[vsnet-alert 726] Re: Possible cometary object in Lyra

[Bill Dillon <bdillon@houston.geoquest.slb.com>]

Tonny,

I've just checked the Minor Planet Center Computer Service's
database, and there are no known comets or asteroids within
five degrees of the coordinates and time you gave.

Given the lack of motion, I hope it wasn't some internal
camera reflection from a brighter source.  

Best of luck to the observer, and I'll try to take a look
before dawn here in Texas.

Regards,

Bill Dillon
bdillon@houston.geoquest.slb.com
http://vsnet.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/7477/
______________________________________________________
> Dear colleagues,
> 
> An experienced Belgian comet observer has requested our help with his
> observation of a possible cometary object in Lyra.
> 
> The object was captured on 3 photographic images, obtained on February 11
> at 3h25m UT (exposure times of 2 minutes), using a 50-mm objective. Its
> position is (J2000.0) : R.A. = 18h29m08s, Decl.= +40d29.7'.
> 
> The object appears as a small (diameter approx. 3.5') greenish 'nebula',
> with a DC (degree of condensation) of approx. 7, and magnitude 7.
> 
> Given the short interval between the exposures, no movement could be 
> detected, so there is no indication at all about the direction this object
> might be following.
> 
> Given the 'brightness' of the object, it should be fairly easy to be
> 'recovered'.
> Weather forecast for Belgium is bad, so we'd like to ask experienced variable
> star and comet observers to scan the indicated sky area on the first possible
> occasion, and to let us know their findings.
> 
> With best regards,
> Tonny Vanmunster,
> Belgium

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