Comet McYes!

by Dennis Beckley

Finally saw Comet McNaught tonight from Cambridge Drive in Benicia on the tallest hill in town with an unobstructed view across SouthHamptom Bay to the hills overlooking the Carquinez Bridge. Darrell, Renato, Darrell's daughter Katie and a few passerby's saw it through a host of binoculars including my 10 X 70's and 25 X 100's.

It was very cold but the view was outstanding. The western sky was completely clear right down to the horizon. The comet was easily seen from about 5:30 to 5:50 with all instruments and then naked eye at the end. It was beautifully posted above the electrical towers on the north end of the bridge and was framed in the foreground by the bay, hills, bridge and Mt. Tam in the background. Would have been a nice picture if I would have had a decent camera with me.

The nucleus was very bright - almost as bright as Venus and the tail arc'd up and away from the setting sun about 3 or 4 degrees in length.

It was a very pleasant experience and glad to have shared it with my local observing buddies.

Dennis Beckley

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