comet c / 2017 T2 Panstarrs

This is the comet c / 2017 T2 Panstarrs, imaged thru its passage of sh2- 205.

Based on the absolute magnitude published for this comet by the British Astronomical Association's Comet Section, it is estimate that it may be around mag 7 at perihelion.

Comet C/2017 T2 (PANSTARRS) will make its closest approach to the Sun, at a distance of 1.61 AU.

From BAA….C/2017 T2 (PANSTARRS) was discovered at 20th magnitude in 2017 September when it was it was 9.3 au from the Sun. It is heading for a perihelion at q=1.6 au in early 2020 May. The comet is currently in conjunction but it was apparently brightening rapidly when last seen in April. It should become visible from the UK in mid July very low in the morning sky as it moves slowly NE in Taurus. By then it will be 3.8 au from the Sun and 4.5 au from the Earth. It moves higher in the sky and will be visible throughout the autumn, winter and spring as a circumpolar object and it remains well placed in Ursa Major at perihelion. Magnitude estimates through the late summer and autumn should help to constrain the lightcurve.

Copyright: Cristina Cellini