And what a fine contribution you've made. NASA's "newsflash" states: "This orbit keeps it well away from Earth. At magnitude 7.2 (and fading), it is not unusually bright nor is it visible to the unaided eye."
Unfortunately, this contradicts both the known plot for the comet (http://www.astroarts.com) and recent observations of it's magnitude. The following visual magnitudes were recorded this month:
August
Aug. 1.05. S 6.5(magnitude) 4' 4 6B 20x M. Reszelski, Szamotuly, Poland
Aug. 2.07. S 6.8(magnitude) 3.5' 5 16L 29x R. Bouma, Groningen, The Netherlands
Aug. 6.08. _ 6.6(magnitude) 8' 10x80B K. Hornoch, Lelekovice, Czech Republic
Aug. 7.05. S 6.6(magnitude) 5' 3/ 6B 20x M. Reszelski, Szamotuly, Poland
Source:http://correio.cc.fc.ul.pt/~apereira/99h1.html
Unfortunately, NASA doesn't share their 'observations' with independent astronomers. The facts they do cite only contradict independent data. Quite to the contrary, it will continue to gain magnitude as it approaches earth. It would seem NASA is using 'data' to suit their own "agenda". As federal employees and political appointees I'm sure their greatest responsibility is to the truth. |
