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I will not be hosting public comet viewings at this time, but I am happy to answer your questions on Twitter. Send me & @westseattleblog photos and I can help you figure out where to look. I'll need your approximate location, time, and at least one star in the photo.
This will be a test of my ability to remote-problem-solve for stargazing. :)
Bring binoculars for **after** sunset.
I highly recommend a stargazing app on your phone like Stellarium or Sky Safari. At minimum a maps app or good compass so you know which direction you're facing.
Bring binoculars for **after** sunset.
I highly recommend a stargazing app on your phone like Stellarium or Sky Safari. At minimum a maps app or good compass so you know which direction you're facing.
Safety:
1. Do not use binoculars while the Sun is in the sky or just before sunrise.
2. Wear a mask.
3. Stay 6 or more feet away from people who don't live with you.
(Note on 2 and 3: we don't know enough for certain about coronavirus yet, so respect the health of others).
...
1. Do not use binoculars while the Sun is in the sky or just before sunrise.
2. Wear a mask.
3. Stay 6 or more feet away from people who don't live with you.
(Note on 2 and 3: we don't know enough for certain about coronavirus yet, so respect the health of others).
...
...
4. Be aware of your surroundings & if you will make other people nervous as you're standing in the dark. Say hello! Point out the comet!
5. If you see someone at night standing in the dark, don't call the police. Say hello first. If they need help, try calling 211.
4. Be aware of your surroundings & if you will make other people nervous as you're standing in the dark. Say hello! Point out the comet!
5. If you see someone at night standing in the dark, don't call the police. Say hello first. If they need help, try calling 211.
#Neowise (C/2020 F3 NEOWISE) is still flirting with 2nd magnitude (brightness), so if you can see the number of stars in the "Magnitude 2” chart here http://alicesastroinfo.com/2020/07/comet-neowise-c-2020-f3-from-west-seattle/ , then it should be visible, if it hasn't set.
@westseattleblog
(mag ref: https://cobs.si/recent )
@westseattleblog
(mag ref: https://cobs.si/recent )
n.b. "NEOWISE" may either not be listed in your stargazing app, or may be a *different* NEOWISE. Check the published maps from Sky & Tell, @kevinfreitas or myself, and use the app to find the constellations on the map.
@westseattleblog
@westseattleblog
For tonight "HIP 37023” is the name of a star in the right place, @westseattleblog @kevinfreitas
It is 35 minutes after official sunset, Seattle, and I still see no stars. FYI for magnitude & timing calculations.
50 min after sunset, and my eyes are pretending to see stars occasionally.
I can now see the handle of the big dipper
I can see the whole Big Dipper, but nothing closer to the horizon 1 hr 5 min after official sunset
I might see Mirphak
Denebola 10:18pm
We've got it. "Above the humming bird" cloud. High up. Tail up and to the right.
10:21 pm
Easily visible as of 11:19pm, far enough above haze & horizon. I'm home to decontaminate and get the kids *some* sleep tonight. Processing images, expect pics from me and Jason in a bit.
@westseattleblog
@WestSeaWx @kevinfreitas @SouthSeattleCC
@westseattleblog
@WestSeaWx @kevinfreitas @SouthSeattleCC
The reason for all the time stamps on this thread is to show me to create a decent prediction of what time it will become visible tomorrow and next week, based on predicted magnitudes and the known magnitudes of visible stars.
@westseattleblog
@westseattleblog
If anyone stays out until you lose it in the haze _from West Seattle_, I'd love to know what time you lose it. @kevinfreitas @westseattleblog @SouthSeattleCC @SeattleAstro @SeattleAstroSoc
