All-nighter for West Norfolk comet watchers
MEMBERS of the West Norfolk Astronomy Society are hoping the night sky stays clear over the next few weeks to allow views of a comet visible to the naked eye.
The comet has exploded in spectacular fashion and went from being a couple of miles across to more than half a million miles across in the space of a few days and can now be seen as a yellowish blob in the constellation of Perseus. In this part of the world Perseus does not set and the comet – 17P/Holmes – is visible all night.
It has flared-up while moving away from the sun, a strange phenomenon which members of the society are hoping to view from Tottenhill Village Hall at 8pm tonight (Monday).
The group will meet every Monday at other locations before returning to Tottenhill on Monday, December 10.
More than 40 people attended an inaugural meeting held last month where they heard how the solar system was discovered and how the last 40 years have seen the ability to learn about the planets in detail.
"We are living in a golden age of planetary astronomy in which our knowledge of our planetary neighbours is growing by leaps and bounds," said society chairman John Clark.
The society meets at 8pm and admission is 2 for non-members and 1 for members.
Children under the age of 16 are welcome free of charge but must be accompanied by an adult.
For further information about the society and venues for comet viewing, contact 01553 679378.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
