Periodic comet 17P/Holmes is a member of Jupiter's "family" of comets. It has an orbital period of about 6.9 years and a perihelion distance of 2.05AU. Aphelion distance is about 5.18AU, or close to the orbit of Jupiter.

Comet Holmes became famous in 2007 when it underwent a spectacular outburst the rendered it easily visible to the naked eye. As the outburst progressed, the coma swelled to more than 1,000,000km in diameter. A similar outburst had been observed in 1892 when it was discovered.

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