Jun 08 Pan-STARRS discovers comet 2011 L4
2011 L4 (Pan-STARRS)
Richard Wainscoat, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii, reported to the MPC that an object discovered on four CCD images taken with the 1.8-m "Pan-STARRS 1" telescope at Haleakala on June 6.39 appeared to show slight non-stellar appearance; three follow-up 30-s r-band exposures were then acquired by M. Micheli and Wainscoat with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on Mauna Kea (queue observer Lisa Wells) on June 7.44 UT, showing that a coma is definitely visible with a subtle hint of a faint tail towards p.a. 60 deg. After posting on the NEOCP astrometrists confirmed the cometary nature. [IAUC 9215, 2011 June 8]. The preliminary orbit gave perihelion at 0.4 AU in March 2013, however the accuracy quoted in the IAUC was rather great for the short arc of only 15 days. There is likely to be significant refinement as observations accumulate. The latest orbit gives a February perihelion at 0.3 AU. Based on this orbit, the comet could be a naked eye object from the UK in February 2013. Maik Meyer points out the the initial orbit also indicates a close approach to the orbit of Jupiter. There is clearly an uncertainty of several months in the actual date of perihelion, which will make quite a difference to the observational circumstances.
Richard Wainscoat, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii, reported to the MPC that an object discovered on four CCD images taken with the 1.8-m "Pan-STARRS 1" telescope at Haleakala on June 6.39 appeared to show slight non-stellar appearance; three follow-up 30-s r-band exposures were then acquired by M. Micheli and Wainscoat with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on Mauna Kea (queue observer Lisa Wells) on June 7.44 UT, showing that a coma is definitely visible with a subtle hint of a faint tail towards p.a. 60 deg. After posting on the NEOCP astrometrists confirmed the cometary nature. [IAUC 9215, 2011 June 8]. The preliminary orbit gave perihelion at 0.4 AU in March 2013, however the accuracy quoted in the IAUC was rather great for the short arc of only 15 days. There is likely to be significant refinement as observations accumulate. The latest orbit gives a February perihelion at 0.3 AU. Based on this orbit, the comet could be a naked eye object from the UK in February 2013. Maik Meyer points out the the initial orbit also indicates a close approach to the orbit of Jupiter. There is clearly an uncertainty of several months in the actual date of perihelion, which will make quite a difference to the observational circumstances.
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Good Clear Skies
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Astrocomet
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Colin James Watling
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Good Clear Skies
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Astrocomet
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Colin James Watling
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Profile: http://www.google.com/profiles/astrocomera
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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)
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Information: http://www.clubbz.com/club/2895/LOWESTOFT---3054/Lowestoft%20And%20Great%20Yarmouth%20Regional%20Astronomers%20(Lyra
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More Info: http://www.localokel.com/event/666/good_clear_skies
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)
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Information: http://www.clubbz.com/club/2895/LOWESTOFT---3054/Lowestoft%20And%20Great%20Yarmouth%20Regional%20Astronomers%20(Lyra
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More Info: http://www.localokel.com/event/666/good_clear_skies
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