[meteorite-list] Comet Lulin (C/2007 N3) Loses Part Of Its Tail

[Ron Baalke]

Space Weather News for Feb. 5, 2009
http://spaceweather.com

COMET TAIL: Comet Lulin (C/2007 N3) is approaching Earth and 
putting on a good show for amateur astronomers.  Yesterday, 
Feb. 4th, observers witnessed a "disconnection event." A 
gust of solar wind tore off part of the comet's tail in 
plain view of backyard telescopes. Photos of the event are 
featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com. 
Activity in the comet's tail and atmosphere will become 
even easier to see in the weeks ahead as Lulin nears 
closest approach on Feb. 24th.   At that time the 
comet will lie only 38 million miles from Earth and it 
should be visible to the naked eye.  In the meantime, 
please note that Feb. 5th-7th, is an especially good 
time to find Comet Lulin in the pre-dawn sky. The comet 
is gliding beautifully close to the naked-eye double 
star Zubenelgenubi.  Just point your binoculars at the 
double star and the comet will materialize right beside 
it. Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos, sky maps 
and more information.