An Astromonic Look at Norway's Night Sky

by Benny Hoynes /
Benny Hoynes's picture
Jan 22, 2015 / 0 comments

The comet Lovejoy is now visible at the sky, among many millions stars. These photos were taken with my canon 6D, and my 200 mm lense, at jan. 20. 2015.

 

Comet Lovejoy, seen in Northern Norway, January, 2015. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

Comet Lovejoy, seen in Northern Norway, January, 2015. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

According to Wikipedia, C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy) is a long-period comet discovered on 17 August 2014 by Terry Lovejoy using a 0.2-meter (8 in) Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope. It was discovered at apparent magnitude 15 in the southern constellation of Puppis. It is the fifth comet discovered by Terry Lovejoy.

By December 2014, the comet had brightened to roughly magnitude 7.4,making it a small telescope and binoculars target. By mid-December, the comet was visible to the naked eye for experienced observers with dark skies and keen eyesight. On 28−29 December 2014, the comet passed 1/3° from globular cluster Messier 79.In January 2015, it brightened to roughly magnitude 4−5, and became one of the brightest comets located high in a dark sky in years. On 7 January 2015, the comet passed 0.469 AU (70,200,000 km; 43,600,000 mi) from Earth. It crossed the celestial equator on 9 January 2015 becoming better seen from the northern hemisphere. The comet will come to perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) on 30 January 2015 at a distance of 1.29 AU (193,000,000 km; 120,000,000 mi) from the Sun.

Before entering the planetary region (epoch 1950), C/2014 Q2 had an orbital period of about 11000 years. After leaving the planetary region (epoch 2050), it will have an orbital period of about 8000 years.
 

And also, some aurorapics, from Stamnes, Sortland in Vesterålen, northern Norway. Great colours. Taken at jan. 21. 2015 near my homeplace, just 10 min drive. Love this colours of the aurora borealis!

 

Colorful aurora borealis in Northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

Northern lights in Northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

The night sky, northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

Auroras in northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

Night sky, northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

Scenes from the night sky, northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

Auroras in Vesterålen, northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

The night sky in Stamnes, Sortland in Vesterålen, northern Norway. Photographer Benny Høynes

 

 

Here are some of Benny's recent articles on Norway:

Beautiful Winter Auroras from Hognfjorden, Vesterålen, Norway

Winter in Northern Norway

How to Photograph Northern Lights

Northern Lights in Norway

Norway's Dancing Auroras and Coronas

Auroras at Andøya Island, Northern Norway

The Most Beautiful View in Northern Norway

Summer in Northern Norway

Summer Sunsets in Norway

Scenes from Forfjord River, Northern Norway

The colors of a Norwegian summer, from beautiful Sørfjord, Sortland

Holiday in Sweden: Sunsets

Last Days of my Vacation in Sweden This Year

Summer in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Blue Nights in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Sunset in Sørfjorden, Vesterålen, Norway

Late Summer Shots in Northern Norway

Beautiful Views in Lotofen, Norway

Fall in Northern Norway

Sunsets and Fall in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

October Sun over Meadows and Field, Norway

Aurora outburst in Norway

The Rock Animals of Eidsfjord, Sortland in Vesterålen, Norway

The Magic Green Light in Arctic Norway

Arctic light: Aurora Borealis at Vesterålen, northern Norway

 

 

Benny Høynes is the Norway Editor for Wandering Educators. You can find his photos online at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bennyhynes

https://www.facebook.com/bennysbilder