|
What's New Choosing A Telescope Telescope Aperture Considerations Astronomical Sketches Introduction to Planetary Sketching Visual Observations Refractor Dobsonian Style Mounts Equipment Reviews Favorite Quotes The Bonds: Pioneers of American Astronomy Saturn's Encke Minima and Encke Division Nature and Travel Photography Astrophotography Astronomy Humor Glossary Recommended Astronomy Books Links Home |
Comet Halley, April 3, 1986Original drawing made using white pencil on black paper: Same drawing on a white background:
Comet Halley, April 3, 1986, 7:45 - 8:15 UT, seeing 6 (0 worst, 10 best), transparency 5.5. Field of view: 1.43 degrees. Astro-Physics 4" f/6 refractor on Super Polaris mount. Magnification 35x - 81x. Coma seemed larger this morning, very diffuse, with the pseudo-nucleus appearing slightly brighter. Noted faint dust tail, but comet no longer appeared to have a gas tail that was visible when I observed Comet Halley on March 22, 1986. I found out later that the gas tail had disconnected, which made the comet much less impressive during its closest approach to earth in late April. |