Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 returns

Paul Petrov — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 03:19:00 GMT

Yes, it's still alive and rolling. This is a famous comet discovered in 1930 that broke apart on it's return in 1995. It keeps disintegrating and there are over 20 parts identified. The brightest ones are already visible in amateur instruments as they about 9th magnitude now. In the middle of May when it passes near Earth the comet may reach 4th magnitude which is in naked eye range given clear sky and away from city lights. Comet updates and finding charts can be found on NASA and at Sky and Telescope site. Got to plan a night out in mountains. :)

"Do not trust people. They are capable of greatness." (S. Lem)

Paul Petrov — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 21:12:00 GMT

Stanislaw Lem died at age 84 in Krakow on March 27, 2006. He is my favorite science fiction author and I have strong memories of mind sinking feeling I had when was discovering his works at high school and later. I feel the urge to re-visit some things and read whatever missed out.

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Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 returns

"Do not trust people. They are capable of greatness." (S. Lem)