BAA Comet Section
2019 Y4 (ATLAS) A 19th magnitude object was discovered in images taken with the 0.5m Schmidt at Mauna Loa on December 28.60 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) team. Confirmations came from several amateur observers including Michael Jaeger and Eric Bryssinck. It had been posted on the PCCP as A10j7UG. [CBET 4712, MPEC 2020-A112, 2020 January 10/11]. The comet is at perihelion at 0.3 au in 2020 May and could become visible with the naked eye. Maik Meyer noted that its orbit is very similar to that of the Great Comet 1844 Y1. Michael Jaeger reported it at 14th magnitude on February 15. It is brightening rapidly and may become a binocular object in late March. Further visual observations are needed to define the likely perihelion brightness.
Physical Parameter Table
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2020年02月26日 15.6等確認できず