Comets are wonderfully unpredictable objects. This is what makes them so much fun to observe. You never quite know what you are going to see when you go out to observe them which is why it is important to keep them under observation as frequently as possible. This guide is intended for beginners and old-hands alike and so the material ranges from reasonably basic to quite complex. 

This is an updated and expanded version of the Observing Guide. Much of the original text was provided by Jonathan Shanklin and I have updated and amended this along with adding sections on imaging and other aspects. I would also like to thank Denis Buczynski, Peter Carson Richard Miles and Roger Dymock who have made significant contributions. I plan to update the text regularly from now on so please contact me at the address given on the contacts page if you spot any errors or think that any particular aspects are missing. I hope that this Guide will provide new and old observers with a comprehensive overview of these special objects along with details on how best to observe them whether you are a visual observer or an imager using your own or remote equipment.

The BAA Comet Section has been supporting comet observers since 1891. If you are not a BAA member I do hope that you will consider joining the Association. You can get details from the BAA website or by emailing me directly. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to take part in Section discussions relating to comets.

Comet Observing Guide 2020 November (rev 6).pdf