(meteorobs) Comet 17P coming events.

[Chris Peterson]

And on November 20, the dust coma diameter will be twice that of the 
Sun!

I haven't seen any convincing evidence that there are two cores. I 
continue imaging this object, and now that the outgassing from the 
nucleus has died down, it is possible to see very close to the true 
nucleus. There is no sign at all of fragmentation. And now we have HST 
images of the central coma, which also show no hint of fragmentation.

I think the slight increase in the dust velocity in the coma (compared 
with the ejection velocity) can be explained by simple diffusive 
processes influenced by the solar wind, which is enhancing the 
dissipation of dust and gas.

If the pattern from 115 years ago repeats, we could see a second 
outburst. This comet hasn't showed renewed activity- just a single large 
outburst of material lasting a few days, followed by an extended period 
of less outgassing (still present, but declining).

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <stange34 at sbcglobal.net>
To: <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2007 11:44 PM
Subject: (meteorobs) Comet 17P coming events.


> SpaceWeather quote:
>
>  On Monday, Nov. 19th, Comet Holmes will swallow Mirfak! Not really, 
> but the comet will pass directly in front of the star and the star 
> will shine through the comet's vast translucent atmosphere. The 
> overall effect will be that of a giant space-faring jellyfish 
> swallowing a phosphorescent treat. Astronomers, ready your telescopes!
>
> Wonder if the second core burst of light that lasted <2 seconds which 
> occured behind the frontal core having the same size and magnitude is 
> responsible for the renewed acceleration or velocity of the coma that 
> Chris is measuring. This momentary dual(?) core was about a week or so 
> ago and appeared to be a separation of the core into 2 pieces.
>
> Could 2 cores be responsible for the renewed growth & spread of the 
> coma?
>
> YCS