Let's "commemorate" Comet McNaught ...

[Robin Lee]

Haiz... every sunsets were so cloudy.

[starfinder]

so sad....the more such great images I see, the more sad I am we missed the next best thing in astronomy in 40 years! Imagine the last great comet came when I was born, so not sure when the next one will come....
i think the only guy who saw it is the one who flew to australia to image it....sigh...

Hey aircovent,

Then why not fly down to Perth to catch it? Only a 5 hour flight, and its beaches face the west.

All you have to do is check the satellite photos for probable cloud cover and book a flight; that is, if the seats are available (they weren't for yesterday and today). Flight cost should be around $800 only, plus one or 2 nights accommodation.

You can try this weekend, or take leave in the next few days. If you're so keen on a once-in-a-lifetime event, then forget the money, you can always earn it back, and its not a lot anyway. I flew off to Turkey last year on a whim to catch the total solar eclipse and it was well worth it. A 10-hour flight with a 2 hour stop-over in Bangkok, plus needed to change planes in Istanbul. Perth is non-stop 5 hours, and Changi airport is just a 20 min cab ride.

If I didn't see the eclipse, i would still have enjoyed the journey and the very brief tour in Turkey. So treat it as a trip to see Perth's beaches and sunsets, plus a comet as a possible bonus.

[fl]

Is the comet visible to the naked eyes if the sky is clear?

[andrewtyr]

Is the comet visible to the naked eyes if the sky is clear?

Think so

[boothee]

Is the comet visible to the naked eyes if the sky is clear?

Yes! I and my friends saw it with the naked eyes, binoculars and telescopes.

Cheers!!


boothee

[elton]

Then why not fly down to Perth to catch it? Only a 5 hour flight, and its beaches face the west.

Wow, this comet is shaping up to be quite spectacular. What's the outlook for the comet for the next week?
Who's interest in making this trip? I'm game.

[elton]

Did more research.

Flight : SEATS AVAILABLE on Qantas

Tue 23 Jan 07 09:10 Singapore 15:10 Perth QF72 1 Super Saver
Wed 24 Jan 07 12:25 Perth 16:40 Singapore QF77 1 Super Saver

Total Price*
Price Passengers Total Price
$749.00 x 1 adult = $749.00
$749.00 (SGD)

Weather : CLEAR SKIES

Today: Sunny. High 88F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.
Tonight: Generally clear. Low 64F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Tomorrow: Sunny skies. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Tomorrow night: Clear skies. Low 67F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.

Gavin, drop everything and go?

[deepakrn]

If people are going to Perth for this once in a lifetime, please count me in. Can only spare a few days because of work commitments, but oh man, I think this is worth it. Need to be back before end Jan though.

[Airconvent]

wow..elton, you and gavin are serious man!
I can't afford to make a trip there just to see the comet at the moment.
the comet's best showing is already over..it should start to dim over the next few days as it moves away from the sun.

[starfinder]

Did more research.

Flight : SEATS AVAILABLE on Qantas

Tue 23 Jan 07 09:10 Singapore 15:10 Perth QF72 1 Super Saver
Wed 24 Jan 07 12:25 Perth 16:40 Singapore QF77 1 Super Saver

Hi Elton,

Just saw your post. I have not even begun to apply for leave! You will have to run there without me. Also, I think there may be a minimum lead time before departure to make an internet booking (e.g. 48 hours); it might be less for bookings through the travel agencies.

Also, I had already made a special trip for the solar eclipse last year, and have some plans for another astro trip later this year.

Good luck!