Watching Comet 2017 S3

[kdrake]

This comet has brightened at least 2 magnitudes brighter than the predictions available. You might want to try for it in the early morning just prior to nautical twilight (5:40ish) when it is at its highest elevation (see finder chart). Unfortunately for earth dwellers, it is dropping into the solar glare quickly. By the time it reaches perihelion on 15 Aug, it will be in conjunction with the sun and in southern skies. Currently, it is moving through Auriga into Gemini and after about August 4th will see it to low to observe well. It may be visible again in the evening skies in early October but much fainter. The plotted chart times are for 5:40am. Also see the ephemeris.

Kenneth (drako) Drake [email protected]

[rene-gedaly]

Whoa, thanks for the assist, Ken. Will report tomorrow.

[rene-gedaly]

Excellent view to the east from the coast. Clouds obscure mag 4 and dimmer; Capella burns through and Aldebaran to the south. Could have started viewing earlier than 4:45 a.m. at my location. Will try tomorrow.

[rene-gedaly]

Should have been able to see it but didn't. Clear skies on coast this morning. Working with binoculars as a finder and a 5 inch reflector on a Vixen tripod with a well-aligned Rigel quickfinder. Occasionally breezy. Even so, could not make out any obvious color or comet. Used The Sky Live as I just installed MegaStar and don't know how to use it yet. https://theskylive.com/c2017s3-tracker