Garradd彗星已经可以作为观测目标
A good target for binoculars and small telescopes, Comet Garradd (C/2009 P1) now shines in planet Earth's evening skies, a steady performer but just below naked-eye visibility. Telescopic images like this composite can find the comet with a lovely green coma, sporting multiple tails, and lingering against a background of faint stars. The field of view spans over 1 degree or about 2 full moons within the southern boundaries of the constellation Hercules. Now around 16 light minutes (2 astronomical units) away, P1 Garradd is an intrinsically large comet, but will never make a very close approach to Earth or the Sun while sweeping through the inner solar system. As a result, the comet will likely stay a sight for telescopic eyes only, moving slowly through the sky and remaining in Hercules during the coming months.
参考译文:
望远镜和小型望远镜已经可以把Garradd彗星(C/2009 P1)当作观测目标,现在这颗彗星正在地球的天空下闪烁,它非常稳定,但又低于裸眼能见度。像图中所展现的这张合成照片里,你会发现这颗彗星像一个可爱的绿色光晕,延展出多条彗尾,对天空中那些微弱的星辰恋恋不舍。视距在南部武仙座范围内1度或者有2个月亮那样宽,约16光分(2个天文单位)。P1 Garradd彗星本质上是一个大彗星,但在其扫过太阳系内部时,却永远不会接近地球或太阳。该彗星将很有可能继续只用望远镜即可看到,它在天空中慢慢移动并且在未来的几个月内将一直停留在武仙座。