lew (08/18/82)
Saw comet Austin just below Ursa Majors hind foot with an Edmund Astroscan. ( 4.5" f/4 reflector with 28mm eyepiece ). I also saw it with binoculars. ( 7 x 50 ). I went to a rural site west of Aurora IL. Time of observation was 9:10 to 9:20 PM CDT. Conditions were excellent ( except for mosquitoes ). The Milky Way was pronounced with the Great Rift clearly visible. The comet appeared similarly to M13 in Hercules, except perhaps a little dimmer. Thanks to whoever it was that posted the coordinates. If conditions are good tomorrow I think I'll try again. Lew Mammel, Jr. - BTL Indian Hill