Comet Holmes Observing Report

Posted by Kelly Whitt Oct 24, 2007

Comet Holmes underwent a rapid brightening in the past 24 hours, making it a simple sight to spot without binoculars or a telescope. (Read the Comet Holmes Suddenly Brightens article.)

Comet Holmes is easy to find. First find the W shape of Cassiopeia lying on its side in the northeast. Then look below to find a very bright star near the horizon. This star is Capella in Auriga. In the space between Cassiopeia and Auriga lies the constellation Perseus.

At the moment, Perseus appears to have a distinct backward L shape made from three bright stars. In fact, the lower left star in the L is not a star at all but Comet Holmes. Through binoculars the comet clearly looks yellowish, especially comparing it to the bluish white stars nearby. Through my telescope the comet looked slightly oblong, with a bit of a haze encircling it.

Who knows how long Comet Holmes will put on this great display. Get out and see it while you can!