I observed Comet ISON this morning and it is indeed brighter after it's outburst a few days ago. It is still rather faint, maybe magnitude 6 or 7, but can be seen in binoculars now. Still a ways to go before naked eye visibility but its nice to see this comet finally producing. Viewing conditions were tight as a nearly full moon was illuminating the western sky, but steadily setting, and I was racing against the impending dawn. There was about a half hour sweet spot where the moon was low enough to not be a factor but before twilight really got started. I was able to snap a picture and shoot some video with the StarSplitter. Enjoy!
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There are reports that Comet ISON underwent an outburst yesterday, dramatically increasing in brightness. When I observed it on the 13th it was difficult to see even through a telescope. Reports are now that it is an easy binocular target. I tried to observe it this morning but the weather was cloudy. I will try again tomorrow.
I spotted Comet ISON for the first time this morning! It is still very faint. I was using an 8-inch Newtonian telescope and could barely spot it through the eyepiece. I had to use averted vision and even then I only spotted it because it was slightly fuzzier than the surrounding stars. I took the image below with an astronomical CCD camera and a 60 second exposure. Now it looks like a comet. You can also see a faint tail extending upwards from the comet.
We are only about a week away from the close approach of Comet ISON with the planet Mars. I was out in the backyard this morning around 4AM trying to spot the comet. Unfortunately it is still very faint (around magnitude 12) and the waning moon is still very bright and interferes with observing. I'll keep watching and hopefully will be able to record Comet ISON with the StarSplitter video system.
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I have been excited about space since I was young, and have been involved in astronomy for over 20 years. I have built 4 of my own telescopes and continue to design and experiment with new instruments and accessories. Archives
October 2016
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