C/2002 O6, 2002/8/8

I set my alarm for 4:15 a.m. EDT (8:15 UT) last Thursday morning in order to have a peak at the new morning comet, C/2002 O6. I resorted to the most languid of observing methods, I merely stuck my Celestron 20x80 binocular out of my southern facing bedroom window. Orion was rising in the eastern sky. The comet was just to the west of the head
of Orion and was quite prominent. However, it was also extremely large and diffuse, a huge fuzzball. I spent a few minutes on O6 and the Sword of Orion and then retired to bed. In a few hours I would have to start preparing for my annual pilgrimage to Stellafane.

Dave Mitsky

Dave,

I too hit the back deck at 4 am CDT. The comet finally cleared the new house begind me around 5am. Not very impressive, but not great conditions. At 12 degrees altitude a lot of haze. Could not find it in my 8x40's. Seemed to have a fairly bright core in my 8" SCT w/18mm Radian. Too late t go back to bed...off to get the paper and breakfast.

Also took another look at Hoenig. Even less impressive than the other night.

Pete ( North of Dallas)