Comet 17P/Holmes
By Michael Rosolina
This is a recent view of the incredible, expanding, and ever-changing comet C17P/Holmes. Holmes is best viewed at low power so the observer can take in the entire coma, now greater in diameter than the Sun.
The outburst which produced this expansion may have a second act–the 1892 apparition had two outbursts about 75 days apart–so Holmes continues to be a worthwhile target for the amateur observer. It is best seen in a moonless sky, although the view holds up amazingly well even when Luna is present.
The sketch was done at the eyepiece with an HB graphite pencil, a blending stump, and a kneadable eraser on Strathmore 400 series 60 pound paper and inverted digitally after scanning.
Michael Rosolina
Friars Hill, WV USA
Michael,
Excellent sketch of this remarkable comet. With all the amateur astronomers watching this wonderful comet, if a second outburst occurs it will not be a long wait to find out.
Frank
Frank,
Thank you very much. You’re right–Holmes gets scrutinized daily and globally–some lucky and patient observer might be the first to see it flare up again.
Michael