Re: [APML] Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann in 2006

["Chris Cook" <ccook@cape.com>]

Hi Wade -

What is and where can I get "Comet for Windows"?  Sound like a cool program.

This comet sounds like Hyakutake long lost brother. :-)  I will never forget
seeing Hyakutake from the eastern desert of CA on a beautifully dark night.
A tail of over 80deg that spanned half the sky with the coma larger than the
full Moon.

30.6"/min is definitely haulin' ass.  I don't remember how fast Hyakutake
moved during its closet approach but its motion was easily visible through a
scope in just a few seconds.

Thanks for the heads up!!

Chris

-----------------------------
Chris Cook Photography
www.cookphoto.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Thomas W. Earle" <twade@bmi.net>
To: <astro-photo@seds.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 4:23 PM
Subject: [APML] Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann in 2006


> Since a clear night seems futile during the window to photograph
> Comet Machholz, I'm starting to prepare for the next known visual
> comet, Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann in 2006.  This particular
> rendezvous with the sun will place it very close to the Earth in
> May.  In fact, it will be closer than Comet Hyakutake at
> approximately 4.7 million miles on May 17.  It will be trekking
> across the sky at an unbelievable 30.6"/minute.  This will make it a
> challenge to photography, especially if you want pinpoint stars.
> I'm just hoping my STV can track something that fast.  Given its
> speed, you only have about 2 minutes with a 75 mm lens before
> trailing of the stars becomes noticeable if you are guiding on the
> comet so fast film will be a must.  Because of its fast speed,
> CCDers will have better luck with this comet; however, I'm going to
> do my best assuming I get a clear sky.  What's really interesting is
> the "predicted" ion tail length of about 85 degrees on May 21, using
> Comet for Windows.  Fortunately, the comet has slowed down
> considerably by this time, 13.6"/minute.  This should be a sweet
> sight if it truly pans out this way; however, as all of you know,
> comets are very unpredictable.  Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to
> its visit since the persistent low/trough off the West Coast appears
> to have found a home.
>
> Wade
>
>
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