Not to be missed ! -- Comet 17P/Holmes

No sooner does one comet come along than another appears !

Following hot on the heels of Comet LONEOS, another much brighter comet has appeared in Northern skies this week. Comet 17/P Holmes has brightened significantly in recent days and is also far better placed, in the constellation of Perseus. The comet is easily visible to the naked eye, and an excellent view with binocluars. Make sure you don't miss it !



In this image, taken by Janet Simpson, the 2 bright stars on the righthand side are Alpha Persei and Delta Persei. The bright 'star' to the left is the comet.



Close up of the core of Comet Holmes - 29 Oct 2007.
Image: Alan Cayless

Spaceweather Finder Chart

Comet LONEOS

The autumn observing season is getting off to a good start with the first comet of the season:Comet LONEOS. This bright comet will pass close to Arcturus over the next few days and should be visible in binoculars or a small telescope.
You'll need to get out shortly after dark though, and you'll need a clear view of the northern horizon.

BAA Article
BAA Finder Chart

Celestial Events in October

• 7th: Moon occults Regulus for most of England. Seen as a graze in North of England and as a near miss in Scotland. Moon, Venus and Saturn close together: good photo opportunity.
• 14th: Venus makes a close pass of Saturn (3º) in the morning sky
• 20th: Jupiter passes less than 10' to the north of globular cluster NGC6287 (magnitude +9.2)
• 21st/22nd: Peak of the Orionids meteor shower
• 23rd: Mercury reaches inferior conjunction
• 26th: Moon is at perigee at 12h 00m UT. Full Moon at 04h 52m UT
• 27th/28th: Moon appears to pass through the northern regions of The Pleiades from 22h 00m UT onwards
• 28th: Daylight saving ends at 01h 00m UT

Start of new season

As the nights continue to draw in, we are now well into our autumn season. The next meeting will be at the Smith Institute on Friday 12th October, at 7:30 pm. All welcome.

Our next session of evening classes starts on the 4th of October. These classes are suitable for beginners, and will involve the opportunity to use the telescope whenever the weather permits. Classes take place in the Highland Hotel on the first Thursday of the month, at 7:00 pm.

Further details on our Meetings page, or please contact us for more information.