© Leonid EleninComet Ikeya-Murakami (C/2010 V1) appears to brightening, signifying it could be in the middle of an outburst. Furthermore, the comet's gaseous head or "coma" bears a striking resemblance to that of Comet Holmes, which experienced a dramatic brightening and explosion in 2007.
A newly discovered comet that has caught the attention of skywatchers around the world appears to be undergoing some dynamic changes.
The comet, called Ikeya-Murakami (C/2010 V1), was first detected last week by amateur astronomers in Japan, but several other skywatchers have since been watching the icy wanderer's changing appearance over the last few days.
Russian astronomer Leonid Elenin, of Moscow, used the remotely operated ISON-NM telescope in New Mexico to observe the new Comet Ikeya-Murakami over the weekend.
"After the discovery, C/2010 V1 looked like a bright fuzzy ball, without details," Elenin told SPACE.com in an e-mail. "But after a few days, I was discouraged - [this] comet is rapidly changing."
The comet appears to brightening, signifying it could be in the middle of an outburst, according to Spaceweather.com. While the comet cannot be seen with the unaided eye, it should be easily detectable with backyard telescopes, the website added. Typically, however, finding a comet with a telescope can be tricky for those who are not familiar with sky charts and the night sky.
Comment: For an interesting article on comets, read the SOTT Focus Disclosure and Comets.