Images: Comet bursts into view

Last week Comet Holmes was just another fuzzball you could only see with a telescope--until it suddenly brightened a million times in a few hours. Now, you can easily see it with the naked eye, it's still expanding, and it has even changed color.

Scientists are puzzled as to the cause of the amazing change in the comet, officially known as 17P/Holmes which was originally discovered in 1892 (discovery photo later). They do expect that its current intensity will fade in a few weeks as the gases from its explosion dissipate.

The comet should be visible on a clear night. It's located in Perseus constellation. The easiest way to find it is to look northeast and spot the Cassiopeia constellation which looks like a "W" standing on end. Stretch your arm and Perseus< where you'll find Comet Holmes, will be one and a half fists to the right.