The Next Naked Eye Comet: What to Expect & When

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the visibility of upcoming comets for naked-eye observation, with participants expressing interest in planning events around these celestial occurrences. The conversation touches on historical comets like Hale-Bopp and McNaught, as well as the chemical composition of comets and personal experiences with comet observation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the next naked-eye comet, expressing a desire to plan an event around it.
  • Another participant notes that Hale-Bopp was exceptionally bright and suggests that comparable comets are unlikely to appear soon.
  • Some participants mention McNaught as another notably bright comet, indicating that bright comets have been relatively frequent in recent history.
  • There is a question about the visibility of dimmer comets, with one participant expressing hope for such an occurrence.
  • A participant shares a link to an article about observing comets.
  • There are inquiries about the chemical composition of comets that results in their green color, with a response mentioning cyanogen and diatomic carbon gases.
  • Participants share personal anecdotes about viewing comets, including challenges with binoculars and the enjoyment of stargazing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that bright comets like Hale-Bopp and McNaught have been significant in recent history, but there is no consensus on when the next comparable naked-eye comet will appear. Some express hope for dimmer comets, while others remain skeptical about their visibility.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific comets and their visibility, but there are no detailed predictions or established timelines for future comets. The discussion includes personal experiences and subjective views on comet observation.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur stargazers, and individuals interested in celestial events may find this discussion relevant.

Stratosphere
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When will the next comet apear for Earth viewers. I know that there is almost always a comet or two visable through a large telescope but when is the next one visable with the naked eye(I want to plan somthing import on that night.) . I wish i was around for comet Hale-Bopp but i was to young.
 
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Well, Hale-Bopp was one of the brightest comets seen for many decades. Astronomers do not expect any comparable comet to show up anytime soon. Hale-Bopp was discovered almost two years before it passed perihelion so when you think about it, the chances are quite slim(almost none). At least for the near future... :(
 
McNaught was also ridiculously bright, so owing to the laws of probability, we've had our fair share of bright comets already. :mad:
 
That sucks. Is there anything that might be visable but dim?
 
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/35992534.html

Here you go.
 
What chemical composition does it consist of that gives it the green color?
 
vincentm said:
What chemical composition does it consist of that gives it the green color?

its mainly cyanogen and some diatomic carbon gases
 
Here's a wonderful photo of it by Greg Parker and Noel Carboni. Their fantastic astronomy picture-book "Star Vistas" is now shipping. Greg does the imaging in England, emails the images to Noel in Florida, who does the image processing. Notice the quartet of galaxies visible through the comet. NGC 3020, NGC 3024, NGC 3019, NGC 3016 in Leo.http://forum.ourdarkskies.com/gallery_images/1233864399/gallery_131_7_140417.jpg
 
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I don't know if I would be able to find comet Lulin, my binoculars are too strong.(20x80)
 
  • #10
Stratosphere said:
I don't know if I would be able to find comet Lulin, my binoculars are too strong.(20x80)

You can definitely do it. I have found it through my Newton without using a finderscope. I think your binocs are well suited for this kind of observation. You may want to use a tripod for this though...
 
  • #11
alseth said:
You can definitely do it. I have found it through my Newton without using a finderscope. I think your binocs are well suited for this kind of observation. You may want to use a tripod for this though...

Definitely on the tripod. I picked it up a few days ago with my 15x70s and it was tough to see any kind of detail without the tripod.
 
  • #12
hale bopp, i remember viewing a comet in grade 3 it must have been hale, that was about 12 years ago, 1996-97 i think.

Wouldnt mind taking a girl up to a hill to watch a comet, the night sky out of city limits is fascinating enough but with a comet streakin through it ohh baby haha.
 
  • #13
blimkie.k said:
Wouldnt mind taking a girl up to a hill to watch a comet, the night sky out of city limits is fascinating enough but with a comet streakin through it ohh baby haha.
My idea exactly, i was only 3 or 4 when Hale-Bopp was around. I've always had an interest in science but it faed away around 9 and came back abought 5 months ago twice as strong.
 

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