CENAP Infoline - no 033

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: 33
Date: March 3, 1996

This issue of cenap-infoline is primarily dedicated to Comet Hyakutake, a celestial event generating significant excitement in early 1996. It also includes several shorter articles on unrelated topics, including a recovered satellite, unusual underwater activity in Sweden, a UFO-themed highway in the US, and a space mission to an asteroid.

Comet Hyakutake: The Star of the Issue

The main focus is on Comet Hyakutake, heralded as potentially the brightest comet in 20 years and the closest Earth approacher in decades. The article highlights its discovery by Japanese amateur astronomer Yuji Hyakutake on January 31, 1996, using a 25x150 field telescope.

Astronomers like Charles Morris, who has visually tracked over 200 comets, express high expectations. Morris states, "He has the best potential I've seen so far," and suggests that Hale-Bopp might become even brighter. Brian Marsden, known for his caution regarding comets, also believes Hyakutake will not be a disappointment, predicting it could be the brightest since the 'West' comet.

Key astronomical details are provided: Hyakutake is expected to come within 15 million km of Earth on March 25, 1996, appearing as a diffuse light spot of 1/2 to 1 degree in diameter, possibly with a long, faint tail. Its perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) is scheduled for May 1, 1996, at 0.23 AU. The comet is noted for releasing gas in quantities similar to Halley's Comet and its apparent brightness is increasing as predicted. Unlike periodic comets, Hyakutake appears to be on a parabolic trajectory, suggesting it is entering the inner solar system for the first time.

Observations from February 16-18, 1996, already allowed for observation with 7x50 binoculars. The article provides a detailed observational timeline: by March 12, it was expected to be near Spica at magnitude 5m; by March 18, east of Spica at 3.4m; by March 20, crossing the equator at 2.7m; and by March 22, passing 8 degrees from Arcturus at 2m. The closest approach on March 25 is predicted to have a magnitude of +0.8m with an angular velocity of 18 degrees per day. Its apparent coma diameter could swell to at least 0.5 degrees due to the close Earth distance.

Morris predicts the comet will appear as a condensed, diffuse ball, possibly denser and smaller than I-A-A. The tail's visibility is expected to be affected by viewing geometry, potentially appearing shortened by 40% if viewed directly away from the Sun. After March 25, a very long tail (dozens of degrees) might become visible, with the best viewing period between March 22 and 31. However, the article cautions that most comets develop beautiful plasma tails before perihelion, while spectacular dust tails, more visible to the human eye, typically appear after perihelion when the nucleus heats up. Therefore, while a 20-40 degree tail might exist in late March, it may only be visible from dark locations. Urban observers might see only a diffuse object with little to no tail. For Europe, the comet's position is optimal, reaching the zenith around 2:30 AM.

The comet's fresh, non-periodic nature makes it particularly interesting for research, as it carries pristine solar system materials. The Hubble Space Telescope is scheduled to observe it, aiming to capture direct images of its nucleus. The article notes that the comet's apparent condensation will increase as it moves away from Earth, making it appear more star-like. Its visibility will be affected by the Moon, except for the night of April 3-4 when the full moon will be in Earth's shadow. The comet will then rapidly move towards the Sun, with visibility conditions deteriorating due to increasing distance from the Sun and the return of the full moon. Despite this, its dust production is expected to be immense, potentially leading to impressive dust tails visible from the Southern Hemisphere in May. However, its brightness will rapidly decline, and it may become invisible to the naked eye by early June.

Hyakutake is noted as being one of only 11 comets in the last 300 years to come this close to Earth, the closest since 1983, and the fifth closest of the century. It is also the brightest Earth-approaching comet seen since the early 18th century, with its spectrum indicating it expels gas at a rate comparable to Halley's Comet at a similar solar distance.

An ESO quote suggests that current observations show Hyakutake as an 'active' comet and that it is likely to provide a beautiful spectacle.

TV and Book Tips

• TV Tip: March 17, 1996, on arte: A themed evening on UFOs and European UFO research.
• Book Tip: "Der Fremdling im Glas" (The Stranger in the Glass) by Gero von Rando, available as a paperback from RoRoRo.

Express-Kapsel: Successful Recovery

An article reports on the successful recovery of the German-Russian-Japanese research satellite 'Express'. Launched on January 15, 1995, it was initially presumed lost after a failed launch. However, it was found in Ghana after completing three Earth orbits. Local inhabitants observed its descent and located the capsule, bringing its payload to the capital, Accra. Experts from the German DARA agency confirmed its identity, noting that the capsule had survived re-entry, landing, and subsequent handling. The payload is to be transported to Germany for further examination.

Marine Activity in Swedish Waters

Between 1981 and 1994, Swedish Navy sonar systems detected over 6000 instances of "underwater activity of unknown origin" within Swedish territorial waters, leading to suspicions of foreign submarine incursions. The speed of propellers was reportedly detectable, estimated at 200 revolutions per minute.

A government-commissioned scientific committee offered a surprising explanation: the sounds attributed to foreign submarines are also generated by rapidly swimming otters and mink. The commission concluded that only about six of the more than 6000 alarm reports actually involved submarines from a foreign power.

"Extraterrestrial Highway" in Nevada

UFO believers in the USA now have their own designated road: State Route 375 in Nevada has been officially named the "Extraterrestrial Highway." This 200-kilometer desert road, located north of Las Vegas, sees only about 53 cars daily. However, it is renowned as a hotspot for UFO sightings, largely due to its proximity to the highly restricted Groom Lake test site, where advanced US Air Force aircraft are tested.

NEAR Mission to Explore Asteroid Eros

The American Delta rocket launched the unmanned spacecraft "NEAR" into space. Over three years, the mission aims to reach the asteroid "Eros" and gather new insights into the origins of the solar system. Eros is described as the second-largest of the approximately 250 near-Earth asteroids. From February to December 1999, "NEAR" will approach Eros to within 16 kilometers, studying its mass, density, and composition. The mission's cost is reported as 180 million Marks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of cenap-infoline demonstrates a strong interest in astronomical phenomena, particularly comets, while also covering a range of other topics that touch upon the unusual, unexplained, or technologically advanced. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on scientific discoveries (like Comet Hyakutake and the NEAR mission) alongside more fringe or unexplained events (UFOs, the 'Extraterrestrial Highway'). There's a clear effort to provide factual details and expert opinions on astronomical events, while also acknowledging public interest in UFOs and related phenomena. The inclusion of TV and book tips suggests an aim to engage readers with broader cultural and speculative interests within the UFO and science community.