http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/comet.html
The SOHO-500 Comet Contest
Contest Objective
Predict the perihelion date and time of SOHO-500.
Rules
1. The contest is open to anyone, anywhere, except to Doug Biesecker and
Derek Hammer.
2. Entries must be e-mailed to Doug Biesecker (
[EMAIL PROTECTED]) no later than the end of the day May
31st, 2002 EDT (0400 UT, June 1).
Valid entries must include your name, your e-mail address, and the date
and time, including year, month, day and time of day in UT. Only one
entry per person will be accepted.
3. In the case of the 500th comet being an archive discovery, then the
discoverer is also not eligible, but the closest guess still wins.
4. Guesses will not be revealed publicly until the entry period has
closed. However names of those who have submitted guesses will be
posted to verify that an entry has been received on your behalf.
See the web site sungrazer.nascom.nasa.gov/soho500/
Note: The web site will be updated as often as possible, but due to
travel engagements, in the next few weeks, there will be delays.
Prize
Win a DVD or VHS copy of the SOLAR MAX movie (www.solarmovie.com).
Solar Max is a movie about the Sun. It also shows, very briefly, the
Twin sungrazers (C/1998 K10 and K11). It is definitely very cool,
featuring images not only from various satellites, but also of sites of
international interest, such as Machu Picchu in Peru, Newgrange in
Ireland, Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Tromso in Norway. It is available
commercially in a variety of video formats, including DVD and VHS (NTSC
and PAL). Find out more...
Other Notes & Disclaimers
Determination of the SOHO comet numbers is entirely at the discretion
of Douglas Biesecker. He assigns the numbers in order of discovery.
These numbers are not an official product of any recognized
astronomical body. However, they are a very convenient way to refer to
the various comets and to keep track of the total number.
Definition of an archive discovery: This is also at the discretion of
Douglas Biesecker. If a comet is reported more than 36 hours after it
is first visible in the data (and there are no large gaps in the data),
then the comet will be designated as an archive claim. In cases of
ambiguity, the 36 hour rule will begin at the time when an average
observer might be expected to have been able to find the comet.
* Neither ESA, NASA, or any other institution associated with SOHO is
involved with the adjudication of claims or providing the prize. The
contest is designed to increase the public's awareness of SOHO's
discoveries and demonstrate the ease of accesibility of scientific data
sets by the general public.
Links & Tips
Links
o As of May 2, 2001, the count is up to SOHO-435. Keep track of
discoveries at sungrazer.nascom.nasa.gov/recent.html.
o The SOHO Homepage, LASCO Homepage
Tips: Possible Strategies
1. Estimate the number of comets per year and extrapolate.
2. Refine your estimate by looking at the monthly variation in the
rate of discoveries.
3. Consider the chance that the discovery will be an archive claim.
4. Guess.
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