Two astronomical events in the night sky

September 6, 2011 at 8:59 pm

comet060911 — Comet Garradd seen against the stars of the large open cluster known as Broochi’s Cluster. (Picture: John Vetterlein)

While all eyes are searching the heavens for a glimpse of the supernova in the “Pinwheel” galaxy, there’s another celestial object worth noting.

According to Rousay astronomer, John Vetterlein: “Comet C/2009 P1 Garradd is a relatively easy object and has now moved into Sagitta again, where it will continue to travel westward passing into the large constellation Hercules on September 11.

“At a little brighter than 8 magnitude, it is visible in small binoculars (8 x 30) on a good clear night. The comet should brighten a little up to around September 19.”

Click here for more details of Comet C/2009 P1 Garradd.

For more on the supernova, click here.