FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Comet C/2002 Q4 (NEAT) Observation and Images

["Rotramel, Rick (AZ77)" <rick.rotramel@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom, 

I wouldn't be so disappointed with your camera, the images captured are
quite impressive!

I viewed the comet from the Phoenix Glare near I-17 & Greenway in the
backyard last night (May 5th). First spotted with 7x35 binos and later with
the Parks 11x80's. Saw no tail (I looked very hard) and estimated a round
coma of about 6' (about a tenth of a degree). Could not see it naked eye. 

Rick R.
SAC

From: Tom Polakis [mailto:tpolakis@xxxxxxx]
 
http://www.pbase.com/polakis/comets20040505

The first image is exactly what I had in mind for composition on the drive
out to the site, but the digital camera's low-light color response
continues to be disappointing. 

Through the 70mm Pronto at 24x, the comet showed a tail about 2 degrees
long.  It had a very concentrated core in a coma that's nearly a half
degree in diameter.  It was a pretty easy naked eye sight, with a large
enough coma to appear like a brighter version of M13.  The comet fit in
very nicely with the pattern of the stars of Canis Major as they set over
the Estrellas.  We also took a look through 10x30mm binoculars, which
showed the tail, but not to as great of an extent as the refractor.

Tom

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