Comet c/2005 k2 [linear]

[beren]

Got this off my clubs site , something to keep an eye on ...

> New comet C/2005 K2 (LINEAR) is causing a ripple of
> excitement among
> comet watchers. Discvered in May at 17th mag, it was not expected to
> become much better than 12th mag but it appears to have brightened
> from 13th
> to 9th magnitude in the last three weeks. It should peak at the end
> of this
> month by which time it could be quite bright, 7-8 mag, if this rate
> of
> increase continues (or it could go against these predictions, as
> comets tend
> to do). It will become visible here in the next week as it moves
> south,
> passing close, about one degree, to the Beehive in Cancer on 23 June
> and
> moving into Hydra by the 30th. Elevation is not good, about 12
> degrees early
> evening, but given its apparent rapid change it could be interesting,
> something to keep an eye on if you are looking for Deep Impact
> target 9P
> Tempel. Ephemeris at
> http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/Ephemerides/Comets/2005K2.html , use
> mag
> estimates as a guide only

[Greg Bryant]

Beren,

This is indeed an interesting comet (unfortunately, the Northern Hemisphere has had the viewing opportunities thus far).

The cause of the rapid change in brightness is that the comet split. In doing so, fresh comet material became exposed to solar heating - a ripe time for jets to materialise off the new surface.

Indeed, C/2005 K2 (LINEAR) is currently the brightest comet around, brighter than 9P/Tempel 1 or C/2004Q2 (Machholz).

[[1ponders]]

looks like we could have a good spring comet on the way :clap:

[h0ughy]

something to look for at the queensland Astrofest in august!