Comet Hartley 2 Returns

If you missed Comet McNaught this year, you'll have another chance (and a better one at that) to see a comet as Hartley 2 will come within 11 million miles of Earth on October 20.  This comet was discovered by Malcolm Hartley in 1986 and has an orbital period of 6.46 years.  Hartley 2 should be viewable by unaided eye in most moderately dark locations, estimated to reach around magnitude 5.  This should be an easy find in binoculars.  Tonight the comet is just above M31 in Andromeda, and will move northward below alpha Cassiopei by October 1.  Go out and find it!

Path of Comet Hartley 2 through late October (Sky and Telescope)