International Comet Quarterly
Notes concerning the most recent observations of comets
The
most recent observation of each recently observed comet, as
reported to the Minor Planet Center (astrometric data, about half of
which have magnitudes). Important note: this is compiled from our
astrometric archives; listed observations do not mean that they are real -- sometimes
bad observations get past the software checks -- and the magnitudes are often off by
several magnitudes. Further, the last observation does not mean that the specific comet
either does or does not need observation urgently. At any rate, it is suggested that --
for most comets -- observations be made of each comet by each observer once
or twice a week, 3-4 observations per night, if possible; more frequent observation
by a single observer usually is not warranted or even encouraged -- being better to
observe more objects in need of observation. And quality is always better than quantity!
