It seems that we have a celestial treat, just in time for Halloween. , a periodic normally appearing at around 17th magnitude, has performed a neat trick and brightened up to around 2.5 magnitude. What this means for us is that, even if you live in an area with a light-polluted city sky, you will be able to see the with the naked eye. Of course, the view gets better with binoculars or a telescope, but that will only enhance the show. This sudden display of cometary personality first appeared on the 24th of October, and within a day, grew from a star-like appearance into a big, fluffy blur because of the cloud of dust expanding from it. Its appearance has changed with each day since, so this is a great opportunity to watch what happens next. Who knows, it might even form a tail!

This is a preview of Comet Holmes, A Halloween Treat!. Read the full post (151 words, estimated 36 secs reading time)
Tags: , ,

continue reading.....