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