Holmes

What up, holmes?

What Up, indeed.



Hat tip to Urban, once again, for keeping tabs on
what stories don't make the 11 o'clock news.

Here's some interesting language.

A article in New Scientist tells us that Comet Holmes has brightened by a factor of a million in 24 hours and according to David Morrison, senior scientist at the NASA Astrobiology Institute in Moffett Field, California, "This is equivalent to the planet Saturn suddenly becoming as bright as the Full Moon."

Science tells us that the comet is heading away from us, but cannot explain why it has suddenly brightened. Although there are many theories of why we can't see the tail of the comet, many are speculating that we can't see the tail because the comet is heading towards earth. Most do not believe it will hit earth, but think we may be due for an amazing sky show as the months pass. Others feel that this close encounter will change us as a society and that the comet has been brought to us because we are war hungry.

While reading as much as I could on Comet Holmes the most interesting thing I discovered is how little coverage this anomaly is receiving. Although this comet is not new, its explosion of light is unusual and I am confused as to why the major news outlets have yet to report this story. Could it be that since the experts don't understand what is ocurring, the decision makers don't want to cause fear? Whether Comet Holmes continues to grow and brighten or simply fades out of sight and mind, no one seems to know, including the experts, so take a look and be amazed.

I say, WTF?


...the BBC report

...the SpaceWeather gallery

...the SkyandTelescope gallery

...the map

UPDATE (11/1/07):

a nice close up of Holmes...



continuing updates...