Ice and Fire: Great Comets to Come was written because a special
celestial event climaxes towards the end of 2013 - the arrival, fresh
from the Oort Cloud, of Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). By all predictions -
even the most pessimistic ones - this comet is set to be one of, perhaps
the most, dazzling comet seen in modern history and has the astronomical
world buzzing with anticipation.
Skywatchers have already been primed for C/2012 (ISON) earlier in 2013
with the apparition of another naked-eye comet, C/2011 L4 (PanSTARRS),
and following C/2012 S1 (ISON) there is the prospect of 2012 K1
(PanSTARRS) reaching naked eye visibility in August 2014. Future bright
cometary prospects are also discussed, taking into account the latest
predictions.
Examining the origin and nature of comets using examples of great comets
from the past, this book sets the scene for the arrival of Comet C/2012
S1 and those following it over the next few years in the inner Solar
System. Skywatchers and amateur astronomers can learn how to follow,
observe and record comets. There is also a guide on how to keep abreast
of the latest cometary discoveries and how to use a variety of reputable
sources, including publications, websites, programs and apps to
visualize and plan observations. The role of the amateur in cometary
discovery also is featured, as well as details on how professional
astronomers plan to get the most 'science' out of cometary apparitions,
how and why professionals go about discovering comets, and upcoming
plans to visit comets with space probes (and later, perhaps, human
visits). Illustrations provide historic images of comets, images from
space probes and images of the latest bright comets. Orbital plots and
easy-to-follow sky charts are also included.
This book is a unique guide that sets the scene by giving a
comprehensive history of comets and examples of great comets throughout
history and informs the reader about the nature and origins of this
spectacular occurence. Expectations are fully covered by explaining not
only what the regular person can expect to see, but how amateur
astronomers can plan observations and what steps the professionals are
taking to 'get the most science' from this exciting event.
