Observing C/2013 US10 - Catalina

[Mark at Beaufort]

I notice that we might have clear skies throughout the night which might give us a chance to view this Comet low in the East.

I checked on Stellarium (14) and the Comet should be above the horizon before it becomes light. Looking at the sofware if you draw a straight  line from Jupiter through Mars and Venus you almost come to the Comet. In fact the measured distance from Mars to Venus is similar to that from Venus to the Comet. Worth a go.

I will try with my 15x70 binos if I wake up.

http://cometchasing.skyhound.com/

[laudropb]

If it is clear I will give it a go, but it will be very low here.

[Joe12345]

I plan to wake up early tomorrow morning, not sure what to expect though. Will I be able to see a tail with an 8" at the moment?

[Mark at Beaufort]

Joe12345 - This is what the earthsky website states -

[Joe12345]

Joe12345 - This is what the earthsky website states -

catalina.JPG

Thanks

Just got to hope that it isn't swallowed in the horizon!

[John]

Thanks for the "heads up" Mark

I'm not good at getting up early but I might have to make an effort !

[kerrylewis]

I did get up but could see no sign with my binoculars in the predicted position. Skies were clear and not too light so if it was of reasonable brightness I think that I should have seen it. Anyone have any better luck?

[Mark at Beaufort]

No Kerry I failed as well. I did have some high cloud in the area but I could see Kappa and Iota Virgo and some of the surrounding stars but I could not make out the Comet in my 15x70 binos. I know that the Moon was still very bright so perhaps I will leave it for a few weeks.

[Joe12345]

No luck either. Wasn't too disappointing though, I got some good views of mars, Jupiter, Venus and the moon.

[kerrylewis]

There's a photo in the imaging section. Could be really good when it climbs a bit higher and the moon is out of the way

[clarkpm4242]

I did observe it this morning.  I used the image on the back of a DSLR to help locate it.  Don't think I would have found it 'freestyle'.

Canon IS 15x50s.  A smudge.

Paul 

[Pete Presland]

I was out Sunday morning looking for it. I knew exactly where it should be, but the very bright moon, low position and the oncoming dawn made it impossible to see in my 15x70's.

I did grab a quick image to convince myself I was looking in the correct position though.

[Mark at Beaufort]

Well done Pete - good capture. I was interested that you were also unable to see it in your 15x70 binos.

[Owmuchonomy]

It's on my hit list for the early hours this Friday.  I fear it may be just a bit too low still but I'll planet view first.

[egris]

Only bad weather at the moment for me, will try again in the morning

[clarkpm4242]

Dec 2nd. Got up to find it was unexpectedly clear!

A much easier target to find now.  About 06:20.

Smudge of tails visible in Canon 15x50s.  Also visible through camera viewfinder.

Was stood just inside open front door as blowing a gale...

Good luck

Paul

[Paul73]

Dec 2nd. Got up to find it was unexpectedly clear!

A much easier target to find now.  About 06:20.

Smudge of tails visible in Canon 15x50s.  Also visible through camera viewfinder.

That sound hopeful.

Good catch.

Pau,

[Pete Presland]

Looking promising for tomorrow morning at the moment so i will give it another go. Great news that you managed to see it Paul!

[kerrylewis]

I've been getting up around 5.30 every morning (not difficult after years of commuting) but cloudy every day. Like Pete I am optimistic for tomorrow morning given the forecast. I love a good comet in the morning! 

[goodricke1]

Was supposed to have been frosty here also tomorrow morn, but now that's changed to more clouds...

[mdstuart]

Ok I am ready for that Catalina comet tommorrow morning.....

My wife will wake me up at 5.30am.

So how many tails does it have?

Mark

PS might look at some galaxies in Virgo whilst I am waiting for it to rise!

[Paul73]

If my wife is awakened by my early comet chasing exist, Interesting Times will ensue..... (Not in a good way).

My weapon of choice for the morning:

Paul

[kerrylewis]

Got it. Quite stellar in the binoculars. A distinctive pair of stars just above it as a useful pointer having checked Starry Night. Managed to also find it in the 100mm refractor despite the Portamount going all loose on me in altitude - had to hold down the scope with one hand while peering through the eyepiece! But with the help of the two stars and the neighbour's TV aerial pole I located it. Compact fuzzy ball with brighter centre - no sign of  tail but the background was brightish with the moon nearby next to Jupiter.

A satisfying morning with a new comet bagged. I look forward to following it and hopefully getting a bigger scope on it next time. 

[Paul73]

Congratulations Kerry.

My efforts were unsuccessful and embarrassing. I did get a nice view of the early morning planets and Moon.

Paul

[mdstuart]

So I woke up with the wife alarm.

Yes it was below two pointer stars in the 25 x 100 binoculars this morning.[emoji3]

After some DRIZZLE grrrrr I finally found it in my 16 inch Dob....almost having to lie on the ground! and battling with a brightening sky...well the blue background was pretty! In the dob it was above a relatively bright star and was a bright ball but no tail ...probably given the blue sky at 6:55!

Anyway nice to catch it but looking forward to a proper look with a dark sky.

Mark