Questions about the Deep Impact

[Zjy]

Hi all,

 (Does anyone know if the reported collision time (1:52 EDT) is relative to the comet, or to us? As I make it, the comet will be about 0.89 AU at the time of impact (according to SN), which translates to about 7.4 light minutes.

So if there is anything to see from here, and the collision time is relative to the comet, then it shouldn't be visible for another 7 minutes, or about 2 AM EDT.

Z.J.

[yale]

52 minutes after the hour is the time when the impact image reaches Earth. The splash occurs 7-8 minutes earlier if you are at the comet.

BTW - the estimated impact time is just that - an estimate.

If you are planning to watch, wait for refined predictions


http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/deepimpact/timeline/index.html

http://deepimpact.umd.edu/amateur/gallery.cfm

[Zjy]

Thank you very much for your help and the websites you recommended:)

 I  have had a great Astronomy interest for years.(can't deny I am still a novice. )and There's always something to learn.