New Naked Eye Comet - 17/P Holmes

Hello all,

Received the below report from BAA. Comet 17/P Holmes has undergone a superoutburst, it was predicted to be mag +17 but is now naked eye at +3.8. Report is below, also see links inc finder chart.

www.aerith.net/comet/weekly/current.html
www.aerith.net/comet/catalog/0017P/2007.html

BAA electronic bulletin No. 00313 www.britastro.org/======================...====================
In the past 24 hours, a spectacular event has taken place involving the periodic comet P/Holmes (17P). Its predicted brightness is about magnitude 17 however last night it was discovered by the Spanish amateur, Juan Antonio Henríquez Santana to have undergone a tremendous outburst having attained magnitude 10 at that time (Oct 24 0h UT). It was a similar outburst in 1892 that led to its discovery. Latest reports (Seiichi Yoshida, Oct 24 13h UT) indicate that it is stellar in appearance and 3RD MAGNITUDE in brightness: so bright in fact that it is readily visible to the unaided eye. That's almost one million times brighter than normal ! Fortunately for UK-based observers the comet is well placed for observation and is visible throughout the entire night. Its position at 0h UT tonight (Oct 24/25) will be: R.A. 03h 53.0m, Dec. +50 08' Its appearance will probably be that of a fairly bright naked-eye star moving at an apparent rate of close to 10 arcmin per day at PA 298 deg. It is currently 1.63 AU (245 million km) from the Earth. Observations are strongly encouraged and should be reported to Jonathan Shanklin, Director of the Comet Section.

Clear Skies

Richard Miles

Neill

That is amazing, from mag 17 to 3.8! From the charts given, it looks like we should be able to spot it in Perseus. With the Moon getting brighter at the opposite side of the sky, it might prove to be slightly difficult if it is quite diffuse. Weather prospects look good outside right now...

Seanie.

That is amazing, from mag 17 to 3.8!

It just went past the interplanetary 'Please Turn your Headlights on' sign.

Yes!!! This is why I love this hobby, it's full of surprises! Hopefully tonight will be clear. It very near the brightest star in Perseus......more to come....

Keith..

That is amazing, from mag 17 to 3.8!

It just went past the interplanetary 'Please Turn your Headlights on' sign.

Does "Links Fahren/Drive on Left" work to keep it visible around our latitude?

Cool! Would love to get a look at that. It's been clear for for a couple of hours, so I hope it holds up.

Thanks for the heads up Neill!