Comet Holmes

So have you seen Comet Holmes yet? This comet has an amazing story (see Sky and Telescope for details). It was discovered in 1892 and comes around every 6.88 years, but for some reason on this pass it decided to show off. Last week, practically overnight, it increased in brightness from mag 17 to about mag 3. I found it with my naked eyes in the backyard tonight (it was dark so the neighbors weren't offended) and then pulled out the trusty Astroscan 2001 for a closer look. Neat!



Predictions are that it will remain this bright for some time. It is past Jupiter's orbit going away from the sun so if it has a tail we can't see it from here, but it is still impressive, a nice addition to the constellation Perseus.

Life Lessons

Life Lesson #178: If you hear a rumbling sound that rattles the windows on your house, run outside and encourage others to follow you. A vintage B-17 bomber might be flying over.

Life Lesson #212: Never, ever, buy the sticky mouse traps and leave them in your garage for three days without checking them.

Life Lesson #594: Never spray WD40 on the drive belt of your car unless you don't plan to drive anywhere anytime soon.

Life Lesson #595: If your dad has his arm up to the shoulder inside his car engine, don't ask him to come inside to override the parental control lock on the tv. Find your mother or read a book.

Life Lesson #596: WD40 will remove most of the grease and oil from your hands and arms after you give up trying to put the drive belt back on your car.

Life Lesson #810: Periodically review those power tool safety tips that your shop teacher bored you to death with.

It's Nice To Have You In Birmingham, circa 1967

Local good ole boy treating visiting good ole boy and family to a visit to Vulcan Park today:

LGOB: The museum here is pretty interesting.
VGOB: Is it included in the admission?
LGOB: Yep. They're a little biased though.
VGOB: How come?
LGOB: They tell all about the slaves that worked in the iron industry. They got their own museum at the Civil Rights museum. I don't know why they have to tell that story up here too.
VGOB: Do any white people go to the Civil Rights museum?
LGOB: I'm sure they make all the white school children go through there.

Yessir, we've made great strides, haven't we?

Of course, I came up with a snappy comeback, eight hours later:
BW: Well, guys, you're in luck. Admission is free on Sundays at the Civil Rights Institute. Why don't you check it out when you finish here?

One day I'll learn to think on my feet.