An Astromonic Look at Norway's Night Sky
The comet Lovejoy is now visible at the sky, among many millions stars. These photos were taken with my canon 6D, and my 200 mm lense, at jan. 20. 2015.
According to Wikipedia, C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy) is a long-period comet discovered on 17 August 2014 by Terry Lovejoy using a 0.2-meter (8 in) Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope. It was discovered at apparent magnitude 15 in the southern constellation of Puppis. It is the fifth comet discovered by Terry Lovejoy.
By December 2014, the comet had brightened to roughly magnitude 7.4,making it a small telescope and binoculars target. By mid-December, the comet was visible to the naked eye for experienced observers with dark skies and keen eyesight. On 28−29 December 2014, the comet passed 1/3° from globular cluster Messier 79.In January 2015, it brightened to roughly magnitude 4−5, and became one of the brightest comets located high in a dark sky in years. On 7 January 2015, the comet passed 0.469 AU (70,200,000 km; 43,600,000 mi) from Earth. It crossed the celestial equator on 9 January 2015 becoming better seen from the northern hemisphere. The comet will come to perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) on 30 January 2015 at a distance of 1.29 AU (193,000,000 km; 120,000,000 mi) from the Sun.
Before entering the planetary region (epoch 1950), C/2014 Q2 had an orbital period of about 11000 years. After leaving the planetary region (epoch 2050), it will have an orbital period of about 8000 years.
And also, some aurorapics, from Stamnes, Sortland in Vesterålen, northern Norway. Great colours. Taken at jan. 21. 2015 near my homeplace, just 10 min drive. Love this colours of the aurora borealis!
Here are some of Benny's recent articles on Norway:
Beautiful Winter Auroras from Hognfjorden, Vesterålen, Norway
How to Photograph Northern Lights
Norway's Dancing Auroras and Coronas
Auroras at Andøya Island, Northern Norway
The Most Beautiful View in Northern Norway
Scenes from Forfjord River, Northern Norway
The colors of a Norwegian summer, from beautiful Sørfjord, Sortland
Last Days of my Vacation in Sweden This Year
Summer in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
Blue Nights in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
Sunset in Sørfjorden, Vesterålen, Norway
Late Summer Shots in Northern Norway
Beautiful Views in Lotofen, Norway
Sunsets and Fall in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
October Sun over Meadows and Field, Norway
The Rock Animals of Eidsfjord, Sortland in Vesterålen, Norway
The Magic Green Light in Arctic Norway
Arctic light: Aurora Borealis at Vesterålen, northern Norway
Benny Høynes is the Norway Editor for Wandering Educators. You can find his photos online at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bennyhynes
https://www.facebook.com/bennysbilder