CometBase Alert №2. Comet C/2014 Q3 (Borisov) increased in brightness to 12m
Since the discovery comet C/2014 Q3 (Borisov) unexpectedly sharply increased in brightness. According to CCD estimates of T. Prystavski and A. Novichonok (September 30, 2014) comet brightened up to 12.6m (approximate estimates; nuclear magnitude 15.3). Photometry of unfiltered images based on a conversion from a R-filter magnitude of CMC-14 star catalogue. Object revealed large (3.0') and diffuse coma (see image below).
If the brightness increasing trend continues, comet may brighten up to 10m or even more. During October comet C/2014 Q3 will move through the constellations Auriga, Draco, Camelopardalis and Ursa Major being well observed in the Northern Hemisphere.
Comet C/2014 Q3 requires a special attention in this regard:
1. Visual estimates are welcome (you may use a convenient form to submit and share your observations in CometBase).
2. Deep images (black and white and also color ones) are required.
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Comet was discovered on August 22, 2014 by Gennadiy Borisov at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory and has an orbital period of 148 years, passing perihelion on November 19, 2014 at a distance of 1.65 AU from the Sun.
