Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

    Monday 13th to Sunday 19th February 2023

    Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF features in a lot of astronomy reports. More recently it has been visible to the naked eye.......in theory at least! Observers have had mixed success spotting it as, not only is the comet quite difficult to locate in the night sky, but the amount of light pollution in your area and atmospheric disturbance can make viewing a challenge.

    Your best bet will be on the evening of Tuesday 14th when the comet will be slightly to the left of the bright star Aldebaran in the constellation of Taurus. It should have a magnitude of around +6.0 so I would dig out those binoculars or telescope for a greater chance of success.

    If you venture outside after your Valentine's Day dinner, around 10pm, Aldebaran will be towards the west, halfway between the constellation of Orion and the Pleiades open cluster of stars, a little below planet Mars.


    For early risers, a Crescent Moon appears above the south east horizon a little before 6am on Thursday 16th. The Moon's "libration" or "wobble" means that the western limb of its surface is tilted slightly towards us which is an ideal time to spot some of the features right on the western edge like the Mare Orientale.

    Friday 17th is the date for the last of my astronomy evenings at the Ham Hill Visitor Centre, starting with a talk about the night sky at 7pm, followed by a star party if the weather is favourable. A few spaces are still available and you can book via the visitsouthsomerset.com website under the Ham Hill tab.

    Screenshots courtesy of Stellarium
    Copyright Adrian Dening and Radio Ninesprings 2023
    www.starsoversomerset.com

    More from Community & Charity News

    • Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

      Monday 28th April to Sunday 4th May 2025

    • Connor Hyde meets Tim Rice

      Radio Ninesprings arranged for Connor Hyde of Yeovil to meet Sir Tim Rice during his recent appearance at the Westlands Entertainment Venue.

    • New High Sheriff

      A new High Sheriff has been appointed to the role in Somerset.

    • Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

      Monday 21st to Sunday 27th April 2025

    • Battery Fires

      Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has been dealing with an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, especially in e-bikes and e-scooters.

    • Domestic Abuse

      Avon and Somerset Police, in collaboration with Somerset’s Domestic Abuse Service and Somerset Council, have launched a new initiative to improve the support given to domestic abuse victims.

    • False Fire Alarms

      Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says it’s dealing with an increase in false alarm calls.

    • Dog DNA

      Avon and Somerset Police are encouraging dog owners to protect their pets from theft by entering their details into a DNA doggy database.

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 6°C

    • Chard

      Light rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 6°C

    • Crewkerne

      Light rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 6°C

    • Somerton

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 7°C

    • Wincanton

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 6°C

    Recently Played