Lifted from the yahoo group comet-ml DT Re: Major outburst of 17P/Holmes As Gary has already pointed out, the parallels between the current outburst of P/Holmes and the 1892 event are quite extraordinary. I would note that in 1892 E.E.Barnard indicated a maximum observed brightness of around +4 for the comet within a few days of Holmes discovery (although Holmes undoubtedly discovered the comet several days after the onset of the outburst). Following the initial stages of the outburst, the comet's total magnitude faded only very slowly and it remained visible to the unaided eye for about 3 weeks. During this interval the coma expanded dramatically (as might be expected), reaching 20'-30' in size before its outer regions began to drop below the sky background. One can anticipate that the same general evolution will occur this time. I would also call observers' attention to the fact that P/Holmes underwent a second outburst (something that has been observed in conjunction with several other outbursting comets), of almost equal amplitude to the first one, about 75 days following its 1892 November brightening. Thus, I would urge everyone to watch very carefully for a possible repeat of this secondary event about the turn of the year. JBortle __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com