Comet 2020 F8 has dimmed well below “eyes only” visibility and seems destined for obscurity. Now that it has passed Perigee (closest distance to the Earth) and is passing Perihelion (closest distance to the sun), there can be no expectation of brightening, based on distance alone. Another outburst of erupted gas and dust also seems unlikely, so this is probably the end of the story for C/2020 F8. -Update: Yes, it was the end.
Next, I am thinking of a project to confirm the rotation period of a historical comet using the phase analysis as described in my Comet Update of April 26. This will utilize that data at the Comet Observation database. It will serve as proof that I am doing this analysis correctly.
“Comet Observation database (COBS) saw first light in 2010 and is maintained by Crni Vrh Observatory. It is a free and unique service for comet observers worldwide which allows submission, display and analysis of comet data in a single location.
Amateur astronomers can make valuable contributions to comet science by observing comets and submitting their observations to COBS as professional astronomers typically do not have telescope time required to acquire regular observations. We therefore encourage comet observers worldwide to submit their observations and contribute to the COBS database.”
COBS homepage
Orbit diagrams and distance info: https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi#top
Comet Observation database: https://cobs.si/analysis
Hasta Luego – Steve
GoingWalkabout.Blog 