JAN 27TH C/2022/ E3 (ZTF)

[paulastro]

Already had several telescopic views of the comet, but last evenings binocular view was probably the most enjoyable and briefest.

I went out just before 9pm with my Nikon 10x50s.  Still cloudy but it was thinner cloud in places. I almost immediately swept up Kochab, easily recognised by its beautiful orange colour. Moved the binocs just over a field width to the right and wow, there it was looking bright with a bright tail stretching away from the coma at a 45 degree angle.

I wasn't expecting it to be so bright in the conditions, though no close stars visible to do a mag estimate. Some cloud almost immediately came across the comet, and the comets was still visible looking very ghostly. One more view glimpse in the open and it was gone as the cloud closed in.

Brief, but so very magical.

Edited January 28, 2023 by paulastro

[Nicola Fletcher]

I was out at the same time as you looking at the comet through my Olympus 10 x 50s. I still can’t believe how easy it was to find and how enjoyable it was to observe. The clouds were also threatening but I ran in after about 15 minutes and got my 3” Tak. The clouds were really closing in but I got a glimpse through the telescope - I have to say it was nicer through the binoculars though.

Still waiting for the clouds to clear but the binoculars will go everywhere with me for the next few nights just in case there’s a break in the clouds!

Magical is a great way to describe it.