[Canyon] comets, forests, mail

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Tom Fiddaman

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Jan 12, 2023, 2:20:56 PM1/12/23

to can...@bcpoa.net

Hi neighbors -

There's been a little bit of buzz about comet C/2022 E3, which is brightening and should be visible. I've been busy and haven't seen it myself, but here's some intel.

First question, where & when. I haven't run across a good article on locating it, but here are some sources:

TheSky (astro software) has a detailed finder page:

https://theskylive.com/c2022e3-info

That shows that it's currently in Corona Borealis, though really more in the area between Corona, Bootes and Hercules. Where the heck is that? Sky&Telescope's chart gives a better overview:

The short version is that it's in the East, and you have to get up pretty early - probably after 2 or 3am for it to be high enough, but well before the lightening of the sky before sunrise.

This is a fairly dim comet, so reports indicate that you'll probably need binoculars to see it. It should be brightening over the next two weeks, but that process is unpredictable. This is probably a good time to mention that you (and possibly your neighbors) definitely won't see it if you have unshielded outdoor lighting ( see http://bcpoa.net/resources/dark-skies/ ). The big box stores have been selling tons of noncompliant LED flood fixtures that are really destructive of views.

If anyone has better information - especially local experience - please let me know and I'll share it.

In other news, the MSU Forest Stewardship Workshop flyer just arrived in my mailbox. If it's not in yours, you can get information at

https://www.montana.edu/extension/forestry/forest-stewardship/index.html

The Bozeman workshop is already full, unfortunately.

If you didn't get the flyer in your mailbox, that could be due to USPS staffing. We've had a lot of reports of undelivered mail, and several conflicting accounts of the prospects for replacement of our regular carrier, who is evidently retiring. The underlying problem, according to Sen. Tester in a town hall recently (via Richard Lyon), is that regulations don't give the PO enough leeway to adapt to local job market conditions. Apparently they are trying to triage to get the most important mail and packages through, but it's not obvious when things will really improve. This is obviously a problem for things like zoning notices. Do let us know how you fare if problems continue.