Posted on 11/18/2007 2:50:44 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
With the mass ejected to form a gas cloud larger than the diameter of the Sun, something HAD to hit that little ball of ice and dust rather hard.
This is the most amazing comet in my lifetime, and I take images of it every night, when the weather will permit.
What time of night is it visible in Northern Cal?
Last night it was very close to Alpha Persei (the brightest star in Perseus).
spaceflightnow.com
Currently, Comet Holmes has a total brightness of 3rd magnitude, however its large size on the sky (and resulting low surface brightness) makes it difficult to see without binoculars or a telescope. However, when it was discovered in 1892 it underwent a second bright outburst five months after the first. If Holmes repeats its historical performance, then this comet may offer viewers one more chance to see the show before it bows from the stage.
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