The comet lives! The clouds parted for a woefully short time last evening, but long enough for me to grab the
Nikon Prostar and look for Comet 17P/Holms, yet again. I am pleased to report that the comet is still visible from my heavily light polluted patio, but, to be honest, I would have a hard time convincing a jury of non-astronomers that there was anything there at all. I am down to averted vision, moving the binocular back and forth and using every other trick in the observer's book to see it. Still, Comet 17P/Holms has become something of an old friend. Clear evenings just won't be the same when it is gone. I think my
astronomy binoculars will miss the comet, too. If nothing else, the comet has proven to be a great example of an object better seen with a
binocular than a telescope, especially these last weeks as the comet has faded. Even birding binoculars, such as the excellent
Zeiss Victory 10x42, have proven to be useful on this comet.