Incredibly bright Comet Holmes comes into focus at Smithsonian star party

The Mount Hopkins observatory southeast of Green Valley will hold a free star party Saturday night, and experts are hoping the phenomenal Comet Holmes will still be visible.

Comet Holmes, a periodic comet, brightened by a million times Oct. 24. It has been visible to the unaided eye since.

But sky watchers are concerned that it will fade, as it did after two other witnessed flare-ups in 1892 and 1893.

Some of the telescopes at the star party will be trained on Comet Holmes, also known as 17P, at the event.

Telescopes will be set up in the Smithsonian Institution’s observatory’s parking lot. Viewing will start about 6:15 p.m.

Earlier, starting at 4 p.m., the observatory’s parking lot will open, and there will be an informal lecture presented by observatory staff members at 5 p.m.

Other sky objects that will be easily visible Saturday night will be the planet Jupiter, double stars, star clusters, a crescent moon and more.

All events are free.

Dress for cool temperatures and small flashlights and binoculars are useful to bring.

To reach the observatory, drive east on Elephant Head Road off the east frontage road between the Canoa and Arivaca Junction - Amado interstate exits.

Go east over the bridge. One mile past the railroad tracks turn right, south, on the Mount Hopkins Road. Drive about seven miles to the visitors center and offices.

Avoid parking in the parking lot where the telescopes will be set up .

Volunteers from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy and Sonoran Astronomical Society will join Mount Hopkins staff members in running the show.

For more information, call 670-5707. In case of threatening weather, call 670-5707 after 4 p.m. Saturday for information about possible postponement.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749