[sac-forum] [Fwd: Erupting Comet]

Holy Cow have you folks checked this comet out?

It's like a bright little golden fuzzy star nearly 90 dg to the left of Delta Persei!  I can easily see it in downtown Phoenix with the naked eye and especially in my 8x56 binocs.

I hope it stays bright for weekend viewing under dark skies!

Wayne



Space Weather News for Oct. 24, 2007
http://spaceweather.com

ERUPTING COMET:  Astronomers in Japan and Europe report that Comet 17P/Holmes is undergoing a spectacular 
eruption.  The 17th-magnitude comet has brightened by a factor of five hundred thousand or more during the 
past 24 hours becoming a naked eye object in the evening sky. This may signify a breakup of the comet's 
core or a rich vein of ice suddenly exposed to sunlight--no one knows. Look for a yellow 2.5th-magnitude 
fuzzball in the constellation Perseus after sunset. ("2.5th magnitude" means a little dimmer than the stars 
of the Big Dipper.) At present the comet looks more like a star than a comet; it does not have a discernable 
tail, but it might grow one as the outburst continues.  Visit http://spaceweather.com for a sky map, 
photos and updates.

If a friend sent you this alert and you would like to subscribe, 
click here: http://spaceweather.com/services/  

To unsubscribe click here: http://www.spaceweather2.com/u?id=903441S&n=T&l=spaceweather
or send a blank email to leave-spaceweather-903441S@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Other related posts: