Skyscape with Comet Holmes

Explanation: This gorgeous skyscape spans some 10 degrees across the heroic constellation Perseus , about the size of a generous binocular field of view. The deep exposure includes bright stars, emission nebulae , star clusters, and, of course, the famous Comet Holmes . To identify the celestial landmarks, just place your cursor over the image. The brightest star in view, Alpha Persei, is itself surrounded by a loose cluster of stars - the Alpha Per Moving Cluster - at a distance of about 600 light-years. But, at a distance of a mere 14 light-minutes bright Comet Holmes still dominates the scene with its fluorescing greenish coma and foreshortened blue tail.