Heads up - Catalina conjunction with Arcturus

[Stu]

Looks like clear skies for the morning of New Year's Day, and Comet C/2013 US10 Catalina will be approaching 0.5 degrees from Arcturus as dawn breaks. I shall do my utmost to get out of bed and have a look!!

[pyrasanth]

Same here- if the sky is clear I will attempt an LRGB capture with the RASA. The weather is looking a bit touch & go at present its a shame the altitude is not a bit higher but that will get better mid month when the comet becomes circumpolar around the Big Dipper. I've got a 3 degree field to play with so the results might be interesting if the weather plays ball.

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

What a great way to start a new observing year!

[Wyvern]

Yep, looks promising according to "Clear outside" for Mid Wales. So it's an early start to 2016 then !!!   Gotta make the most of these clear intervals before the next storm hurtles in.

Clear skies to all,

Les

[bish]

I would like to have a look but tonight may be a late one so might not get up. Set the alarm for 6am

[Drop Of Sun]

Good luck, Stu! I think I will be flaked out by then. As it's New Year's Eve I am planning to stay up for the moon after the DSO stuff and might try imaging it with my 16 inch dob for a bit of fun!

[Beulah]

I might be too drunk to get out there...saying goodbye to an annus horribilis in style...   

[scarp15]

I would like to have a look but tonight may be a late one so might not get up. Set the alarm for 6am

Similar predicament, gonna have to give it a go however, stumble a short walk to my obs spot. Good luck to all those tackling it, promise of rare clear and cold skies. 

[Stub Mandrel]

Will have a go.

Any suggestions for focal length and exposure?

What is the best tracking speed? Will sidereal be OK and if so what length exposures?

I was thinking of using a 135mm lens as most pics I have seen cut off the ends of its tails.

[brantuk]

Thanks for the heads up Stu. I'll make the effort to get out there in the morning with my bins.

[Paul73]

At least I will be able to find it this time!

Looking forward to my first view of Catalina.

Paul