Have you ever seen a comet in the sky?
By veejay19
@veejay19 (3589)
India
August 11, 2009 2:30am CST
Most people do not have the time to look skywards because of the busy life that they lead. However those who do are enthralled by the grandeur of the night sky. One of the most thrilling spectacles is a comet as and when it comes close to the Earth. I had the good fortune to see one of the most famous comets, the HALLEY`S COMET, when it came closest to the earth on 14th April 1986 after a gap of 76 years.
I was working in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, where the skies are spellbindingly clear.I remember that about six of us left our quarters at midnight of 14th April and journeyed by car into the mountains about 100 miles away from the city to be away from the light pollution. We reached a place, a tableland where we had a clear view of the sky which was dazzling with stars and planets. I had carried my telescope and binoculars and we did see the Halley`s comet which was very low down almost touching the horizon. Unfortunately it was a disappointing sight as it had lost its tail since it had taken a round of the Sun before coming close to Earth. The Sun had simply swallowed its tail. It resembled a dirty looking fuzzy gray ball of cotton and was not pleasant to see. However we were compensated by the magnificient spectacle of the night sky and we could spot all the stars, planets, constellations and nebulae known to us.Halleys Comet will not be seen for another 70 odd years, definitely not in my lifetime so at least i had the satisfaction of seeing a comet in my life. Have you guys also seen any comet? Do reply.Thanks
1 person likes this
6 responses
@derek_a (10873)
•
12 Aug 09
Yes, I have seen Halley's Comet when it came around a few years back. It was visible for several nights, and I even took video of it. It was quite awesome and created this feeling of wonder in my mind. I think there is going to be a meteor event tonight visible in the UK where I live, but at the moment, it looks like as if there will be nothing to be seen because it is overcast and raining where I live at the moment. Hopefully though, it will clear up. 
- Derek
- Derek@veejay19 (3589)
• India
13 Aug 09
As i have written Derek, Halleys Comet was visible in 1986 but was a disappointing site for astronomers worldwide since its famous tail had vanished, gobbled up by the sun. Meteor showers take place generally every year or so and one of the most famous of them are the Leonid showers. These showers are usually seen for a few days so you may still be able to spot them if the sky isn`t over cast.Good luck.
@madhuvamsi (1185)
• India
11 Aug 09
No buddy in my life, I never had the chance to view a comet. You are very luck to see that and congratulations for see it.. you should have taken some photos if possible, anyhow, it will be very far and camera will not capture it clearly..
@sissi320 (328)
• China
11 Aug 09
Thanks for your kindness first.
You remind of me some memorable things.
Frankly speaking, I almost don't watch star in the night now, and I am not sure why, too busy or no such mood?
I remember when I am young, some friends and I sat together in the summer night, talk and watch stars, that time was so amazing.
@advokatku (4033)
• Indonesia
11 Aug 09
as long as in my life, Once I see a comet in the sky. Direct with gaze my eyes, without tools. But until thi time, I keep doubt, what that a comet or not
