Observing Comets
Many comets are actually discovered by amateur astronomers. To look for comets, here are things to keep in mind:
- Go to a place where there are few lights.
- Learn what a comet looks like (observe as many comets as you can) and what a comet does not look like (observe other deep sky objects because they also appear as small fuzzy objects).
- Use binoculars or a telescope (low magnification, 20-40x).
- Look toward the east about 30 minutes before sunrise or to the west about 20 minutes after sunset because comets are often spotted by their tails.
- Sweep the sky slowly near the horizon.
Comets will appear as small, fuzzy objects. This type of observing takes discipline, long hours and patience. On average, comet hunters spend several hundred hours of observing time to find a new comet. However, comets are named after their discoverers, so many people think it is worth the effort. For a discussion of comet hunting, consult The Sky: a User's Guide by David H. Levy, who has discovered several comets including comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 that hit Jupiter.
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Comet FAQ
What is the most famous comet in history?
What are the five parts of a comet?
Which is the biggest comet?
What does a comet do?
How many comets are there?
Originally Published: Oct 31, 2000
More Great Links
- Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9: Collision with Jupiter
- Comet Hale-Bopp Home Page
- Comets and Meteor Showers
- NASA's Stardust Mission to Comet Wild Home Page
- Educator's Guide to the Stardust Mission
- Giotto Mission to Halley's Comet
- NOVA: Comets 101
- Small Comets
- StarChild Learning Center for Young Astronomers: Comets
- Comet Introduction
- The Comet Watch Program
- American Scientist: Perturbing the Oort Cloud