The green comet is just a weak smudge now

In summary, the comet was first observed a few weeks ago and was long and bright, but now it is barely visible with a 12X, 60mm binocular. According to 9-news, NASA says the comet will be visible in the Southern Hemisphere in early February and will be closest to Earth on February 2 before heading back into space. Its tail always points away from the sun, so its visibility on Earth may vary. Although it will not be around for long, its position in relation to Earth and the Sun has changed since it was first observed two weeks ago. Despite the hype, the comet was only a faint smudge due to the light from streetlights and the cold temperature.
  • #1
swampwiz
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I think I has observed it a few weeks ago (maybe it was something else), and it was long & bright, but now it's barely visible . (I'm using a 12X, 60mm binocular.)
 
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  • #2
According to 9-news, NASA say the comet should be able to be seen in the Southern Hemisphere during early February. It will be closest to Earth on February 2, before heading back out into space.
 
  • #3
Whew. You had me worried for a minute there. Thought you were talking about this guy
1674857723047.png
 
  • #4
swampwiz said:
I think I has observed it a few weeks ago (maybe it was something else), and it was long & bright, but now it's barely visible . (I'm using a 12X, 60mm binocular.)
Its tail always points away from the sun, so it might be more visible on Earth at some parts of its orbit than at others. It will not be around for long, so the geometry of it, versus Earth, versus the Sun has changed a lot since two weeks ago.
 
  • #5
ust saw the much (over)hyped comet using large binoculars. Lots of light from streetlights, so just a faint smudge. Temperature was -26C (-15F). Still enjoyed, despite the faintness and cold. Used 10x50s to locate it, then 15x70s.
 

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