C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) Visitor from Beyond

Amateurs discovery continues. Many amateurs patrol the skies in a systematic way and keep discovering comets, Asteroids, Variable stars, Nova and Supernova and even galaxies. This August 30th, amateur astronomer Gennady Borisov scanning the skies from Nauchnij near black sea in Ukraine reported discovery of a comet using his 25 inch telescope. After the initial observations were made it became clear that this comet could be a visitor from beyond solar system. This comet is designated as C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) may be changed to I/2019 Q4 (Borisov) as I/ (I indicating Interstellar) was adapted in 2017.

C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) in Cassiopeia constellation is slowly progressing towards perihelion on 9 December 2019 at 1.96 au (Piotr Guzik, et al) and is in hyperbolic orbit. Astronomers have photographed the comet C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) using 8.1 meter (319 inch) telescope.

Gemini Observatory two-color composite image of C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) which is the first interstellar comet ever identified. This image was obtained using the Gemini North Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) from Hawaii’s Maunakea. The image was obtained with four 60-second exposures in bands (filters) r and g. Blue and red dashes are images of background stars which appear to streak due to the motion of the comet. Composite image by Travis Rector.

Image Credit: Gemini Observatory/NSF/AURA

The C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) will not come within the orbit of Mars even in at Perihelion (closest to Sun) . Here is the orbit of C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) at the closest to Sun and also we can visualize the path of the comet with high eccentricity. Many planetarium programs may have to add a new feature to accept this high eccentricity. This image is of the top view of the solar system or as seen from north ecliptic pole. To give a good location on where we have to be to have this top view of our solar system is close to Cat's eye nebula in Draco. This image clearly shows the path of comet C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) will be beyond Mars.

The next image shows  the orientation of the path of C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) with respect to our orbital plane.

The comet is currently  at a visual magnitude of 17.7 and at its closest approach to Sun ,the magnitude will be 15.5, these values may change if there are any changes in the comet. The C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) will be closest to earth on 28^th December 2019.

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SPOTTING THE LANDING SITE OF CHANDRAYAAN 2

As the landing date for the Chandrayaan 2 approaches which is on 7th September  it is curious on where it is going to land. Amateur Astronomers who keep observing the celestial objects are more curious and would love to know the position of landing so that they can spot the landing area on the moon with their telescopes. Most of the craters are visible with small telescopes and there are lot of maps that are available online to spot the craters.

About the craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N

ISRO sources say that the landing site will be between craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N on the high lands between them. As amateurs will know the letters next to the crater names says that these are smaller craters around the big crater. Here Manzinus is a big crater with a diameter close to 100 km diameter and smaller craters near its vicinity are given capital letters for example Manzinus crater has Manzinus C, Manzinus D, Manzinus G, Manzinus E etc,. This is same with all craters, so Simpelius N is a small crater close to Simpelius crater which is close to 70km in diameter.

Locating the Landing site of Chandrayaan 2

To find the crater its good to start with the best known bright crater on the south side of the moon, the Tycho crater. After finding Tycho, the next hop is to near by crater Magnius, this is also easy to find because of the size of the crater, the Magnius crater is close to 160km in diameter. Next hop is to Crater Zach which is also easy to find due its appearance. Continuing in the same line to almost limb of the moon the landing sites of Chandarayaan 2 can be found, the craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N. Crater Manzinus C is easy to find because of the diameter it has, close to 20km, but the Simpelius N is little challenging at 8km diameter.

Location of Chandrayaan 2 Landing Site

Best time to Spot the Landing site of Chandrayaan 2

To attempt to spot the craters Sun has to light it up, as I am writing this article on 21st of August the craters are in the dark, the next chance will come on 6th September, when moon is half lit and the craters will be easy to spot until 17th of September. For future reference the craters are best seen from half moon after new moon to 3 days after full moon. Happy Spotting.

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