Tyler and all,

The comet has already made its circuit around the sun, which it did in May, and is in the process of heading back into the area of the solar system between Mars and Jupiter where it completes its eliptical orbit in just under 7 years. Unlike many comets that come from the areas of the solar system well beyond the orbit of Jupiter, Comet Holmes has an orbit that remains between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter on an inclined plain. Since it is estimated at only about 2 miles in diameter and never makes a close approach to the sun, this comet is not normally known for making spectacular shows. It has had a tendancy to make exceptions to this, as when first discovered in 1892 when it made 2 sudden vivid eruptions simlar to that of this year. 

After 1902, the comet was lost after a pass of Jupiter and not rediscovered until 1964 where it was learned that the gravitational forces from the large planet had altered the orbit. Since the comet is now at near opposition to the earth (the earth is nearly directly between the sun and the comet) we are viewing the comet 'head-on' so to speak and any tail created by this recent outburst is hidden behind the comet itself and blowing in the solar wind directly away from us. Don't expect much of an increase in tail display, but if the comet soon has a second sudden outburst like it did in 1892, it could become larger and more visible than it is now. The comet is expected to be visible for another couple of weeks, but the waxing moon after mid-month will interfere with our ability to make observations well much beyond that.

OK, enjoy the views while the opportunity presents itself, now back to birding.

Ed Boyd
Westminster, MD
-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: James Tyler Bell <> 

> Last night Jane and I went out to view the comet. It's easily seen with 
> binoculars. The easiest way to find it is to find Cassiopeia and orient yourself 
> so that it is a "W". Follow the double Vs downward until you see a triangle of 
> bright stars which are part of Perseus. The one on the bottom left is the comet. 
> We got it in the scope but it was just a larger fuzz ball. I suspect that as it 
> moves closer to the sun that the tail will become more apparent, hopefully. 
> 
> BTW, the interactive sky chart is awesome! 
> 
> Tyler Bell 
>  
> California, Maryland