Knowing the forecast for tomorrow, finger crossing will not come to my rescue. So any one knows when is the next comet visiting us? Hopefully one soon in near future and I am not even thinking of something like Halley.

According to the British Astronomical Association 2007 will be a poor year for returning comets. The brightest is likely to be comet 8P/Tuttle which should be visible right at the end of the year and could be a binocular or even naked eye object. Quite often the best comets are those that have only made one visit and so future ones are yet to be discovered. (e.g. Hale-Bopp and McNaught) I have recently joined the BAA and will receive notice of new discoveries and should any arise can post the details here. Comets are highly unpredictable and can be very disappointing. There are some returning comets that should be visible in a telescope but to see them either requires a goto scope or someone who knows the sky well.

I hope that helps.

Dave

Dave; Helped very much and thank you so kindly for your comprehensive info.

Well I had a great view of it yesterday evening :) . No decent pics though, even with my digiscoping gear - it was just too windy.

I thought I was going to get it today. The clouds cleared mid-afternoon, I was out with equipment but it clouded over again later on!

Many thanks for bringing this comet to our attention, though, Sharon - I had great views of it on Wednesday evening on my way home from work. Unfortunately,I hadn't thought it through enough to take my camera with me on that day otherwise I might have had a 'prize-winner' of a shot! I pulled off the road to see it and it was at just the right time with the comet looking as if it was plunging to earth with the tail illuminated for quite a length by the just-set sun.

I've seen a few comets over the years and most have been, quite frankly, rather disappointing spectacles but this one was a real show-stopper. It's a pity that, with all the bad weather we've had recently, there have been few breaks in the clouds at the right time for more people to enjoy the sight.

From my original link:

'Late next week, the comet will emerge from the sun's glare in good position for evening viewing from the southern hemisphere.'

So, I hope you chaps in the southern hemisphere enjoy better viewing conditions than we had!

Comet McNaught has entered the field of view of the SOHO coronograph, and it's bright:

http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/c3/512/

(Hit refresh to get the up to date image)

Dave

Just received this circular from spaceweather.com which should be of interest.

"Space Weather News for Jan. 13, 2007
http://spaceweather.com

Observers around the world are reporting that Comet McNaught is now visible in broad daylight. The comet is very close to the sun, so it is tricky to find. If you want to try, here's how to do it: Go outside and stand in the shadow of a building so that the glare of the sun is blocked out. Make a fist and hold it at arm's length. The comet is about one fist-width east of the sun.

This weekend is a special time for Comet McNaught because it is making its closest approach to the sun. Solar heat causes the comet to vaporize furiously and brighten to daytime visibility. McNaught is now the brightest comet in more than 40 years, and it may become the brightest in centuries.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and updates."

Dave

With your good wishes, got it finally.
Link
Thanks very much for this wonderful and informative posting.

Thinking of space, did anyone photograph Jupiter last night?