Question

Who first spots the comet in the sky (even if he did not recognize it was a comet)?

Answer 1

Comet hunters verify new discoveries by checking an atlas of the sky and ensuring the object's motion matches typical comet behavior. Notable individuals such as Charles Messier and David Levy have invested significant time in comet observation and discovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comet hunters who believe they may have discovered a new comet are tasked with a methodical procedure before confirming their finding. Initially, they check the object's location in an atlas of the sky to ensure it's not a nebulae or galaxy, which can also appear as a small, fuzzy patch, similar to a comet. Notable comet hunters like Charles Messier, known as The Comet Ferret, and David Levy have dedicated countless hours to this pursuit.

Subsequently, the observers must verify that their sighting is not a comet already known to the community. If the comet is not previously recorded, the next step involves re-observing or re-imaging the object to confirm its motion is consistent with normal cometary behavior. Successful identification can lead to the joy of discovery and, in the case of new comets, potentially to fame within the astronomical community.

Answer 2

Comet hunters ensure the fuzzy patch they spot in the sky is a new comet by consulting an atlas, distinguishing it from known celestial objects, and observing its motion. Notable comet hunters include Charles Messier and David Levy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Who First Spots the Comet in the Sky?

When a potential new comet is spotted in the sky, it often looks like a small, fuzzy patch, similar to nebulae or galaxies as seen through amateur telescopes.

The celestial body must be located using an atlas of the sky to confirm it is indeed a comet and not a known object. Notable individuals in the history of comet hunting include Charles Messier, known as "The Comet Ferret," and modern-day comet hunter David Levy, who co-discovered Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9.

Messier frequently experienced the disappointment of mistaking nebulae for comets, leading him to compile a catalog to prevent such confusion. Levy, after many hours of searching, successfully found several comets, both independently and collaboratively, contributing significantly to the field of astronomy.