Comet 17P/Holmes

rising with the constellation of Perseus

Date: 1.11.2007 Time: 20:30 UT Exposure: 520 x 8s
Field of View: 21^o x 17^o Camera: Nikon D200 Filter: none
Optics: 50mm, 1/1.4 Place: Tübingen, Germany Observer: Till Credner

Date:	1.11.2007	Time:	20:30 UT	Exposure:	520 x 8s
Field of View:	21^o x 17^o	Camera:	Nikon D200	Filter:	none
Optics:	50mm, 1/1.4	Place:	Tübingen, Germany	Observer:	Till Credner

© Copyright by the observers

This time lapse sequence shows comet 17P/Holmes as a bright and slightly greenish object rising above the trees. Almost two hours with 520 exposures are compressed in a 17 seconds lasting video clip.

The comet is easily visible to the naked eye with about 2nd or 3rd magnitude. However, it does not show a prominent tail, but looks quite diffuse in comparison to the surrounding stars. On October 24th some kind of explosion, the reason is still under debate, has driven an incredible outburst in brightness. As a result an expanding dust shell and a gas coma, glowing greenish-blue from the light of neutral CN and C₂ gas are visible.

Look at Spaceweather.com for regular updates on the comet!