73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3-B and -C – April 21, 2006

Observation Notes

This was a fantastic sight! The comet shared the view with brilliant, second magnitude Alpha Coronae Borealis. The nucleus still appeared stellar with a fan shaped tail blowing to the southwest. The tail seemed to trail about 38′, distending an angle of about 45°. The brightest portion was still the northwest edge. Motion was apparent over the course of the observation, but I didn’t end up marking it.

I was able to find both the B and C components with my 10 x 50 binoculars (hand held). They both just barely fit in the field together.

Factoids
See first observation.

Subject 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 – Components C
Classification Comet
Position* Corona Borealis
APR 21, 2006 07:10 UT – [RA: 15:34:20 / Dec: +27:04:13]
Size Tail: 38′
Brightness* ~8.5
Date/Time April 21, 2006 – 12:10 AM
(April 21, 2006 – 07:10 UT)
Observing Loc. Anderson Mesa, AZ
Instrument Orion SVP 6LT Reflector (150 mm dia./1200 mm F/L)
Eyepieces/Mag. 32 mm, 25 mm, and 10 mm Sirius Plössl (37.5X, 48X, 120X), and 10 mm Sirius Plössl + 2X Barlow (240X)
Conditions Clear, Calm, 34°F
Seeing 5/10 Pickering
Transparency Mag 6.8+ NELM
*Sources Orion’s The Sky Software;Aerith.net