I thought a comet’s entire elliptical path and period could be computed from three seperate observations (the farthest apart the better), and there’ve been months of precise optical observations.

So if Halley’s average period is 76.3 years, when will McNaught return to the neighborhood of Earth again? I don’t care if I’m dead when it comes back, but I just want to know if astronomers know when it’s coming back. Why the seeming reluctance to predict this?

However, on returning home, I could actually see the comet from my daughter’s front yard, and she lives across the street from my home. Boy, did she and the grandchildren come running! And her visiting friend and her family were facinated as well.

Comet McNaught could be seen, and over my home! Admittedly it was in a break in the trees, but it could be easily seen, and even better viewpoints were available. Pity about the clouds and smog on the other nights.

I was somewhat surprised to see the extent of the tail, and the brightness of the head - still not much less than Venus. I understand this will fade as it tracks further away from the Sun. Whether tommorow night’s sky will be as clear as this evening’s is another matter. I shall attempt to grab a few shots if possible.

So here is one happy observer. And the subject was awesome.

Ivan.