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Comet Unexpectedly Brightens a Millionfold

Posted by kdawson on from the portents-in-the-heavens dept.

swordgeek writes "Comet 17P/Holmes, a relatively obscure and (until a few days ago) dim object, has suddenly flared to be literally a million times brighter, going from magnitude 18 to 2.8. It is just outside of the constellation Perseus, which puts it high in the sky and ideal for viewing at this time of year. The comet still appears starlike even in binoculars but should grow to several arcminutes across over the next few nights. The comet is now readily visible to the naked eye. This is a completely unexpected once-in-a-lifetime event, so get out your finest optics (even if it's just your eyes) and go comet watching!"

2 of 276 comments (clear)

  1. Re:UK? by clickclickdrone · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    Sorry old bean but the comet will be hidden by the smog dontcha know.

    --
    I want a list of atrocities done in your name - Recoil
  2. Re:careful by spun · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Making people safe from a type of thinking? Fuck you, Mr. mind-cop, I don't need you or anyone else to 'protect' me from thoughts.

    --
    - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton