General Chat

Looking south there is a very bright 'something' I am sure it is not a star. Are there any planets visible? Don't think it is the Space Station as it isn't moving.

There is a COMET "ISON"visible by the naked eye which will get brighter to the end of the year - it may even be visible in daylight!

http://earthsky.org/space/big-sun-diving-comet-ison-might-be-spectacular-in-2013

Thank you, reading that it seems about right.

Its the comet Ison,,,now a beautiful full moon almost pink in colour,,,after midnight you may glimpse shooting stars but with the brightness of the moon only some strong ones will be seen,,,,,,,,a wonderful night clear night for a night watch.

Oh Ann do try and see the night sky without any 'light pollution' it really is the most beautiful sight with so so many stars visible. These cruise liners that sail around lit up like a Christmas tree do so deprive their guests of the stunning night sky

Comet Ison is not yet very bright - magnitude 5 which is slightly brighter than the faintest naked eye stars.

The bright object is probably Venus - magnitude -4.

at this time..........


Jupiter is on the NE horizon at present.......at -2.3 brightness
the moon is not far away.....
in the UK Venus would have set........

The space station is only visible in the UK between 0300 and 0600 for the next few days

http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=25544

Using the heavens above site, from the home page you can set your position and get the current positions of the stars and planets in your sky view by clicking on sky chart.

You can alter the time and date for the chart, to find the positions that applied when you made your observations.

Thank you all

Hi Ann, at 4:30- ish it will be Venus in the SSW sky .............low down weather permitting, of course!! ;-)

Comet Ison will be at its closest to the Sun on 28th. It should be visible just before dawn. So far it has not been as bright as expected but that may change after it passes through the edge of the corona.