 

ANOTHER NEW COMET...

For those with larger scopes and/or ccd equipment, we have yet another new comet to add to the newly discovered Comet Hoenig 2002 O4.

 

This one - C/2002 O5 (NEAT) - was found by the NEAT program (JPL) and confirmed last night (July 31).  At present it is about magnitude 15-16 and orbital elements have not been yet issued.  This discovery was just announced after confirmation via IAU circular 7942.

 

It is presently in the constellation of Ophiuchus.

 

For complete details see the Arkansas Sky website:

 

www.arksky.org under "Current News".

 

© . . . . . . . . Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2002 5:11 PM

Subject: New comets 2002 O4 and O5 / others

 

New Comets 2002 O4 and 2002 O5; stellar ccd limiting magnitude to about 18.6.  The rising gibbous moon stopped observing at 07:30 UT.

 

Note that 2002 O5 appears nearly stellar, confirmed via motion over 42-minute span; very difficult object with strong m2.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 Aug. 01.246 UT: m1 = 10.9, Dia.= 2.2', DC =7/9, ...10cm Refr....P.Clay

Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [A very fine comet, with tail in PA 192deg, 1.7' length, distinct fan,  via ccd {0.31m SCT}; m2 = 12.63]

{....image at above link....}

 

Comet C/2002 O5 NEAT:

*2002 Aug. 01.221 UT: m1 = 15.88ccd*, Dia.= 4", DC = 8/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [a very difficult object, and confirmed via two blinks @ 04:50 & 05:20 UT; some elongation noted E-W, distinctly stellar with only hints of coma (* m2 @ 15.88?) ]

{....image at above link....}

 

Comet McNaught-Hartley C/1999 T1:

*2002 Aug. 01.268 UT: m1 =16.78 ccd, Dia.= 6", DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [confirmed via blink; comet is very diffuse, open and round, no central condensation]

 

Comet Linear - C2001 K5:

*2002 Aug. 01.251 UT: m1 =13.75 ccd, Dia.= 9", DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Continued short, bright and straight tail in PA 178d, 0.3' length; comet mag. est. hampered by mag. 14.1 star .5' south, excellent skies]

 

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte

*2002 Aug. 01.215 UT: m1 = 14.95 ccd, Dia.= 9", DC = 3/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is very faint, small and round, uniformly bright across coma]

----------------------------------------

Only a couple of comets tonight including a remarkable 29P Schwassmann Wachmann....the comet is increasing in brightness, showing a very strong nucleus and very bright coma....slight tail is now indicated.

IMPORTANT....note tiny diffuse object exhibiting same angular motion as 29P in three-hour period, indicated by arrow.

 

Conditions were very unfavorable, with ccd limiting mag. only to 17.1 stellar.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte:

*2002 Aug. 07.328 UT: m1 = 15.25ccd, Dia.= 5", DC =2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [So much fainter tonight that

multiple imaging was done to confirm comet, nearly stellar; high moisture and haze in air]

 

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 Aug. 07.342 UT: m1 = 9.5, Dia.= 1.7', DC = 6/9, ...10cm refr visual...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [per 0.31m SCT ccd: comet exhibits tail in PA 215d, 2.7' length; m2* measured at 13.22, strong but

large condensation;  with high haze and increasing clouds.]

 

Comet 29P Schwassmann-Wachmann

*2002 Aug. 07.333 UT: m1 = 11.94ccd*, Dia.= 1.8', DC = 8/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [A fanned tail, 182 to 205deg, about 1.1 length is now noted on this spectacular comet; very intense coma with clearly distinct nucleus (*m2=14.03; considerable irregular detail, perhaps outgassing jets, are seen on W perimeter of comet; NOTE: arrow on image indicates diffuse object imaged on seven-set sequence demonstrating SAME motion as 29P; object is not stellar]

{image attached or available at www.arksky.org "Comet Patrol" link.....}

----------------------------------------

An incredible view of the outburst of 29P tonight, as well as reports of C/2002 O4 and 57P and others.  Sky conditions near perfect, with stellar limiting magnitude at 18.8.  29P continues an incredible show!

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet LINEAR - C2002 O5:

*2002 Aug. 08.198 UT: m1 =16.59ccd, Dia.= 11", DC =4/9, ...0.3m SCT

/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Elongated most distinctly;

diffuse with possible extension in PA 135d.]

 

Comet Hoenig - C2002 O4:

*2002 Aug. 08.302 UT: m1 =10.73ccd,  Dia.= 2.1', DC =5/9, ...0.3m SCT

/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Very fine view tonight in extremely clear skies; very sharp linear spike in PA 205d, 3.2' length; no defined nucleus although much concentration toward coma center]

{.....image attached or found at above links....}

 

Comet LINEAR - C/2000 WM1:

*2002 Aug. 08.188 UT: m1 =15.56 ccd, Dia.= 13" DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [A very faint yet large diffuse patch now; no condensation nor sign of tail....a bit extended on S. edge; excellent deep sky conditions]

 

Comet LINEAR - C2001 K5:

*2002 Aug. 08.171 UT: m1 =14.37ccd, Dia.= 12", DC =4/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Very fine view in nice star field; tail in 180d PA, 1.7' length; comet is maintaining both brightness and structure]

{......image attached or found at above links.....}

 

Comet 57P Du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte:

*2002 Aug. 08.247 UT: m1 =14.76ccd, Dia.= 15", DC = 3/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet appears a bit larger and very uniformly diffuse; excellent sky conditions]

 

Comet 29P Schwassmann-Wachmann

*2002 Aug. 08.281UT: m1 =  12.1*ccd, Dia.= 1.2' x 1', DC = 8/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Very wonderful view, with NW 1/2 of coma seemingly masked/blunted; very strong delineation SW to NE of coma; strong nucleus (*m2 =  13.49); very deep clear skies with considerable filamentary structure visible in coma and periphery]

{...image attached or at links above....}

 

Comet C2001 K3 - Skiff:

*2002 Aug. 08.332 UT: m1 =17.09ccd, Dia.= 6", DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is very small and clearly diffuse; found an confirmed via 40-min. blink]

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Friday, August 09, 2002 5:20 PM

Subject: ccdOBS - ASO comets Aug. 9, 2002 UT

 

A few comets including the new C/2002 P1, which was nearly a magnitude fainter than early predictions provide; very small angular motion to this comet.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet - C2002 P1:

*2002 Aug. 09.325 UT: m1 = 16.82ccd, Dia.= 3", DC =8/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [This comet was quite difficult to locate, with a very small angular motion and quite fainter than early ephemerides provide; object verified via motion over 40-min. period.]

 

Comet NEAT - C2002 O5:

*2002 Aug. 09.213 UT: m1 = 17.65ccd, Dia.= 4-5", DC =2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Very small, clearly diffuse but nearly stellar; clear skies with incoming haze; becoming very difficult object]

 

Comet du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte 57P:

*2002 Aug. 09.242 UT: m1 =15.45 ccd, Dia.= 16" DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Appears to be continuing to fade in both brighness and intensity; little structural detail noted with coma appearing quite uniformly bright and perfecty round]

 

Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 29P:

*2002 Aug. 09. UT: m1 = 13.31ccd (*), Dia.= 1.4', DC = 7/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Continued flattened coma in the NNW 1/3, clearly delineated; flaring to opposite side much more pronounced tonight; coma appears very large with very diffuse perimeter and concentrated center (*m2 = 14.04ccd), but nucleus is LESS pronounced than on previous nights; high haze]

 

Comet Hoenig C/2002 O4:

*2002 Aug. 09.302 UT: m1 = 10.34 (*), Dia.= 2.5', DC = 6/9,...10cm refr....P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [ccd, 0.31cm SCT:prominent spiked tail in PA 195d, 2.5' length; coma is very tight and

concentrated with distinct nucleus, (*)m2 = 12.07(ccd) moderate Light pollution, haze]

 

© . . . . . . . .Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2002 4:52 PM

Subject: ccdOBS - Comets/ ASO , August 10, 2002

 

Comet observations from this morning under very hazy skies with heavy inversion over area; stellar limiting magnitude = 17.6 ccd at zenith.

Comets 29P and 2002 O4 continue to be very nice objects with visible changes nightly.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet 2002 O4 - Hoenig:

*2002 Aug. 10.UT: m1 = 9.9ccd, Dia.= 1.1', DC =5/9, ...10cm refr....P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet exhibits very faint and straight tail in PA192deg, about 3.2' length with distinct linear spike midway; (*m2 = 10.73 via 0.31m SCTccd)]

{....image attached or found at above links....}

 

Comet du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte 57P:

*2002 Aug. 10.230 UT: m1 = 15.49ccd, Dia.= 9" DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is still quite nebulous and round, but is uniform without any detail and growing fainter]

 

Comet Linear - C2001 K5:

*2002 Aug. 10.228 : m1 = 14.43ccd, Dia.= 11", DC = 549, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [continued short, bright and straight tail in PA 182d, 1.1' length; comet maintaining uniform brightness and structure, virtually unchanged from previous observations;  high haze and comet low to west]

 

Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 29P:

*2002 Aug. 10.245 UT: m1* = 11.71ccd, Dia.= 2.4', DC = 8/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Still an incredible view, with N 1/3 appearing truncated; coma is larger than previous observation and nucleus is now clearly defined and stellar; *m2 = 13.66ccd; high resolution closeup image reveals considerable jet-like perimeter activity]

{image attached or found at above links....}

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 10:00 PM

Subject: ccd Obs - ASO Comets, Aug. 11, 2002 U.T.

 

Only 57P and C/2002 O4 tonight as heavy haze moved in about 06:00 UT

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found atwww.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet 2002 O4 - Hoenig:

*2002 Aug. 11.288 UT: m1 = 9.7, Dia.= 12', DC =4/9, ...10cm refr, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet shows a fine tail in spite of heavy inversion haze; tail in PA 195deg, stretching about 3' length; central tail spike noted; coma is small and very bright]

 

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmim-Delporte:

*2002 Aug. 11.280UT: m1 =14.92 ccd, Dia.= 5" DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is fading and now is very small; still diffuse and round against the star field, but a difficult object.]

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Friday, August 16, 2002 9:54 AM

Subject: Charts for 2002 NY40 Saturday

 

For those of you planning to image or observe the spectacular flyby of NEO 2002 NY40, there is an updated article about this event on the ASO website ( www.arksky.org ) which I posted this morning, but ALSO I just ran across some fantastic charts prepared by Roger Sinnott, Senior Editor of Sky and Telescope posted at:

 

  http://skyandtelescope.com/graphics/ChartB.pdf

 

(this is the chart for North America and Great Britain, etc. for early hours of the 18th, U.T.

 

Note the wonderful track it is going to take just below the bright constellation of Lyra....this should be a very fine evening, skies permitting!

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Friday, August 16, 2002 11:15 PM

Subject: YOUR ephemeris for 2002 NY 40

 

I am being deluged with requests for positions during the close pass Saturday night, Sunday morning Aug. 17-18, of the NEO 2002 NY40.  There is a very nice way for you to customize your own location very precisely and provide an hourly, 15-minute, 10-minute or even 1-minute interval very accurate ephemeris of this object.....

 

Best advice is to go to:

 

http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eph

 

 

and enter either your city or exact coordinates if known under the Observer Location area; next enter under "TIME SPAN" what increments of time (in Universal Time) that you wish for the ephemeris generator to provide positions for you....then go to "TARGET" and select "Small Body" at which time you want to enter "2002 NY40" (no quotes) and it will generate an ephemeris for whatever time interval you select (you can get 5-minute intervals, 1-hour, etc.....highly recommend 10-min. intervals as this Near Earth Object will be trucking across the sky so fast that you will be able to actually "see it move" in the eyepiece or on film.

 

Best of luck and observing!

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2002 5:37 PM

Subject: 92P Sanguin

 

A quick post regarding 92P Sanguin.....the Harvard Observable Comets ephemeris on this one gives it a magnitude of about 15.7 at this time....we were pleasantly surprised this morning to find this fine comet at magnitude 14.65 (ccd) and much brighter and larger than anticipated.   No tail, but a very nice uniformly bright coma.  Details:

 

Comet 92P Sanguin:

*2002 August 17.295 UT: m1 =14.65 ccd, Dia.= 11"  DC = 839, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Very nice and brighter than anticipated; very uniformly bright across a very compact coma]

 

We will likely post an image of this nice comet later on the ASO site.....

 

© . . . . . . . . .Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2002 6:19 PM

Subject: ccdComets ASO - August 17, 2002 U.T.

 

A very clear night following passage of a cold front; however humidity quite high; stellar limiting magnitude at zenith ccd  = 18.3.

 

Complete observations of the ASO Sky Patrol for current comets is found at

www.arksky.org, or the direct link at:

 

http://www.arksky.org/cgi-bin/comettable.pl

 

---------------------------

Comet C/2002 O4 Hoenig:

*2002 August 17.305 UT: m1 =9.94 ccd, Dia.= 0.6', DC =7/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Very fine comet now, with 3.2' tail in PA 142deg., with central spike still visible.]

{......image available at above link......}

 

Comet 57P du Toit-Neujmin-Delporte :

*2002 August 17.229 UT: m1 =15.23 ccd, Dia.= 11", DC =5/9, ...0.3m SCT /CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet maintains both size and uniformity; coma is demonstrating a concentric inner brightening inner 1/2; very diffuse perimeter; no tail]

 

Comet 29P Schwassmann-Wachmann:

*2002 August 17.236 UT: m1 =12.3 *ccd, Dia.= 0.7' irreg., DC = 8/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet shows very defined

stellar-like nucleus (*m2 = 13.39) with considerable irregularity in coma dimensions and brightness.  The truncated NW 1/3 that had been previously noted in images was not seen despite excellent conditions]

 

Comet 92P Sanguin:

*2002 August 17.295 UT: m1 =14.65 ccd, Dia.= 11"  DC = 3/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Very nice and brighter than anticipated; very uniformly bright across a very compact coma]

 

Comet 1999 T1 McNaught-Hartley:

*2002 August 17.295 UT: m1 =16.68 ccd, Dia.= 3-4"  DC = 8/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet was located via

30-minute apparent motion at predicted position; stellar appearing and very difficult, small.]

 

Comet NEAT - P/2002 08:

*2002 August 17.287 UT: m1 =18.03 ccd, Dia.= 3-4", DC = 5/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Object within 2' of predicted plot, detected by 20-min. motion; very low on S. horizon from Obsv., not as bright as ephem. predictions, stellar, on threshold of limit]

 

Comet C/2001 RX14 (LINEAR)

*2002 August 17. 344 UT: m1 = 14.23 ccd, Dia.= 16"*, DC = 2/9, ...0.3m SCT/CCD...P.Clay Sherrod, (ASO, Conway, Arkansas) [Comet is elongated (coma) in a near E-W orientation and quite large; some suspected brightening, although it is very low in NE sky and difficult]

 


P Clay SHERROD (Arkansas, USA)  

Arkansas Sky Observatory (ASO)

sherrodc@ipa.net

http://www.arksky.org/


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