Campaign Goals: April 28 - May 20, 2005

Tempel 1 was at opposition in early April and continues to be visible for most of the night in May. STSP participants who observed the comet on April 22 and 23 estimated the total visual magnitude of the coma to be 11.0 for a 3-arcsecond aperture and the R magnitude to be 11.6 for a 1.6-arcsecond aperture.

As with previous observing campaigns, our goal is to obtain scientifically useful observations of comet 9P/Tempel 1 over several days and weeks. Additionally, Dr. Tony Farnham, University of Maryland, is scheduled to observe Tempel 1 from Kitt Peak on May 13-16. He asked for STSP observations (R, I, and clear) of the comet during the days before and after his observing run. If you have good observing conditions on May 6-8 or May 18-20, please image Tempel 1 and submit your results.

As the comet continues to brighten, we encourage observers to image the comet near and during full moon if the sky is photometric (no clouds, low humidity, good seeing). Although these data will have more noise because of a higher sky background, we can use photometric measurments in the R and I bands to help us fill in gaps in the dust production light curve.

During new moon on May 8, we expect the total visual magnitude to be about 10 and the R magnitude to be about 11. At UTC 04:00, about 5 hours before new moon on May 8, the comet will be near RA 12:53:44.8 and DEC +10deg 08min 13.4sec. From latitudes near 39 degrees north, the comet has an elevation of 60 degrees at 10pm (Eastern daylight time) on May 8. The elevation decreases to 50 degrees by 1am. For observers at more southern latitudes, the comet will be at higher elevations.

We are requesting the following types of observations or measurements during this period:

• aperture photometry of the dust coma from broadband RI images; reduced RI images without photometry will be accepted and analyzed
• daily imaging in VRI or unfiltered to monitor for jets and outbursts

Registration and Data Submission

(Spring 2006)
Registration and data submission have been closed.

Questions? How to Contact Us!

Please send questions about this campaign to Stef McLaughlin, University of Maryland.

During the campaign weekend, Stef will monitor the observers' message board. Also, if you have an urgent question, you may leave a message at 301.405.3605 (USA).

STSP Coordinator: Stef McLaughlin
Webmaster: Elizabeth Warner
Last Updated: Wednesday August 29, 2007