[BAA-ebulletin 00771] Comet 2012 S1 (ISON)

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BAA electronic bulletin
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Comet 2012 S1 (ISON) has brightened dramatically by over two
magnitudes and is now 5th magnitude or brighter. It is not clear
whether this brightening represents a terminal disruption or a
rejeuvenation of the active areas. Only further observation will show
which is the case. On the one hand it may continue to show a well
condensed inner coma, on the other hand the coma may steadily become
more diffuse. The brightness evolution is uncertain.

The inner coma region is particularly important, and imagers need to
take many short exposures in order to avoid saturation of features.
These can be stacked to show detail both in the inner coma and the
tail region as appropriate. Many recent images are over-exposed in
the inner coma region.

Comet 2013 R1 (Lovejoy) is nearing is likely peak brightness at around
5th magnitude. Both comets are best seen just before dawn.
Unfortunately high cloud covers much of the UK (despite the weather
forecast showing clear skies in the south) and this is likely to
prevent observation. Scotland looks better placed on Sunday morning,
whilst clear skies may be more widespread on Tuesday morning.

Further information on the comet is on the Section web page at
http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/~jds

Jonathan Shanklin
Director, Comet Section

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Good Clear Skies
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Astrocomet
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Colin James Watling
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also a friend of Kessingland Beach (Watchman)
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Lyra Website: https://sites.google.com/site/lyrasociety/
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Real Astronomer and head of the Comet section for LYRA (Lowestoft and
Great Yarmouth Regional Astronomers) also head of K.A.G (Kessingland
Astronomy Group) and Navigator (Astrogator) of the Stars (Fieldwork)