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C/2010 X1 (Elenin)

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  • 17-04-2011 5:17pm
    #1
    iPlop
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭


    Just a quick question for you guys.Since this comet is passing relatively close to earth in October 2011, is it going to be spectacular like Hale-bopp was in '97?


    halebopp3_pacholka.jpg


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    #2
    backboiler
    Registered Users Posts: 368 ✭✭backboiler


    No one can say with certainty.
    Comets are unpredictable because if pressure builds up from the increased heat as it approaches the Sun it can cause explosions with gas, rock and ice being released. These events can make it increase in brightness by a few magnitudes.
    I can't remember the name but I think this happened a couple of years ago and it went from mag 11 to mag 5 (naked eye visible) but I might have that wrong.


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    #3
    iPlop
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭iPlop


    backboiler wrote: »
    No one can say with certainty.
    Comets are unpredictable because if pressure builds up from the increased heat as it approaches the Sun it can cause explosions with gas, rock and ice being released. These events can make it increase in brightness by a few magnitudes.
    I can't remember the name but I think this happened a couple of years ago and it went from mag 11 to mag 5 (naked eye visible) but I might have that wrong.

    I didn't have a telescope when bopp flew by all those years back ,I hope we will be able to see this clearly in the skies with a telescope.Thanks for the info


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    #4
    Popoutman
    Registered Users Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭Popoutman


    backboiler wrote: »
    this happened a couple of years ago and it went from mag 11 to mag 5 (naked eye visible) but I might have that wrong.
    That was comet Holmes.

    Current estimates for this particular comet are that it is underperforming somewhat compared to the models, so instead of being a spectacular comet it's looking likely to be a good binocular object instead.


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    #5
    Flukey
    Registered Users Posts: 11,001 ✭✭✭✭Flukey


    Obviously the predictions will get more accurate closer to the time, but whatever happens, it'll be worth watching out for.


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