[meteorite-list] The SOHO-500 Comet Contest

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:04:45 2004
Message-ID: <200205031713.KAA29369_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/comet.html

The SOHO-500 Comet Contest

Contest Objective

     Predict the perihelion date and time of SOHO-500.

Rules

  1. The contest is open to anyone, anywhere, except to Doug Biesecker and
     Derek Hammer.

  2. Entries must be e-mailed to Doug Biesecker (
     doug_at_sungrazer.nascom.nasa.gov) no later than the end of the day May
     31st, 2002 EDT (0400 UT, June 1).

     Valid entries must include your name, your e-mail address, and the date
     and time, including year, month, day and time of day in UT. Only one
     entry per person will be accepted.

  3. In the case of the 500th comet being an archive discovery, then the
     discoverer is also not eligible, but the closest guess still wins.

  4. Guesses will not be revealed publicly until the entry period has
     closed. However names of those who have submitted guesses will be
     posted to verify that an entry has been received on your behalf.

     See the web site sungrazer.nascom.nasa.gov/soho500/

     Note: The web site will be updated as often as possible, but due to
     travel engagements, in the next few weeks, there will be delays.

Prize

     Win a DVD or VHS copy of the SOLAR MAX movie (www.solarmovie.com).

     Solar Max is a movie about the Sun. It also shows, very briefly, the
     Twin sungrazers (C/1998 K10 and K11). It is definitely very cool,
     featuring images not only from various satellites, but also of sites of
     international interest, such as Machu Picchu in Peru, Newgrange in
     Ireland, Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Tromso in Norway. It is available
     commercially in a variety of video formats, including DVD and VHS (NTSC
     and PAL). Find out more...

Other Notes & Disclaimers

     Determination of the SOHO comet numbers is entirely at the discretion
     of Douglas Biesecker. He assigns the numbers in order of discovery.
     These numbers are not an official product of any recognized
     astronomical body. However, they are a very convenient way to refer to
     the various comets and to keep track of the total number.

     Definition of an archive discovery: This is also at the discretion of
     Douglas Biesecker. If a comet is reported more than 36 hours after it
     is first visible in the data (and there are no large gaps in the data),
     then the comet will be designated as an archive claim. In cases of
     ambiguity, the 36 hour rule will begin at the time when an average
     observer might be expected to have been able to find the comet.
   * Neither ESA, NASA, or any other institution associated with SOHO is
     involved with the adjudication of claims or providing the prize. The
     contest is designed to increase the public's awareness of SOHO's
     discoveries and demonstrate the ease of accesibility of scientific data
     sets by the general public.

Links & Tips

     Links

        o As of May 2, 2001, the count is up to SOHO-435. Keep track of
          discoveries at sungrazer.nascom.nasa.gov/recent.html.
        o The SOHO Homepage, LASCO Homepage

     Tips: Possible Strategies

       1. Estimate the number of comets per year and extrapolate.
       2. Refine your estimate by looking at the monthly variation in the
          rate of discoveries.
       3. Consider the chance that the discovery will be an archive claim.
       4. Guess.
Received on Fri 03 May 2002 01:13:06 PM PDT