[meteorite-list] The Extravagant Tail of Comet McNaught

[Ron Baalke]

Space Weather News for Jan. 19, 2006
http://spaceweather.com

Last night at sunset, motorists in South Africa pulled over to 
watch what seemed to be a bush fire.  As the twilight deepened, 
however, they realized it was something else: the extravagant 
tail of Comet McNaught. Even experienced astronomers say 
they've never seen anything quite like it.  McNaught's tail 
materializes at sunset in the southern hemisphere and is 
visible to the unaided eye as a majestic fan of pale streamers.  

The comet itself is visible only from the southern hemisphere, 
but its tail sweeps all the way back into northern skies. People 
in California, Colorado and Hawaii have seen it peeking above 
the western horizon about an hour after sunset. This "northern 
tail" is faint but pretty, and resembles a pale aurora borealis.  
(Dark skies are absolutely required.)

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and observing tips.