How to Observe Comets with Telescopes and Binoculars from Explore Scientific

Discover the thrill of observing comets with Explore Scientific telescopes and binoculars. This exciting adventure brings the wonders of space directly to your fingertips. Follow this step-by-step guide to maximize your comet-viewing experience and capture the beauty of the cosmos.

Know the Comet's Position and Timing

Check an Ephemeris: Use a reliable astronomy app or JPL's Small Body Database to track the current location of any comet. This will give you the precise position for your location and time.

To learn more about a comet's brightness and brightness curve, you can check the Comet OBServation (COBS) database.

Plan for Dark Skies: For the best viewing experience, aim to observe during the new moon phase and in areas free from light pollution. If you are looking for the best dark sky sites, check out the Dark Sky Place Finder. Comets reveal their beauty best when viewed from dark skies and when they are higher above the horizon.

Choose Your Equipment

Binoculars: For those starting out or looking for widefield views, Explore Scientific's Alpen Chisos 10x42 ED Binoculars or Alpen Chisos 12x50 ED Binoculars are a great choice. These models offer a bright and wide field of view, perfect for spotting the comet as a faint, fuzzy object in the sky.

Telescopes:

Explore Scientific AR102 or AR152 Refractors: These achromatic refractors deliver sharp contrast and clarity, making them ideal for widefield views of the coma and even some details of the tail.

Explore Scientific ED80 or ED127 APO Telescopes: For a closer look at the comet’s nucleus and tail, these apochromatic refractors provide exceptional sharpness and color correction, ideal for both visual and astrophotography sessions.

Explore Scientific FirstLight Dobsonian (8" or 10"): With larger apertures, these Dobsonian telescopes provide a brighter, more detailed view of the comet as it approaches Earth. You'll be able to see more structure in the tail and possibly some activity near the nucleus.

Vixen R200SS Reflector Telescope

The R200SS features very fast f4 200 mm optics with a parabolic primary mirror and produces extremely sharp images with no chromatic aberration. A special layer made using state-of-the-art technology provides an optimal surface for observing and photographing comets and deep-sky objects.

Set Up and Align Your Telescope

Polar Alignment: If you're using an equatorial mount like the Explore Scientific iEXOS100, ensure proper polar alignment to track the comet smoothly across the sky.

Star Hopping: Align your telescope with a bright star or planet near the comet's expected position using the Explore Scientific ReflexSite makes this a snap to fine tune your tracking and make it easier to follow the comet's movement.

Finding a Comet

Binoculars: Scan the sky in the area where the comet is predicted to be. Look for a faint, fuzzy “star” that might have a tail.

Telescopes: Start with a lowpower eyepiece (25mm or 30mm) for a wide view, making it easier to locate the comet. Once found, switch to a higher magnification (10mm or 15mm) to reveal more detail in the coma and tail.

Observe Key Features

The Nucleus and Coma: Even with binoculars or smaller telescopes, you’ll notice the bright nucleus surrounded by a glowing coma of gas and dust.

The Tail: Depending on the comet’s brightness, you may observe its dust and ion tails. Use medium to high magnification to study the tail’s structure and detail.

Optional: Astrophotography

If you’re into astrophotography, use an Explore Scientific mount like the iEXOS100 with its PMCEight system to track the comet with a DSLR or dedicated astro camera. Long exposures can reveal incredible detail in the tail and coma. For best results, try a wide field refractor like the Explore Scientific ED80.

Document and Share

Be sure to share your observations and images with local astronomy groups or online communities. Whether you’re capturing your first glimpse or participating in global comettracking projects, your contributions help enrich the shared experience of exploring the cosmos.

By observing a comet with Explore Scientific's worldclass telescopes and binoculars, you’ll be part of a journey that brings the universe closer, offering both new and seasoned astronomers an unforgettable experience.