stellar_muddle | Jan. 25th, 2007

After a couple abortive attempts*, got to see Comet McNaught again last night. Very much worth it. Previously (14/15.1.07) it had had sod all tail and almost disappeared if you looked at it directly with the naked eye but was still cool. Last night... Oh wow. Huge tail and clearly visable to the naked eye. Last time the carpark along the beach was clearing of people round sunset, this time it had definitely filled and the sidewalk was lined with people and cameras. We didn't take our camera (no tripod), but you definitely got a good view with the binoculars. Beats Halley and the others I have seen.

Fingers crossed that things clear in Wellington so family can see it. Wonder if it will still be bright enough at CF and if the surrounding horizon is low enough... Unfortunately due to fade fast though.

* Key barrel on car buggered - Z hotwires it only to discover the steering lock is borderline such that steering lock will engage randomly - not good for driving. Thank you to