In the past 24 hours, a spectacular event has taken place involving the periodic comet 17P/Holmes. Its predicted brightness is about magnitude 17, however, last night it was discovered by Spanish amateur astronomer Juan Antonio Henriquez Santana to have undergone a tremendous outburst having attained magnitude 10 at that time. A similar outburst in 1892 led to the discovery of the comet.
Latest reports indicate that it is stellar in appearance and 3rd magnitude in brightness: so bright that it is visible to the unaided eye!
17P/Holmes is currently 245 million kilometres away from the Earth.
17P/Holmes (2007)

Comets & Meteor Showers: 17P/Holmes

Sky Map