This page provides a quick summary of comets that can be observed visually and are expected to be at least magnitude 13.5. Positions for the comets discussed below are given on the Ephemerides Page. Current information and observations of these comets are also summarized. Images for some comets can be found on the Images Page.
Comet Observation Home Page
Recent News and Observations, Ephemerides for Current Visually Observable Comets, Finder Charts and Orbital Diagrams, Deep Impact Mission Small Telescope Science Program and much more.
Recent News and Observations
The comets are given in order of designation; first the long period comets and then the short period comets. Under each is the "Last Updated" date, which indicates the last date that one or more observations were posted for the specific comet.
Comet Definitions
The following are generally accepted definitions for terms related to cometary astronomy.
All About Comets
Unlike the other small bodies in the solar system, comets have been known since antiquity. There are Chinese records of Comet Halley going back to at least 240 BC. The famous Bayeux Tapestry, which commemorates the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, depicts an apparition of Comet Halley.
Sky Charts
The aim of this service is to provide charts and suitable comparison stars (using Guide 8.0)
for relatively bright comets, i.e. brighter than magnitude 10-11, to aid observers in making
brightness estimates.
To avoid confusion with Flamsteed numbers we have underlined the magnitudes of all comparison stars.