Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)

Hello again, everyone.
It seems 2 professional astronomers first observed Comet ZTF. 
They observed the comet last March 2022. 
Their names are: Bryce Bolin and Frank Masci. 
They both work in the Zwicky Transient Facility. 
It's strange neither have their names on this comet. 

Best regards from Aubrey. 

 

Great thread gents...love your picture Finbarr!

I tried to observe the comet last Tuesday with a set of 10 X 50s, but no joy....I'll give it another go over the weekend as there are to be some clear spells.

I see on the 2023 Celestial Calendar that members of the Irish Astronomical Society receive that Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be passing near the 1st magnitude star Capella (Alpha Aurigae) on Sunday night (5th February). 

Of course reflectors will have a better time than refractors locating the pair, because both objects are at the zenith. 

I wonder what the weather forecast is. 

On another issue, I firmly believe that one needs to print off a map to have any hope of finding the comet.  

Clear skies from Aubrey. 

On another issue, I firmly believe that one needs to print off a map to have any hope of finding the comet.  

That's disappointing to hear Aubrey, as I think it gives another idea of the difference between urban and rural skies, and what you have to put up with there in terms of light pollution. The comet was effortless from here through 20 x 80 binoculars last Friday.

Clear skies,
Finbarr.

That's right, Finbarr. 
At the moment our Bortle level is 8 in Dublin. 
And I'm sure the city centre is Bortle 9. 

Do you know what your Bortle is, Finbarr?

Best regards, Aubrey. 

I would say Bortle 3 Aubrey, although tending towards 4 as the light from Limerick city encroaches ever more into the northern sky. Towns like Charleville, Kilmallock and Mitchelstown are also having an impact. Gigantic security lights seem to be a feature of every new house that goes up. I mean to get down to Kerry during the summer and see what the difference is.

Finbarr.