Comet 2011 L4

[Yarmy]

Just been out and had a really good look after studying the path of

it on a constellation map .. and couldn't spot it.

Disappointing.

B.

It set at about 7pm, so I hope you were out before then.

[Beverley Lass]

It set at about 7pm, so I hope you were out before then.

Ahhh, I did notice the photos of the comet were low and at twilight and wondered !

Thank you for the info.

I hope I have another clear sky opportunity.

B.

[Yarmy]

Ahhh, I did notice the photos of the comet were low and at twilight and wondered !

Thank you for the info.

I hope I have another clear sky opportunity.

B.

I use Stellarium so I had a pretty good idea where it would be at what time. It's still tricky though, even with binoculars. Might try Starwalk on the iPad this evening if the skies are kind.

[Pixel]

amazing shot here:

http://spaceweather.com/ with details of lens, Iso and shutter speed

hope to see it soon here soon, last night was a tad cloudy

[Beverley Lass]

I use Stellarium so I had a pretty good idea where it would be at what time. It's still tricky though, even with binoculars. Might try Starwalk on the iPad this evening if the skies are kind.

Hi, I have Stellarium on my laptop, but can't see how to get comets to show ?

I think I've clicked or looked at all the functions ..

B

[jtay]

Hi, I have Stellarium on my laptop, but can't see how to get comets to show ?

I think I've clicked or looked at all the functions ..

B

I've just downloaded it and it looks great.

Our comet appeared when I selected 'planets'. Hope this helps.

[Yarmy]

Hi, I have Stellarium on my laptop, but can't see how to get comets to show ?

I think I've clicked or looked at all the functions ..

B

As jtay says, make sure planet labels are showing, then slew round to the Western Horizon, and it should appear labelled just above the horizon from about 18:26 onwards (fast forward to see it now). It shows for about 45 minutes, getting gradually brighter as the skies darken before setting at about 19:20.

[Boro Snow]

As jtay says, make sure planet labels are showing, then slew round to the Western Horizon, and it should appear labelled just above the horizon from about 18:26 onwards (fast forward to see it now). It shows for about 45 minutes, getting gradually brighter as the skies darken before setting at about 19:20.

how long is it meant to be visible for days/weeks/months and is it meant to get easier to see it

[Yarmy]

how long is it meant to be visible for days/weeks/months and is it meant to get easier to see it

A few weeks. It should get easier as the days go by.

[Beverley Lass]

As jtay says, make sure planet labels are showing, then slew round to the Western Horizon, and it should appear labelled just above the horizon from about 18:26 onwards (fast forward to see it now). It shows for about 45 minutes, getting gradually brighter as the skies darken before setting at about 19:20.

Hi, yes I did that, I can see the Moon in this view .. I looked at W and at 18.45 pm .. No comet. I wonder if I need to put on a more recent version of Stellarium.

Thanks all for the advice. I'll try and sort it. I have loved this application.

B.

[jtay]

Hi, yes I did that, I can see the Moon in this view .. I looked at W and at 18.45 pm .. No comet. I wonder if I need to put on a more recent version of Stellarium.

Thanks all for the advice. I'll try and sort it. I have loved this application.

B.

This youtube vid shows you how to add it to the listings...

[Yarmy]

Ok, had a look around and if you can't see it in Stellarium, try the following:

Configuration > Plugins > Solar System Editor

Make sure Load at Startup is checked. Click configure and it will list comets and asteroids. Comet 2011 L4 should be in the list.

Edit: jtay beat me to it!

Edited March 14, 2013 by Yarmy

[jtay]

Edit: jtay beat me to it!

I cheated.

[Beverley Lass]

Yes ! Done it, thank you very much Yarmy and jtay.

I'm not very computer savvy, so your help is much appreciated !

B.

[picog]

I've got a nearby hill to the west and northwest which means I can't see the horizon, so i think I'll need to wait until the comet gets a bit higher in the sky. Shame because we had perfect sky conditions last night, and a stunning crescent moon.

[jtay]

I can see it.

Edit - I couldn't see it with the naked eye, but a combination of binoculars, stellarium and clear sky meant the tail could clearly be made out.

My camera couldn't pick it up, so you'll have to take my word for it.

Edited March 14, 2013 by jtay

[Polar Maritime]

[Yarmy]

I can see it.

Edit - I couldn't see it with the naked eye, but a combination of binoculars, stellarium and clear sky meant the tail could clearly be made out.

My camera couldn't pick it up, so you'll have to take my word for it.

Cool. Scuppered by clouds here this evening.

[I Cumbria Marra I]

bloody cloud!

[Boro Snow]

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr its cloudy once again