Comet SWAN: Oct. 23rd (U.T.) Observation

Using tripod-mounted 25x100 binoculars beneath a magnitude 6.5 (at
zenith) sky I observed Comet C/2006 M4 (SWAN) from 2:05 until 2:30
U.T.

The bright, round coma was estimated to have a diameter between 6 and
7 (closer to 7) minutes of arc. The coma was suspected to have a
slightly greenish color. It was much brighter at its center; but in
the binoculars the center was non-stellar in appearance.

A (very) faint tail 1.0 degrees in length was visible extending in a
narrow, straight line from the comet's head in a north-northwest
direction.

The comet was at an altitude of 29 degrees near the midpoint of this
observation.

Willie R. Meghar
Observational Notes at:
http://meghar.blogspot.com/

I wrote:

A (very) faint tail 1.0 degrees in length was visible extending in a
narrow, straight line from the comet's head in a north-northwest
direction.

In case it's relevant to anyone: Change "north-northwest" to
"north-northeast." I had my sketch labeled correctly; and I had it
right in my blog (I just checked!); but confusion struck when I made
the saa posting.

One of these days I hope to eliminate "east" and "west" from my
astronomical vocabulary. The terms: "preceding" and "following" tend
to be more intuitive and less prone to confusion.

By the way, there's a nice little group of sunspots near the sun's
north-preceding limb ;-)

Willie R. Meghar
Observational Notes at:
http://meghar.blogspot.com/