Comets For October

No new discoveries ?

Comet C2004Q2 (Mohholze)’s Light curve has remained consistant with the current calculated ephemeris, and according to the available observations the observed size of the comet’s Coma in minutes of arc has increased a total of 4 times on the evenings of September 4th 8th 12th 14th. At present this is 2.5’ arc minutes. This is the latest Ephemeris for October:

Oct 2 RA 04 56.56 Dec -26 26.5 (Elong) 109.8 Mag 9.6
Oct 5 RA 05 00.82 Dec -27 06.7 (Elong) 111.6 Mag 9.3
Oct 12 RA 05 04.55 Dec -27 46.6 (Elong) 113.3 Mag 9.1
Oct 17 RA 05 07.69 Dec -28 25.0 (Elong) 115.1 Mag 8.8
Oct 22 RA 05 10.15 Dec -29 00.6 (Elong) 116.8 Mag 8.6
Oct 17 RA 05 11.85 Dec -29 31.9 (Elong) 118.5 Mag 8.3

Comet C2003 R2 (ASAS)’s light curve is fainter than the calculated ephemeris, while its Coma sized is larger than expected. Observations from observers in Australia and New Zeeland give its magnitude as +8.2 on both Sept 19 and 21st with its Coma being 4.5’ and 3.5’ arc minutes respectively. The comet is now close to the Sun and passing through the SOHO Lasco C3 field. Since the comet has an absolute magnitude of only 10-11 it has now been reported that it may dissolve before perihelion passage. From mid-Europe it was a difficult morning object for a few days after discovery. It rapidly disappeared in the dawn and may reappear above the evening horizon in mid-October this is the latest Ephemeris:

Oct 2 RA 11 41.74 Dec ?14 18.8 (Elong) 16.6 Mag 6.1
Oct 7 RA 12 38.86 Dec -06 53.4 (Elong) 03.4 Mag 2.6
Oct 12 RA 13 47.73 Dec +00 46.3 (Elong) 12.5 Mag 5.1
Oct 17 RA 14 46.81 Dec +03 41.9 (Elong) 23.4 Mag 7.4
Oct 22 RA 15 44.74 Dec +05 02.2 (Elong) 33.4 Mag 8.7
Oct 27 RA 16 40.46 Dec +05 27.6 (Elong) 42.4 Mag 9.7

C/2004 Q1 (Tucker) is presently moving up through the constellation of Ares into Andromeda. According to resent observations this comet is a whole magnitude brighter than that predicted by the latest ephemeris, and has a Coma size averaging 1.4' arc minutes. Comet observer Piotr Guzik in Poland observing with a 20.3cm telescope and magnification of 63X said that he found comet Tucker "which was easily visible." Latest ephemeris:

Oct 2 RA 02 07.20 Dec +17 40.2 (Elong) 153.0 Mag 13.4
Oct 7 RA 01 56.70 Dec +20 12.2 (Elong) 158.4 Mag 13.3
Oct 12 RA 01 44.79 Dec +22 46.1 (Elong) 162.5 Mag 13.2
Oct 17 RA 01 31.65 Dec +25 17.8 (Elong) 164.0 Mag 13.1
Oct 22 RA 01 17.59 Dec +27 43.2 (Elong) 161.9 Mag 13.1
Oct 27 RA 01 03.03 Dec +29 58.4 (Elong) 157.4 Mag 13.0

SUPERNOVA

No New discoveries

2004et The Nova's observed magnitudes over the last 3 nights are: Sept 29th 12.7 and 12.3,and Magnitude 12.6 on Sept 30th. Do take a look at Dave Mitsky's post, "A Bright Supernova on a Friday Night, 2004/10/2 UT." Nice photo' and info Dave... Excellent.

2004ep The Nova's magnitude is fluctuating around an average of +15.3 at present.

I will update this topic as I receive new information, if you are able to observe or photograph any of Deep sky objects please post your observations here for the benefits of visitors. Many thanks all

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Richard Pearson
Science Correspondent
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