Discovered December 10, 2010, Comet Elenin (also known as C/2010 X1 (Elenin) by Astronomers) showed up as a very faint “speck” of fuzzy haze detected on a CCD image acquired by Leonid Elenin of Moscow, by utilizing a remotely controlled telescope at the ISON-NM Observatory (H15).
In astrometrical terms, the comet was around magnitude 19 when it made its appearance through the 18 inch reflecting telescope. During the month of September 2011, the comet should become bright enough to be an easy target for backyard astronomers in North America.
What are Comets?
Comets are basically defined as “dirty snowballs” in space. They are primarily composed of water-ice, minerals, dirt, and rocks – basically most of the elements found here on Earth. Some comets are known as periodic comets (those that have short orbital periods of no longer than 200 years) while others are known as long-term comets which could contain orbital periods of thousands of years.
Comets are most commonly identified by their tail or a fuzzy haze surrounding their core. The tail and haze are normally formed when the comet becomes near the vicinity of the Sun – but most often within the orbit of Jupiter. Heat, solar radiation, and solar wind cause the surface of the comet to heat, therefore causing the surface materials to form the hazy appearance.
The tail is the most noticeable component of the comet. Streaking across the sky, the tail appears to “blow off” the comet as it travels through space. But, there is no air or wind in space for the comet debris to blow off. So what causes the tail to seem to blow away? It’s simple, the wind from the Sun. The solar wind from the Sun, in a way, “blows” the evaporating surface off the comet, which causes the tail to form and stretch across the sky. The larger the comet and the closer it is to the Sun, the larger the tail will be.
Observing Comets from the Back Yard
Comet Elenin is expected to brighten to a *magnitude of around 3 during the month of September 2011. At this brightness, the comet should be an easy target for naked eye observers. But using binoculars or a small telescope should produce a nice view of the comet.
Larger telescopes should produce a spectacular view of the comet – so check around with your local Astronomy Clubs or observatories to see if they have scheduled any viewing during this time. Comets are unpredictable. But with any luck, Comet Elenin will produce a nice tail making it a celestial object well worth observing.
To observe this comet, first refer to a star chart (unless a go-to telescope is available), determine the location of the comet by referencing on-line data, and compare the on-line data to the star chart. The comet should be somewhere within the vicinity of the constellation Leo during the middle of September. If the comet becomes well within reach of the naked eye, it should be fairly easy to find with binoculars or a small telescope.
Photographing Brighter Comets
Since Comet Elenin should become a fairly bright comet, it should also be within reach of photographing with minimum equipment. Any cameras capable of taking longer exposures, and some form of telephoto lens should be able to detect the comet. While some form of tracking mount is recommended to “track” the comet while photographing, a comet of this brightness should show up as a “fuzzy haze” in fairly short exposures.
This comet will likely become a prime target for astrophotographers. Some astrophotographers spend thousands of dollars on their equipment and produce spectacular images of celestial objects. But unless you plan to become a dedicated astrophotographer, do the best you can with the photographic equipment you already own. This hobby can get really expensive.
As Always – Get Children Involved
If you plan to monitor Comet Elenin as it makes its way across our solar system, get children involved. Astronomy is real science and is often a fun, learning experience for children. Time spent outside observing the night sky is wonderful for children of all ages.
Also remember, when you are observing the skies, remind children to watch for meteors. If the skies are clear, they should be able to see several of these per hour. It’s so exciting for them when they observe their first meteor. If the Moon is visible and you have binoculars or a telescope, children always enjoy seeing the craters. Even a pair of binoculars will show craters on the Moon. They will remember this time for the rest of their lives.
A Children’s Introduction to Space and Visual Backyard Astronomy
Teaching Children to Observe the Moon with a Small Telescope
A Childs Introduction to Meteors and Falling Stars
*Magnitude – In Astronomy, it’s a measurement of brightness or dimness of a celestial object. Each number represents 2.5 times brighter or dimmer than the upper or lower number. The average magnitude of observable stars – under very clear and dark sky conditions – is magnitude 6. If Comet Elenin brightens to magnitude 3, it will be an easy target for observing.
Steve Farmer - Steve Farmer Jr. is an individual of many interests and hobbies. When not spending time with his wife and four children, he is an employee ...
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