Comet Unexpectedly Brightens a Millionfold

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!"

Comments

UK?

[Turn-X Alphonse]

What about in the UK? Where would I need to look to see this thing?

I know /. is American centered but the world is a pretty big place and those of us not in that continent might like to know where we can/can't see things.

Re:Er, where?

[Ogive17]

I blame Rob Malda for living in Michigan.. seriously.. how f'n dare he create a blog that deals with news that affects him... he's such an ignorant American.

Get over your superiority complex because you've travelled around the world. Guess what, I've been to S. American twice... you know what they talk about on the news... local items! The only time I saw anything about the US was when I was watching ESPN from the hotel. Who would've guessed the media in a certain country typically focuses on that country.

Most people on /. are smart enough to figure out the details for viewing this comment on their own. There's no reason the story needs to hold everyone's hand.