[MIham] The Extravagant Tail of Comet McNaught

[Frank]

Space Weather News for Jan. 19, 2006
http://spaceweather.com

Last night at sunset, motorists in South Africa pulled over to watch what
seemed to be a bush fire.  As the twilight deepened, however, they realized
it was something else: the extravagant tail of Comet McNaught. Even
experienced astronomers say they've never seen anything quite like it.
McNaught's tail materializes at sunset in the southern hemisphere and is
visible to the unaided eye as a majestic fan of pale streamers.

The comet itself is visible only from the southern hemisphere, but its tail
sweeps all the way back into northern skies. People in California, Colorado
and Hawaii have seen it peeking above the western horizon about an hour
after sunset. This "northern tail" is faint but pretty, and resembles a pale
aurora borealis.  (Dark skies are absolutely required.)

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and observing tips.

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