[MIham] Fw: Solar Flare + Best Time to See Comet Hartley 2

[Frank]

Space Weather News for Oct. 16, 2010
http://spaceweather.com

SOLAR FLARE: The strongest solar flare in nearly three months erupted from 
sunspot 1112 on October 16th.  Remarkably, the M1-class event did not 
disrupt a huge magnetic filament passing right by the blast site.  Future 
eruptions might, however, if this active sunspot continues to grow as 
quickly as it has in the past few days. Visit http://spaceweather.com to 
view movies of the event from the Solar Dynamics Observatory.

COMET 103P/HARTLEY AT ITS BEST:  For backyard stargazers, the next few 
nights are the best time to see green Comet 103P/Hartley 2 as it approaches 
Earth for an 11-million-mile close encounter on Oct. 20th. Set your alarm 
for the dark hours before dawn, go outside, and look straight up. You will 
find Hartley 2 not far from the bright star Capella. Although the comet is 
barely visible to the unaided eye, it is easy to locate using binoculars and 
looks great through a backyard telescope.  Sky maps and more information may 
be found at http://spaceweather.com .

THE COMET HUNTER: Need a telescope for Comet Hartley 2? We recommend the 
David H. Levy Comet Hunter--on sale during Hartley 2's close encounter with 
Earth. Click here: 
http://www.shopspaceweather.com/152mmf48comethunterotawithdeluxecaseandaccessories.aspx