Re: Comet C/2001 A2 (Linear)

[Herb Johnson <hjohnson@pluto.njcc.com>]

Arne's notes for observing the comet presumed observations during
the new moon. I might also suggest that some observations may be
done on clear nights even with the moon present. One virtue
of the CCD over the eye or film is its dynamic range - that
is the ability to resolve dim objects in bright background. If
the sky is clear and humidity is low - last night in the US east,
with the entrance of a large low pressure system from cool,
dry Canada is a good example - then light scattering from 
the Moon is reduced. I encourage observations under those
conditions, if only as an experiment for sites to determine 
the PRACTICAL limits of their cameras regarding observations of
extended objects. Most of the Mark IV work (and mark III for that
matter) is centered on point sources, so such experiments may
be instructive for both software and hardware as well as for
future observing programs.

Herb Johnson


Herbert R. Johnson              http://pluto.njcc.com/~hjohnson
hjohnson@pluto.njcc.com         voice 609-771-1503, New Jersey USA
             amateur astronomer and telescope tinkerer
   reseller of classic Macs & accessories from Plus to PowerMac
   S-100 & 8-inch drive manuals and parts, call for "Dr. S-100"