I saw my first comet back in early 1970. Bennet's Comet was the largest and brightest of all the ones I have seen. Over the years there have been several: Khoutek in 1973 ,West in 1975, Halley's in 1986, Hyakatake in 1996, and Hale-Bopp in 1997. Now I can add Comet Holmes to the list. This one is hanging around for awhile and hopefully it will get brighter as time goes on. We first saw it about a month or so ago when it appeared as a fuzzy spot in the nighttime sky. Viewing thru the binoculars made it easier to see. We also saw it thru the telescope at the planeterium last month when we took Hannah there. Last night I was looking for it again but didn't see it anywhere. Tonight I walked outside to go over to the laundry room here at the RV park and glanced up and there it was straight up overhead, big and bright and it immediately caught my eye. I came back inside and grabbed by binoculars for better viewing. We have some whispy clouds tonight that obstruct the view on and off but for the most part it is clear and even with all the light pollution we have here we are still able to see it naked eye. I have always loved seeing comets. I have seen several photos of Comet Holmes online but none look like it does tonight so will have to wait until I can find one to post. I tried to take some photos with my camera but nothing shows up. Oh well... If you haven't seen it yet, get outside on a clear night and look up! You can't miss it. Also later this week are the Geminid meteor showers so I will be out looking again. In a few weeks comet Tuttle will be making an appearance and I hope to be able to see it as well.
Bennett's Comet 1970
Comet Kohoutek 1973
Comet West 1975
Halley's Comet 1986
Comet Hyakatake 1996
Comet Hale-Bopp 1997
***full credit given to the photographers of these photos***
