Watch the night skies for comet Ikeya-Zhang
(article dated March 13, 2002)

Comet Ikeya-Zhang taken by John Vetterlein on March 21, 2002

Skywatchers in Orkney over the next nights should be able to catch a glimpse of the newly-discovered comet 2002 C1 (Ikeya-Zhang).

According to Rousay-based astronomer John Vetterlein, the comet, which was first discovered on February 1, is climbing rapidly in the evening sky, more or less keeping pace with the increase in twighlight. (Altitude at the end of Astronomical twilight 9 arc degrees).

Most years, several comets typically come within range of good binoculars or small telescopes. But a comet bright enough to be readily visible to the unaided eye usually comes only once or twice per decade.

Ikeya-Zhang will continue to approach Earth until April 28, reaching its maximum brightness around March 21.

On Wednesday, March 13, it will be best seen using binoculars (10x40 or 10x50 recommended) about half-way between Mars and Venus - due west (see diagram).

The path of Comet Ikeya-Zhang - click the image for an enlargement.

"The appearance is of a small condensation, like a third magnitude star out-of-focus, with a short, three-degree, pencil-like tail." said Mr Vetterlein.

The moon appears on the scene from March 16 making it more difficult to observe the comet, but from now until then, providing the sky remains clear, observers should be able to view the comet with the naked eye.

See also: John Vetterlein's latest photographs of the Aurora Borealis