A new comet is rapidly brightening in the morning sky as it sweeps through the solar system and approaches the Sun.
Comet McNaught, imaged by Michael Jager
Comet McNaught (C/2009 R1) can be seen as a barely-visible (5th or 6th magnitude) object in the constallation of Perseus low in the northeast just before dawn, and over the next few weeks it is expected to brighten considerably (up to around 2nd mag), although as it is a new comet this isn’t entirely certain.
If you want to spot the comet then pre-dawn observing is required. These handy location charts are available at Heavens Above:
Comet McNaught location chart (coarse)
Comet McNaught location chart(fine)
The BAA website has a new Comet McNaught gallery, including this image by Martin Mobberley taken four days ago, on 05 June :
Comet McNaught, imaged by Martin Mobberley
For more information on comets visit the BAA Comet Section
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@britastro
[...] click here (provided by Heavens Above) and information on its likely evolution is here. The BAA has some information here and Cumbrian Sky also has a finder’s chart here. Over the course of the month, it is expected [...]