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Comet 217P/LINEAR (=P/2001 MD7 = P/2009 F3)

N. Blythe, Lincoln Laboratory Experimental Test System, reports the discovery by LINEAR of an 17th mag comet on images obtained on July 11.22, when it appeared diffuse. Subsequent observations permitted identification with the object 2001 MD_7, so designated on MPS 31852 as a result of LINEAR observations made on June 21.31 and 24. L. Sarounova reports that CCD images of the comet obtained on July 12.9 UT at Ondrejov show a bright nucleus and faint coma. [IAUC 7660, 2001 July 12] The comet could reach 13th magnitude in the autumn and it is possible that it is undergoing an outburst. This is LINEARs 65th comet.

Further selected total-visual-magnitude and coma-diameter estimates: Nov. 14.27 UT, 7.2, 12' (C. S. Morris, Fillmore, CA, 10x50 binoculars; 1.1-degree tail); 19.95, 6.3, 18' (R. Haver, Frasso Sabino, Italy, 10x50 binoculars); 22.91, 5.8, 20' (B. H. Granslo, Fjellhamar, Norway, 7x50 binoculars); 30.78, 5.7, 15' (J. J. Gonzalez, Asturias, Spain, 7x50 binoculars); Dec. 3.38, 5.4, 21' (Y. Nagai, Yamanashi, Japan, 7x35 binoculars); 3.79, 5.3, - (Gonzalez). [IAUC 7766, 2001 December 5]

Comet 217P/LINEAR - apperation 2009 - Af(rho)plot CARA-project