Comet: Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE)
Constellations: Auriga, Taurus
Planet: Venus
Location: Cutler Avenue, Dartmouth, NS
Date: 2020-07-10
Time: 4:05 PM - 4:40 AM ADT
Equipment: Binoculars 10x42 IS
We were at the back of a business on Cutler Avenue in Dartmouth. The original intent was to see the Comet NEOWISE but the bonus was Venus in the Hyades in the eastern morning skies. Clear skies but for very few clouds, and little if any breeze. Average seeing and transparency.
Taurus, Venus
Time: 4:05 - 4:30 AM
Equipment: Visual, Binoculars
S&T Chart: 15
Venus was about 10° above the horizon. Given the rising sun, it was impossible to discern the total star field of the Hyades, but Aldebaran and the Hyades "V" pattern was easily seen.
Venus in the Hyades/Melotte 25 in Taurus
Time: 4:34 AM
Equipment: Visual, Binoculars
S&T Chart: 12
NEOWISE had a very long, wide tail, almost 10° in length. Quite bright. Easily seen adjacent to Auriga without binoculars There were two star shapes in Auriga adjacent to the comet nucleus:
a- an "M" shape: ψ, ψ2, ψ4, ψ5, ψ7
b- a curve below the nucleus: ψ3, 51 Aur, UU Aur
We wished we had left home an hour earlier to view it a bit longer and in brighter contrast to the morning sky.
Comet NEOWISE, Auriga