[meteorite-list] The Extravagant Tail of Comet McNaught

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:52:34 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <200701191752.JAA24732_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

Space Weather News for Jan. 19, 2006
http://spaceweather.com

Last night at sunset, motorists in South Africa pulled over to
watch what seemed to be a bush fire. As the twilight deepened,
however, they realized it was something else: the extravagant
tail of Comet McNaught. Even experienced astronomers say
they've never seen anything quite like it. McNaught's tail
materializes at sunset in the southern hemisphere and is
visible to the unaided eye as a majestic fan of pale streamers.

The comet itself is visible only from the southern hemisphere,
but its tail sweeps all the way back into northern skies. People
in California, Colorado and Hawaii have seen it peeking above
the western horizon about an hour after sunset. This "northern
tail" is faint but pretty, and resembles a pale aurora borealis.
(Dark skies are absolutely required.)

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and observing tips.
Received on Fri 19 Jan 2007 12:52:34 PM PST