Weekly Information about Bright Comets (2004 Sept. 18: South)

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 Updated on September 20, 2004
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Best time and the azimuth, altitude (A,h) are at lat. 35 deg in the Southern Hemisphere.

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* C/2003 K4 ( LINEAR )
Not observable. It will appear at dawn at 5 mag in November and keep observable in good condition in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Norhtern Hemisphere, it will become visible in the morning low sky in latter Novemberk, but become unobservable soon, then keep unobservable until January. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  12 55.77    0  5.7   2.020   1.112    18    5.8     28.9 201.7  19:17 ( 88, -2)  
Sept.25  12 50.87   -3  0.3   2.039   1.072    10    5.7     28.3 201.4  19:23 ( 80, -8)

* C/2004 R2 ( ASAS )
New comet. Although it has already become unobservable in the Northern Hemisphere, it keeps observable until late September in the Southern Hemisphere. It passes the perihelion on Oct. 7, when it will disappear. If it survives, it can appear at dusk in late October at 10 mag in the Northern Hemisphere, then it will fade out rapidly. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   9 10.82  -22 20.1   0.843   0.712    44    9.0    154.2  87.4   4:31 (280, 27)  
Sept.25  10 28.42  -19 56.1   0.880   0.516    30    8.1    156.6  77.8   4:20 (285, 13)

* C/2001 Q4 ( NEAT )
It locates visible all night in the northern sky. It keeps observable after this in the Northern Hemisphere. It has been fading slower than expected since June, and it was bright as 10 mag still in mid September. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  13 22.35   65 52.7   2.391   2.192    66    9.6     23.1  68.0  19:17 (152,-30)  
Sept.25  13 48.23   66 51.4   2.417   2.278    70    9.7     24.4  69.8  19:23 (153,-31)

* C/2004 Q2 ( Machholz )
New comet. It will be getting brighter on and on after this, then it will reach to 4 mag locating high in the evening sky in December and January. In the Northern Hemisphere, it keeps observable in good condition for a long time while the comet is bright enough visible visually until 2005 October when it becomes faint as 14 mag. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   4 42.40  -24 38.0   1.757   2.232   104   10.0     16.8 116.0   4:31 (207, 78)  
Sept.25   4 49.84  -25 31.1   1.634   2.155   107    9.7     15.8 119.6   4:20 (198, 80)

* C/2004 Q1 ( Tucker )
New comet. It is observable at 11 mag in good condition from October to November. It is well condensed and easy to see. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   2 28.68   11  9.0   1.415   2.255   136   11.8     30.5 326.9   2:41 (180, 44)  
Sept.25   2 19.38   14 16.8   1.325   2.222   144   11.6     35.8 321.6   2:04 (180, 41)

* C/2003 T3 ( Tabur )
It will be getting higher after this, but getting fainter, too. However the fading is slow and it keeps 13 mag still in December. It is diffused visually. It has a long tail on the CCD image. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  10 21.39   45 26.4   2.979   2.411    47   12.2     22.8 117.4   4:31 (230,-24)  
Sept.25  10 34.14   44 15.4   3.006   2.480    49   12.3     21.0 117.4   4:20 (231,-23)

* 78P/Gehrels 2
Well condensed and easy to see visually. It is observable in good condition as bright as 11-12 mag until January. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   3 15.76   18 41.0   1.295   2.034   123   12.4     11.1  95.8   3:27 (180, 36)  
Sept.25   3 20.50   18 28.7   1.233   2.026   129   12.3      8.5 106.2   3:04 (180, 36)

* C/2002 T7 ( LINEAR )
Not observable. It will appear at dawn in late October at 13.5 mag. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  11 19.22  -10 40.6   3.566   2.602    13   12.4      9.4 119.0   4:31 (287, -6)  
Sept.25  11 23.00  -11 13.2   3.648   2.694    15   12.6      9.0 121.7   4:20 (286, -3)

* 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1
It is now in outburst. It was 12 mag and stellar on Sept. 17. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   0 17.42   11 52.0   4.753   5.725   163   13.1      6.9 253.9   0:30 (180, 43)  
Sept.25   0 14.22   11 37.4   4.737   5.725   169   13.1      7.1 251.6  23:55 (180, 43)

* C/2003 T4 ( LINEAR )
The brightening evolution is slower than usual. In the Northern Hemisphere, it keeps observable until 2005 spring when it reaches to 8 mag. It keeps observable both in the evening and morning until December, however, it keeps locating low at 20-25 deg high. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  11 30.83   68  2.9   3.371   3.105    66   14.1     23.8  99.4   4:31 (207,-39)  
Sept.25  12  0.52   67 29.7   3.245   3.023    68   13.9     25.2 102.0   4:20 (208,-40)

* (944) Hidalgo
It is observable at 13.5 mag in good condition in October and November. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   2 39.99   20 20.9   1.515   2.305   131   14.5     22.5 339.9   2:52 (180, 35)  
Sept.25   2 35.04   22 54.0   1.424   2.271   138   14.3     25.5 332.0   2:20 (180, 32)

* 103P/Hartley 2
Not observed in this return yet. It will appear at dawn soon. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   9 54.22    2 50.4   2.713   1.876    27   14.6     31.7 112.8   4:31 (264,  4)  
Sept.25  10  7.49    1 25.1   2.739   1.940    30   14.9     30.1 113.6   4:20 (265,  5)

* 88P/Howell
Diffused. It keeps observable in good condition until November when it becomes fainter than 18 mag. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   2 40.77   11 12.7   1.278   2.103   133   14.8      8.6 257.9   2:53 (180, 44)  
Sept.25   2 35.95   10 57.0   1.269   2.149   141   15.1     12.1 257.4   2:20 (180, 44)

* 48P/Johnson
It was observed at 15-15.5 mag, a bit fainter than this ephemeris in August. In the Northern Hemisphere, it keeps to be locating only around 30 deg high. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  19 49.66  -27 35.0   1.659   2.316   118   14.9      8.3 106.1  19:59 (180, 83)  
Sept.25  19 54.57  -27 47.3   1.730   2.313   112   15.0     10.7  96.6  19:36 (180, 83)

* C/2001 HT50 ( LINEAR-NEAT )
It will fade out gradually, and keeps observable brighter than 17 mag until the end of 2004. It is still visible visually at 14 mag. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  23 22.18   12 43.4   4.063   5.039   164   15.3     21.2 248.8  23:30 (180, 42)  
Sept.25  23 12.93   11 48.5   4.124   5.090   162   15.4     20.5 247.1  22:53 (180, 43)

* C/2004 H6 ( SWAN )
It keeps good condition in the evening sky. It was extremely diffused visually in mid August. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  19  0.10   -0 30.1   1.735   2.274   109   15.3      8.9 283.0  19:17 (176, 55)  
Sept.25  18 57.23   -0 17.7   1.940   2.365   102   15.9      4.2 292.3  19:23 (161, 54)

* 32P/Comas Sola
It will be 12-13 mag in winter, locating high in the evening sky. It keeps observable until that time in good condition while the comet is getting brighter. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   3 17.87    8 43.2   1.824   2.542   125   15.7      4.0  64.1   3:29 (180, 46)  
Sept.25   3 18.97    8 54.8   1.720   2.503   131   15.4      1.9  32.9   3:03 (180, 46)

* 65P/Gunn
It keeps around 16 mag until November. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   1 34.01   -2 30.4   2.670   3.590   152   15.6      9.6 246.9   1:46 (180, 57)  
Sept.25   1 29.60   -2 56.7   2.655   3.610   159   15.6     10.6 249.7   1:14 (180, 58)

* 56P/Slaughter-Burnham
It keeps observable at 16 mag in good condition until the end of 2004. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  23 43.45    0 37.8   1.687   2.691   177   16.1     10.3 267.1  23:51 (180, 54)  
Sept.25  23 38.64    0 33.8   1.677   2.674   172   16.0     10.2 266.7  23:19 (180, 54)

* 49P/Arend-Rigaux
It was observed about 1 mag brighter than expected. It will reach to 14.5 mag from January to March in the evening sky. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   1 22.46  -22 40.2   1.249   2.168   148   16.3     17.0 198.1   1:35 (180, 78)  
Sept.25   1 19.09  -24 32.3   1.193   2.118   149   16.1     17.6 206.5   1:04 (180, 79)

* 121P/Shoemaker-Holt 2
It tends to become brightest after the perihelion passage. In this return, it will reach to 14 mag in 2005 February at the opposition. No observations have been reported since it appeared at dawn. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   8 37.82   21 14.4   3.198   2.650    49   16.4     24.3  94.1   4:31 (238,  7)  
Sept.25   8 49.79   21  1.9   3.129   2.652    53   16.4     23.7  94.3   4:20 (237,  8)

* 119P/Parker-Hartley
It is observable at 16.5 mag in good condition until January. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   1 23.65   14 32.0   2.395   3.305   150   16.7      6.6 248.6   1:36 (180, 40)  
Sept.25   1 20.36   14 12.2   2.342   3.292   157   16.6      8.2 246.6   1:05 (180, 41)

* 62P/Tsuchinshan 1
Not yet observed in this return. It will brighten very rapidly after this. It is expected to be visible visually at 11 mag from November to January. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   6 58.21   18  2.4   1.742   1.714    71   17.2     40.5  90.2   4:31 (222, 25)  
Sept.25   7 18.26   17 57.6   1.660   1.680    73   16.9     41.3  91.4   4:20 (223, 25)

* 53P/Van Biesbroeck
It is observable until November when it becomes fainter than 18 mag. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   0 53.59   -0 25.0   2.592   3.562   162   17.0     10.2 238.9   1:06 (180, 55)  
Sept.25   0 49.39   -1  1.6   2.606   3.596   169   17.0     10.6 240.7   0:34 (180, 56)

* C/2004 B1 ( LINEAR )
Appearing at dawn. It will reach to 9 mag in 2006 spring. In this season, it keeps observable until 2005 March when it becomes 15.5 mag. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   6  0.63   -4 52.1   5.809   5.822    85   17.2      7.7 177.1   4:31 (224, 52)  
Sept.25   6  0.53   -5 47.4   5.642   5.762    91   17.1      8.2 186.0   4:20 (218, 55)

* C/2003 WT42 ( LINEAR )
It keeps observable in good condition at 17 mag until 2005 spring. It will reach to 16 mag in 2006. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   5 57.31   41 21.9   6.674   6.682    86   17.4      6.5  46.6   4:31 (198, 10)  
Sept.25   5 59.97   41 53.5   6.538   6.651    92   17.4      6.0  39.9   4:20 (196, 11)

* C/2003 G1 ( LINEAR )
It will be fading slowly until November when it becomes fainter than 18 mag. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  18 22.43   41 16.2   6.457   6.640    96   17.6      4.8 163.4  19:17 (171, 13)  
Sept.25  18 23.60   40 43.8   6.537   6.674    93   17.6      5.2 152.5  19:23 (165, 12)

* C/2003 S4 ( LINEAR )
It reaches to 17.5 mag in October. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   3 16.77   22 31.2   3.342   3.973   122   17.6      7.0 175.5   3:28 (180, 32)  
Sept.25   3 16.64   21 39.1   3.272   3.987   129   17.6      7.9 187.8   3:01 (180, 33)

* P/2004 K2 ( McNaught )
It will be fainter than 18 mag in November. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   3 26.84    7  1.3   1.028   1.790   123   17.6      8.7 141.4   3:38 (180, 48)  
Sept.25   3 28.34    6 11.2   1.009   1.822   129   17.6      7.5 172.6   3:12 (180, 49)

* 129P/Shoemaker-Levy 3
It is observable at 16.5 mag in good condition from November to February. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   5 48.64   27 42.9   2.956   3.087    87   17.8     12.6  86.1   4:31 (202, 24)  
Sept.25   5 54.89   27 48.3   2.848   3.074    93   17.7     11.1  86.3   4:20 (199, 25)

* C/2003 L2 ( LINEAR )
It keeps observable at 18 mag in good condition until January. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18   7 17.93   24 28.2   3.989   3.725    67   17.7     10.3 156.9   4:31 (222, 17)  
Sept.25   7 19.61   23 21.5   3.919   3.768    73   17.7      9.9 165.4   4:20 (220, 20)

* P/2004 HC18 ( LINEAR )
Although it was predicted to fade out quickly after the perihelion passage in June, it unexpectedly keeps 16.5-17.0 mag still in late August. 
Date(TT)  R.A. (2000) Decl.   Delta     r    Elong.  m1    Mot.(') p.a.  Best Time(A, h)  
Sept.18  17 25.34    2 38.5   1.701   1.907    85   17.8     31.4 102.5  19:17 (142, 45)  
Sept.25  17 39.79    1 52.5   1.782   1.935    82   18.0     31.8 101.4  19:23 (136, 44)

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