Jonathan Shanklin ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).  The Director uses the Web page and e-circulars to communicate information to Members.

The Section covers all aspects of observation that relate to comets.

Observing comets can be tricky, particularly making visual magnitude estimates, but practice and perseverance will pay off. CCD and DSLR observations offer objective views of comets. Your observations can make a contribution to the scientific study of comets and the Section welcomes all types of observations. Beginners can contribute too, perhaps by simply observing that a comet is visible. If you can submit observations by email this is preferred. 'Armchair' observers are also welcome to join the Section and may be able to contribute through research on historical documents or data in libraries and on the Internet.

'Observing Guide to Comets' gives details of observing methods ranging from those for beginners to those for advanced amateurs and is full of hints and tips, price £3.50 from the BAA Office.

The Section produces a yearly newsletter 'The Comet's Tale' which can be freely downloaded from the Section webpage.

Previews of comets for the coming year appear in the December BAA Journal and ephemerides of the brighter comets appear in the Handbook. Regular reports giving full analyses of all the comets that are discovered or which return each year are published periodically in the Journal.

The next Comet Section meeting will take place in Northampton on Saturday, May 18th, 2013. Details are here.

Observations

Please e-mail visual observations and photometry in ICQ format to the Director. CCD images should be sent by e-mail to the Secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  .

To Join

If you would like to join the Section please contact the Secretary to be added to the mailing list. You will be made very welcome. And, who knows, you might discover the next comet!