Post by patrickm on Oct 5, 2012 17:58:45 GMT -6
Read the rest at Sky & Telescope
www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Comet-Hergenrother-Puts-on-a-Show-172753901.html
Comet Hergenrother Puts on a Show
As it passes through perihelion, Comet 168P/Hergenrother has undergone an unexpected outburst and brightened to about 10th magnitude. You'll find it crossing the Great Square of Pegasus, well placed for evening viewing.
Veteran astronomer David Levy once famously said, "Comets are like cats: they have tails, and they do precisely what they want."
An interplanetary visitor has once again proved him correct. Comet 168P/Hergenrother, which passed through the perihelion of its 6.9-year orbit on October 1st, has erupted unexpectedly and dramatically. Although no one expected it to become brighter than 15th magnitude, the comet has blossomed significantly — to better than 10th magnitude by one recent estimate.
www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Comet-Hergenrother-Puts-on-a-Show-172753901.html
Comet Hergenrother Puts on a Show
As it passes through perihelion, Comet 168P/Hergenrother has undergone an unexpected outburst and brightened to about 10th magnitude. You'll find it crossing the Great Square of Pegasus, well placed for evening viewing.
Veteran astronomer David Levy once famously said, "Comets are like cats: they have tails, and they do precisely what they want."
An interplanetary visitor has once again proved him correct. Comet 168P/Hergenrother, which passed through the perihelion of its 6.9-year orbit on October 1st, has erupted unexpectedly and dramatically. Although no one expected it to become brighter than 15th magnitude, the comet has blossomed significantly — to better than 10th magnitude by one recent estimate.
