Jump to top page


Reports from Geisei Observatory <April 25, 2007>


C/2007 E2 (Lovejoy) and 96P/Machholz 1

    The following are my visual observations of two comets:

    C/2007 E2 continues to move north swiftly. As it is not bright, it will not be easy to observe from heavily light-polluted areas. The tail was completely invisible.

    Machhoz 1 has been fading quickly after passing perihelion. I was able to see it quite low in the sky because Geisei's skies are good. The tail was no longer visible. You will miss this comet unless you sweep the sky very slowly. Look directly to the center of the field but at the same time look over the whole field with intense concentration. Your eye will detect faint stars more easily when the field of view is slightly in motion. If you feel you have come upon something slowly drifting across the field, what has caught your eye is the presence of a faint fuzzy object. It is vitally important to always train your eyes to familiarize yourself with the appearance of faint comets. Experience makes a big difference in the comet hunter's ability to detect a faint comet.

C/2007 E2 (Lovejoy)                                                        
2007UT                                                                     
Apr. 25.750    m1    Dia.   DC     Seeing     Trans      Inst.      Observ.
              8.6    3.5     6      3/5        4/5     20cmR 60x    T.Seki 

96P/Machholz                                                               
Apr. 25.800   9.7    3       4      3/5        4/5     20cmR 60x    T.Seki 


Copyright (C) 2007 Tsutomu Seki.