Observing Known Comets

Abstract

Although comet hunting for new comets is still capable of bringing exciting results, it is certainly not the only work open to the visual comet observer. Each year brings its stock of returning periodic and newly discovered non-periodic comets, and most of the time there will be some “known” comet within the visual range of small or moderately sized telescopes. To some, the routine observation of a dim comet might appear dull fare, but it is precisely such routine monitoring that yields information about how these objects behave as they approach and recede from the Sun and which provides a window through which their physical nature may be glimpsed. It is also through regular estimates of a comet’s brightness and general appearance that any unexpected departure from its regular behavior (a sudden brightening or fading, for example) becomes apparent and may give clues as to the future development of the comet in question.