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Comet McNaught C/2006 P1
Comet McNaught is continuing to brighten and promises to become a very bright comet indeed. It is already the brightest comet for over 30 years and easily visible to the unaided eye during twilight.
In the early part of January, Northern Hemisphere observers can view the comet very low in the western sky just after sunset. The comet will get progressively closer to the Sun each day eventually disappearing from view around 13 January. From mid-January onwards sky watchers in the Southern Hemisphere will be able to catch their first views of the comet just after sunset as it emerges from its journey past the Sun.
The following finder charts for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres show the location of Comet McNaught at sunset relative to Venus and the western horizon. Start looking for Comet McNaught immediately after sunset by using brilliant Venus as a guide. You will require a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon. Even though the comet is bright enough to be seen with the unaided eye, a good pair of binoculars or a telescope will reveal much more detail. Clears skies!
Finder Charts:
Notes:
- The twilight sky just after sunset is very bright, much more so than indicated on the finder charts. As a result sky watchers may initially experience difficulty locating the comet. Wait a few minutes, scanning the general area of the comet with binoculars (if available).
- The orientation of the comet tail is correct in the finder charts. However, the length of the comet tail in the finder charts is indicative only.
- WARNING: For several days Comet McNaught will be located near the Sun so please take extreme care when trying to view the comet. Never look at the Sun with binoculars or any other optical instrument. Even a brief glimpse of the Sun through an optical instrument will cause instant permanent and irreversible serious damage to your eyes.
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