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THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 1053      1996 Feb 26 18.20UT
Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise,  Basingstoke,
Hants, RG22 4PP,England. Telephone/FAX(0256)471074 Int:+44256471074
INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK             GMH at AST.STAR.RL.AC.UK
WORLD WIDE WEB                    http://www.demon.co.uk/astronomer
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COMET C/1996 B2 (HYAKUTAKE)
As suggested on E1052 it is now evident that this comet is
brightening more rapidly than at first expected. Further estimates:
1996 Feb 19.28UT, 7.5 (R.Lourencon, Brazil, 20x80B, dia 10')
         21.17UT, 7.9 (Bjorn Granslo, Norway, 0.20-m T dia 3'.
                       Observation made when comet 6 deg altitude)
         22.28UT, 7.2 (Jose Guilherme de Souza Aguiar, Brazil,
                       11x80B, dia 7')
         23.75UT, 6.8 (Paul Camilleri, Australia, 20x80B, dia 8')
         24.74UT, 6.5 (Camilleri)

Martin Mobberley, Assistant Editor, has examined the results on
E1052 and this circular together with earlier estimates. It seems
there is a suggestion some of the earliest results may have been
too faint but he finds the following formula fits most observations
by the more experienced observers:

Mag = 2.5 + 5 log Delta + 20 log r

If the comet sustains this performance and follows the formula,
then at close approach to the Earth in late March it could reach
magnitude -2 and at perihelion mag -10.

It would assist the Editor if observations of this comet are
now sent via e-mail DAILY. This will enable us to keep all
subscribers informed and also spread the anticipated enormous
workload of entering observations for both TA and the BAA
Comet Section which will be exceptional in the coming months.

Guy M Hurst