C/2006 M4 (SWAN) Has Brightened Dramatically

[Dave Mitsky]

According to reports, C/2006 M4 (SWAN) has undergone an outburst and is now in the fourth magnitude range of brightness. Some observers have reported seeing the comet without optical aid from light polluted locales.

Comet SWAN M4 is currently in northern Corona Borealis so be sure to have a look at it this evening if the skies are clear.

http://skyhound.com/sh/comets/2006_M4.gif

Dave Mitsky

[Casus_belli]

I would but some swine has opened a large box of clouds round here. Does any one know a good anti-rain dance?

5 day forecast-Rain rain rain with longer spells of rain

[Dave Mitsky]

Clouds foiled my attempts to observe C/2006 M4 (SWAN) from a nearby park on Wednesday evening and almost did so again last evening at the ASH Naylor Observatory, despite forecasts of clear skies on both nights. However, I was fortunate enough to have an occasional sucker hole open up for a few minutes now and then and was able to catch glimpses of the comet through 8x42 and 15x70 binoculars, a 5" f/5 achromatic refractor, and a 17" f/15 classical Cassegrain working at 162, 202, and 259x.

The coma appeared blue or perhaps aquamarine through the 5" finder scope. It was definitely elongated through the 17" and a hint of the ion tail could be seen. The coma was at least twice as large as M13 and was quite a bit brighter. A distinct pseudonucleus was visible. The comet was positioned within a long isosceles triangle of field stars while I was viewing it.

Dave Mitsky

[njnightsky]

Was clear for me after sunset and took a peek, it's looking good.