Astronomical events of little importance are pretty irrelevant too, Daniel, as far as the non-astronimically minded newspaper reader is concerned. We're just talking about a blog aimed at the general public, not the International Astronomical Union membership. Kohoutek was Patrick's first experience with "crying wolf" for the public, but far from unique, and the experience is not irrellevant. McNaught was a non-event for the general public living in urban locations around here- where 95% of the population lives. It was suitably covered on astronomical Websites and in the astronomical press, so southern-hemisphere copy writers had ample notice. It's one of those cases of geography rendering something invisible (happens with eclipses every time). The media was very correct to not over-hype it in many American markets. Your statement that "over-hype is impossible" these days isn't correct. I fielded many questions from co-workers and friends who were unable to find it. Those who did see it as a bright dot with my help, either in broad daylight or the orange glow of sunset invariably said something like "THAT's what all the fuss is about?" and shook their heads. More than one local TV station mistakenly showed live shots of Venus, thinking they had the comet in view (the nucleus had already set long before then). What service was that to the public- mistakenly calling Venus comet McNaught? None. Many of my friends now don't listen to any press announcements of astronomical events unless they hear from me directly that it is visible and worth looking for. Over-hype has de-sensitized them to press releases. My suggestion to you, Daniel, would be to write your own blog and issue your own press releases if you find others lacking. Mention everything, no matter if it's visible or not, visually impressive or so esoteric that only you can appreciate on levels unknown to the rest of us. Ultimately Sheena will decide for herself what to publicize in her blog. We'll see what turns out to be hype and what turns out to be a public service. I'm sure we all wish her success. On Thu, Dec 25, 2008 at 2:14 PM, daniel turner <outwest112@yahoo.com> wrote:
Guys:
So how long will we be doing pennace for the sins of Kokoutek? It has been awhile you know. The media landscape of today is vastly different from way back when you wore bell bottoms and sideburns. Today we have the internet. The "media" doesn't go to Hansen Planetarium for news anymore, they send email directly to Roger Sinot, Alan McRoberts, and Sue French. They have to do this because all of their few remaining customers are doing so. Over hype is now virtually impossible, but Underhype is a lasting legacy of the Kohoutek parable. When Comet McNaught came by the media was careful to not overhype it, so few in the north even bothered to look at it. When the comet reached the southern hemisphere, the media there was caught flat footed. They had believed that their northern media friends and assumed that the comet would be no big deal.
I appreciate that Patrick went out and looked at comet West but many of today's amateur astronomers weren't alive back then.
The world has moved on. Kohoutek is irrelevant.