"October's Celestial Show: Comet 103P/Hartley Shines Bright and Soars High"

Comet 103P/Hartley, also known as Hartley 2, is approaching perihelion on October 12th and is expected to reach a peak brightness of mag. 8.5. It will appear large and diffuse as it comes relatively close to Earth in late September. Observers can track the comet's path throughout October, with key dates including October 5th-11th when it crosses the Gemini constellation, and October 27th when it passes close to Altarf in the morning. The period leading up to October 27th is optimal for observing the comet without the Moon interfering with the view.