Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich)

Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught), 10 January 2007

Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught) was discovered on 07 August 2006 by astronomer Robert McNaught at Siding Springs, Australia. From the southern hemisphere, in early January 2007 it became visible to the naked eye and, by the middle of the month, briefly rivalled Venus in brightness, putting on a magnificent display.

The view of the comet from the northern hemisphere was less impressive. Images by OASI members Mike Harlow and Nigel Evans, both taken during evening twilight on 10 January 2007, are below.

• Mike Harlow: standard pocket digital camera, approx 140 mm focal length, 1/10 sec exposure at ISO 200. Taken at about 16.45 UT on 10 January 2007 from Newbourne, near Ipswich.
• Nigel Evans: stack of seven 0.3 s exposures at ISO 200. Camera FL 200 mm, f/4.

Mike Harlow, Nigel Evans

Original: email
Updated: 26 March 2023