88P/Howell – Short-period comet 88P/Howell is in the middle of its 9th
observed return having been observed at every return since its
discovery in 1981.
Since discovery its perihelion distance has dropped
from 1.62 au to 1.35 au. The primary cause of the decrease in
perihelion distance was an approach to Jupiter of 0.53 au in 1990.
Last month, the comet was visually observed to brighten from magnitude
10.4 (Chris Wyatt, Aug. 5.37 UT) to 9.4 (J. J. Gonzalez, Aug. 13.88)
and 9.6 (Wyatt, Aug. 24.41).
This month 88P is predicted to reach its
peak brightness for this return at around magnitude 8.8.
While that may
not sound bright, it could make 88P the brightest comet of the month.
September also marks the comet’s perihelion on the 28th.
This month, 88P moves through Libra (Sep 1-14), Scorpius (14-30). It is
visible in the evening sky from both hemispheres though a low object
for mid to high northern latitudes.
88P/Howell
T = 2020-Sep-28 q = 1.35 au Max El
Jupiter-family comet (deg)
Date Mag R.A. Decl. r d Elong Const 40N 40S
2020 09 01 9.2 15 04 -20 05 1.383 1.340 70 Lib 11 51
2020 09 06 9.1 15 19 -21 17 1.372 1.350 69 Lib 11 50
2020 09 11 9.0 15 35 -22 25 1.364 1.361 68 Lib 11 49
2020 09 16 8.9 15 52 -23 29 1.358 1.372 67 Sco 11 48
2020 09 21 8.8 16 10 -24 26 1.355 1.385 66 Sco 11 47
2020 09 26 8.8 16 28 -25 17 1.353 1.399 66 Sco 11 46
2020 10 01 8.8 16 47 -26 00 1.354 1.415 65 Sco 12 45
2020 10 06 8.8 17 06 -26 35 1.357 1.433 65 Oph 12 44
Comet Magnitude Parameters --- H = 4.7, 2.5n = 25.0, Offset = +15 days
