New comet discoveries:

• C/2012 A2 (LINEAR): Discovered on 2012 Jan. 15, as an apparently asteroidal object in the course of the LINEAR survey and found to be cometary by follow-up observers. 17.5^m, q=3.5 AU, T=2012 Nov. 4. 208^th comet for LINEAR, CBET 2977, MPEC 2012-B05
• P/2012 B1 (PANSTARRS): Discovered on 2012 Jan. 25, in the course of the PanSTARRs survey. Prediscovery images from Konkoly Obs. of 2011 Dec. 31. 19^m, q=3.8 AU, T=2013 Jul. 20, P=17 years, 11^th comet for PanSTARRs, CBET 2999, MPEC 2012-B66
• P/2012 B2 (LINEAR): Recovery of P/2003 HT₁₅ by T. Seki, S. Shimomoto and H. Sato on 2012 Jan. 26 and 27. 19^m, T=2013 Mar. 17, P=10 years. CBET 3000, MPEC 2012-B95
• P/2012 A3 (SOHO): Recovery of C/2003 T12 by A. Watson in STEREO images, link proposed and demonstrated by R. Kracht. Missed at 2007 return. T=2012 Jan. 26, q=0.58 AU, P=4.12 years. CBET 3001, MPEC 2012-B96

New comet discovery:

• C/2012 A1 (PANSTARRS): Discovered on 2012 Jan. 2, in the course of the PanSTARRs survey. 19^m, q=6.9 AU, T=2014 Mar. 11, 10^th comet for PanSTARRs, CBET 2966, MPEC 2012-A35

New comet discoveries:

• P/2011 Y2 (Boattini): Discovered on 2011 Dec. 24, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon survey. Prediscovery images by PanSTARRs of Sep. 4, and by Mt. Lemmon of Oct, 16 and 30. 19.5^m, q=1.8 AU, T=2012 Mar. 21, P=15.5 years. CBET 2958, MPEC 2011-Y49
• P/2011 Y3 (Boattini): Discovered on 2011 Dec. 25, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon survey. 18.5^m, q=5.6 AU, T=2011 Dec. 2. CBET 2959, MPEC 2011-Y50
• C/2011 UF₃₀₅ (LINEAR): Discovered on 2011 Oct. 31, in the course of the LINEAR survey. Prediscovery images by PanSTARRs of Jul. 25. 18^m, q=2.1 AU, T=2012 Jul. 22. CBET 2960, MPEC 2011-Y51
Recovery:

• P/2006 T1 (Levy) has been recovered by A. Boattini (Mt. Lemmon survey) on 2011 Dec. 17. THe comet was discovered in outburst in 2006 and was now about 9-10 magnitudes fainter than expected and +2.4 days from the prediction. P/2011 Y1 (Levy) will have a close approach to Earth on 2012 January 26, at 0.2359 AU but it is unlikely to be a bright object unless it experiences another outburst. 19^m, q=1.0 AU, T=2012 Jan. 14, P=5.3 years. IAUC 9247, MPEC 2011-Y07

New amateur comet discovery - Kreutz comet!:

• C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy): Discovered on 2011 Nov. 27, by Terry Lovejoy using a 0.2-m reflector and CCD in the course of his routine comet searching from Thornlands, Australia. This is his third comet discovery. The comet is a member of the Kreutz group but seems intrinsically faint. Thus a bright comet at perihelion or a survival of it seems questionable. The comet will remain a southern hemisphere object close to the sun. At discovery it was at 13^m, q=0.005 AU, T=2011 Dec. 16. CBET 2931, MPEC 2011-X16

Discovery of cometary features:

• P/2010 UH₅₅ (Spacewatch): Discovered on 2010 Oct. 29, in the course of the Spacewatch survey. Cometary features already noted in November 2010, now fully confirmed. q=2.76 AU, T=2011 May 10, P=16.63 years. CBET 2923, MPEC 2011-W82

New amateur comet discovery:

• P/2011 W2 (Rinner): Discovered on 2011 Nov. 28, by Claudine Rinner using a 0.5-m reflector situated at Oukaimeden Observatory, Morocco. 17^m, q=2.3 AU, T=2011 Oct. 10, P=10.3 years. CBET 2922, MPEC 2011-W80

New comet discovery:

• P/2011 W1 (PANSTARRS): Discovered on 2011 Nov. 26, by the Pan-STARRs survey. Prediscovery images by Spacewatch of Nov. 23. 18^m, q=3.3 AU, T=2012 Jun. 1, P=10.0 years. CBET 2919, MPEC 2011-W66
Discovery of cometary features:

• P/2006 VW₁₃₉: Discovered on 2006 Nov. 15, by the Spacewatch survey. Precovery images dating back to 2000 Sep. Discovery of a coma and tail by Henry Hsieh, Larry Denneau, and Richard Wainscoat (Pan-STARRs). The orbit is that of a main belt asteroid. q=2.44 AU, T=2011 Jul. 18, P=5.33 years. CBET 2920

• M. Meyer identified comet P/2010 T1 (McNaught), in NEAT data of October and December 2001, and in a DSS plate of October 5, 1980.
  (MPEC 2011-V31)
• Further astrometry shows that comet P/2011 U2 (Bressi) is of short period. T=2012 Oct. 7, q=4.8 AU, P=12.4 years.
  (MPEC 2011-V31)

• New comet discovery:
  
• P/2011 V1 (Boattini): Discovered on 2011 Nov. 1, by the Mt. Lemmon Survey. Prediscovery images by the same survey of October 22. 19.5^m, q=1.7 AU, T=2011 May 11, P=7.5 years. CBET 2893, MPEC 2011-V13
• S. Nakano identified minor planet 1998 RS₂₂, a LINEAR discovery, and a one night triplet of Dec. 1, 2005, by Spacewatch with comet P/2011 R2 (PANSTARRS). MPEC 2011-U02

• New comet discoveries:
  
• C/2011 U3 (PANSTARRS): Discovered on 2011 Oct. 24, by the Pan-STARRS Survey. 20.5^m, q=1.1 AU, T=2012 June 2.
• P/2011 UA₁₃₄ (Spacewatch-PANSTARRS): Discovered on 2011 Oct. 24, by Spacewatch and on OCt. 25, by Pan-STARRS. 25, q=2.1 AU, P=13 years, T=2011 December 4
CBETs 2878, 2879, MPECs 2011-U107, -U108

• New comet discoveries:
  
• P/2010 TO₂₀ (LINEAR-Grauer): Discovered on 2010 Oct. 1, by LINEAR as an asteroid and accidentally rediscovered by A. D. Grauer on 2011 Oct. 19, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. 19^m, q=5.1, P=13.23 years, T=2008 August 27. The comet approached Jupiter to 0.077 AU on 2009 Nov. 2.
• P/2011 U1 (PANSTARRS): Discovered on 2011 Oct. 23. 20.5, q=2.2 AU, P=8.8 years, T=2012 Jun. 29
• C/2011 U2 (Bressi): Discovered on 2011 Oct. 24, Spacewatch survey. 19^m, q=2.5 AU, T=2012 Oct. 9, possibly of short period
CBETs 2867, 2874, 2875, MPECs 2011-U41, -U84, -U85

• R. A. Kowalski reports the discovery of a new comet on September 30, 2011, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page numerous follow-up observers remarked on the cometary nature of the 15.5^m object. The current orbit for the still nameless comet C/2011 S2 is very indeterminate. The comet might be of short-period. Although the orbital elements appear similar to that of P/2006 T1 (Levy) it has not been possible to produce a link of the two apparitions. The current orbit indicates perihelion on Oct. 23, 2011, at about 1.1 AU. (CBET 2822 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-T12)

• New Discovery!: A. R. Gibbs reported his discovery of a new comet on Sep. 18, 2011, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. After positng on the NEO Confirmation Page P. Miller, P. Roche, A. Tripp, R. Miles, R. Holmes, L. Buzzi, and S. Foglia ("Faulkes Telescope North", Haleakala) and G. Sostero, N. Howes, and E. Guido (remotely from "Faulkes Telescope South", Siding Spring) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 20.0^m object. According to the first and very preliminary orbit comet C/2011 S1 (Gibbs) will pass perihelion not before Jan. 16, 2013, at about 5.0 AU. This is the 38^th comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 20^th for Gibbs. (CBET 2822 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-S28)

• Comet namings:
  P/2011 N1 (ASH)
  P/2011 NO₁ (Elenin)
  P/2011 R3 (Novichonok-Gerke) (IAUC 9227, IAUC 9228, IAUC 9232, subscription required,)

• New Discovery!: The Russian amateur astronomer Artyom Novichonok reports the discovery of a new comet by Vladimir Gerke and himself on images taken with a 40-cm Ritchey-Chretién reflector located at Ka-Dar observatory (near Nizhniy Arkhyz, Russia). After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page N. Howes, G. Sostero, and E. Guido (remotely using Faulkes Telescope North at Haleakala), G. Hug (Scranton), and T. H. Bressi (Spacewatch) were able to confirm the cometary nature. The first orbit for the 18.5^m comet P/2011 R3 (Novichonok) indicates perihelion already on Aug. 23, 2011, at about 3.6 AU. The period is about 10.7 years.
  Due to an communication error the second discoverer, V. Gerke, was not credited, but this might change. (CBET 2812 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-R36)
• Additional astrometry shows comet 2011 Q3 to be of short period. The latest orbit for comet P/2011 Q3 (McNaught) shows perihelion on Aug. 1, 2011, at about 2.3 AU. The period is about 11.8 years. (MPEC 2011-R35)

• New Discovery!: L. Denneau and R. Wainscoat report the discovery of a new comet on Sep. 4, 2011, in the course of the PANSTARRS survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page numeorus CCD astrometrists were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first orbit for comet P/2011 R2 (PANSTARRS) shows perihelion on Nov. 19, 2011, at about 2.0 AU. The period is about 6.2 years. This is the 5^th comet discovery for Pan-STARRS. (CBET 2811 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-R24)

• New Discovery!: V. Bezugly (Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine) and R. D. Matson (Irvine, CA, USA) independently reported a possible comet in the SOHO/SWAN spacecraft UV images.The object was seen as early as August 23, 2011. R. H. McNaught (Siding Spring) and M. Mattiazzo (Castlemaine), notified of the possible comet, obtained confirmation images on September 4. First visual observations show the comet at about 10.5^m. According to the first and preliminary orbit comet C/2011 Q4 (SWAN) will pass perihelion on September 21, 2011, at about 1.1 AU. This is the 1671^st official comet for SOHO and the 10^th discovered using the SWAN instrument. (CBET 2809 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-R22)
• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on Sep. 3, 2011, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford) confirmed the cometary nature of the 16.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2011 R1 (McNaught) shows perihelion on Nov. 13, 2011, at about 2.7 AU. This is the 83^rd comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 67^th for McNaught. (CBET 2810 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-R20)

• New Discovery!: Two new comets were discovered by R. H. McNaught as follows:
  C/2011 Q2 (McNaught): discovered on August 26, 2011, 14.5^m, T=2012-01-30, q=1.36 AU
  C/2011 Q3 (McNaught): discovered on August 29, 2011, 18.5^m, T=2012-02-04, q=1.61 AU, probably of short period
  These are discoveries no. 65 and 66 for McNaught, and 81 and 82 for the Siding Spring Survey. (CBET 2797 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-Q54, CBET 2803 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-R01)

• New Discovery!: R. Wainscoat, M. Micheli, H. Hsieh, and L. Denneau report the discovery of a new comet on Aug. 20, 2011, in the course of the PANSTARRS survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page S. Abe and H. Y. Hsiao (Lulin Observatory), L. Buzzi (Varese), and R. Holmes, S. Foglia, L. Buzzi, and T. Vorobjov (Ashmore) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 19^m object. The first orbit for comet C/2011 Q1 (PANSTARRS) shows perihelion on Oct. 25, 2011, at about 3.2 AU. This is the 4^th comet discovery for Pan-STARRS. (CBET 2790 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-Q12)

• New Discovery!: R. Wainscoat reports the discovery of a new comet on Aug. 3, 2011, in the course of the PANSTARRS survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page T. Lister (Faulkes Telescope North), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill) and D. J. Tholen, M. Micheli and G. T. Elliott (Univ. of Hawaii) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 19^m object. Additionally, prediscovery observations by Spacewatch of June 22, 2011, were also found. The first orbit for comet C/2011 P2 (PANSTARRS) shows perihelion already on Sep. 18, 2010, at about 6.2 AU. The period is about 30 years. This is the 3^rd comet discovery for Pan-STARRS. (CBET 2782 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-P32)
• The asteroidal WISE discovery of May 10, 2010, then designated 2010 JC₈₁, has been found cometary after emerging solar conjunction. G. V. Borisov and V. Rumyantsev (Crimean Observatory at Nauchny) reported their findings in observations of Aug. 1, 3, and 5, 2011. A previously unconfirmed report of diffuseness Nov. 5, 2011, was made by L. Buzzi, P. Concari, S. Foglia, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely Tzec Maun Observatory near Moorook). Comet P/2010 JC₈₁ (WISE) paased perihelion already on Apr. 26, 2011, at about 1.8 AU. This is the 18^th comet for WISE. (CBET 2780 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-P24)
• Several observers worldwide have reported that comet 213P/van Ness has split. MPEC 2011-P25)

• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on Aug. 1, 2011, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), G. Masi, U. Masi, and G. Luccone (Ceccano), and R. Holmes, S. Foglia and T. Vorobjov (Ashmore) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 18^m object. The first and very preliminary orbit for comet P/2011 P1 (McNaught) shows perihelion already on Mar. 24, 2009, at about 2.3 AU. The period is about 6.3 years. This is the 80^th comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 64^th for McNaught. (CBET 2779 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-P19)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on July 31, 2011, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by L. Buzzi (Varese), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), and R. H. McNaught (Siding Spring). According to the first and preliminary orbit the 16.5^m comet C/2011 O1 (LINEAR) will pass perihelion on July 23, 2012, at 4.4 AU. This is the 205^th comet discovery for LINEAR. (CBET 2775 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-P03)

• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2011 N3    Kreutz  M. Uchina      
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1870 (MPEC 2011-N41)

• Amateur astronomers L. Elenin (Lyubertsy) and I. Molotow (Moscow) report their discovery of a new comet on Jul. 7, 2011, using a remotely controlled 0.45-m astrograph at the ISON-NM observatory near Mayhill (NM, USA). After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page R. Holmes, S. Foglia, and T. Vorobjov (Ashmore), Foglia, P. Miller, P. Roche, A. Tripp, R. Holmes, R. Miles, L. Buzzi (Faulkes Telescope North), L. Buzzi (Varese), N. Howes, G. Sostero, and E. Guido (Faulkes Telescope South), and H. Sato (Nerpio) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19.5^m object. While the object was prepared for announcement by the CBAT it was already announced as asteroid 2011 NO₁ by the MPC. The first orbit for the still nameless comet P/2011 NO₁ indicates perihelion on already on Jan. 22, 2011, at about 1.2 AU. The period is about 13.1 years. This is Elenin's second comet discovery. (CBET 2768 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-O10)

• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on Jul. 4, 2011, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page N. Howes, G. Sostero, and E. Guido (remotely from Faulkes Telescope South, Haleakala) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 18^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2011 N2 (McNaught) shows perihelion on Oct. 9, 2011, at about 2.7 AU. This is the 79^th comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 63^rd for McNaught. (IAUC 9220, subscription required, MPEC 2011-N31)
• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object discovered by I. de la Cueva, J. L. Ortiz, P. Santos-Sanz, and N. Morales at San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, on July 1, 2011, was identified by the discoverers as a comet after posting on the NEO Confirmation Page. Further reports about the cometary nature of the 18^m object were received by R. Holmes, T. Linder, and V. Hoette (Ashmore), and N. Howes, G. Sostero, and E. Guido (remotely from Faulkes Telescope South, Haleakala). The first and preliminary orbit for comet P/2011 N1 shows perihelion on May 30, 2012, at about 2.9 AU. The period is about 16 years. (IAUC 9219, subscription required, MPEC 2011-N29)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on June 22, 2011, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by G. Hug (Scranton), G. Sostero and E. Guido (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory (TMO) near Mayhill), P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), E. Bryssinck (remotely from TMO), R. Ligustri (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), and A. Novichonok (remotely from TMO). The comet is as bright as 13.5^m, quite large and diffuse. According to the first and preliminary orbit comet C/2011 M1 (LINEAR) will pass perihelion on Sep. 7, 2011, at 0.9 AU. This is the 204^th comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9218 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-M37)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  252P/LINEAR = P/2011 L5 = P/2000 G1
  (IAUC 9217 (subscription required)

• New Discovery!: A. Boattini reported his discovery of a new comet on June 8, 2011, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. The 20.5^m comet C/2011 L6 (Boattini) already passed perihelion on Jan. 21, 2011, at about 6.8 AU. This is the 37^th comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 18^th for Boattini. (CBET 2743 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-L42)
• J. V. Scotti (LPL, Spacewatch) reports his recovery of comet P/2000 G1 on June 9 and 10, 2011. The 22.5^m comet P/2011 L5 (LINEAR) passed perihelion already on Nov. 13, 2010, at about 1.0 AU. The period is 5.34 years. The correction to the prediction was delta-T = -0.24 days. The comet will approach Earth to about 0.036 AU at its next return in 2016. (CBET 2742 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-L41)

• The PANSTARRS survey has discovered a new comet on June 6, 2011. Prediscovery observations obtained in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey on May 24, 2011, were also identified. The first orbit for the 18.5^m comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS) shows perihelion at about 0.36 AU on Apr. 17, 2017. Although quite uncertain to predict, the comet might become a bright object unfortunately badly placed around time of maximum brightness. This is the second comet discovery for PANSTARRS. (IAUC 9215 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-L33,)

• R. H. McNaught reported the discovery of three new comets on June 2 and 3, 2011, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey as shown below. All have been confirmed by follow-up observers after posting on the NEO Confirmation Page.
  C/2011 L1 (McNaught), 16.5^m, T=2011-Jan-01, q=2.4 AU
  C/2011 L2 (McNaught), 18^m, T=2011-Oct-31, q=2.0 AU
  C/2011 L3 (McNaught), 16^m, T=2011-Aug-10, q=1.9 AU
  This is the 62^nd comet discovery for McNaught and the 78^th for the Siding Spring Survey. (IAUC 9212 (subscription required), IAUC 9213 (subscription required), IAUC 9214 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-L26, MPEC 2011-L27, MPEC 2011-L28,)

• New Discovery!: A. Boattini reported his discovery of a new comet on May 28, 2011, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. After posting on the NEOCP the object was identified with an asteroidal object, observed by Spacewatch on May 8 and 12, and then designated as 2011 JB₁₅. Further reports concerning the cometary nature of the object were received by S. Foglia, S. Baroni, L. Buzzi, P. Concari, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), G. Masi, U. Masi, and G. Luccone (Ceccano), L. Buzzi (Varese), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from GRAS Observatory near Mayhill), R. Holmes (Ashmore), R. Ligustri (Udine), P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford) and W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory). The 18.5^m comet P/2011 JB₁₅ (Spacewatch-Boattini) will pass perihelion on Jan. 18, 2012, at about 5.0 AU. This is the 36^th comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 17^th for Boattini. (IAUC 9210 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-K56)
• Paulo R. Holvorcem (Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil) and Michael Schwartz (Patagonia, AZ, USA) report their discovery of a new comet using the Tenagra III astrograph on May 26, 2011. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory), L. Buzzi (Varese), and R. Holmes, T. Vorobjov, and S. Foglia (Ashmore) confirmed the cometary nature of the 18.5^m object. The first orbit for comet C/2011 K1 (Schwartz-Holvorcem) shows perihelion on Apr. 19, 2011, at about 3.4 AU. This is the 3^rd comet discovery for Holvorcem. (IAUC 9211 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-L04)

• Comet C/2011 H1 has been identified with comet C/2002 VQ₉₄ (LINEAR) by Hidetaka Sato (Tokyo, Japan). The name for C/2011 H1 is thus being deleted.
• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on May 14, 2011, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory), G. Hug (Scranton), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), G. Sostero and E. Guido (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory (also near Mayhill)), L. Elenin (remotely from ISON-NM Observatory near Mayhill), L. Buzzi (Varese), and E. Bryssinck (remotely from Tzec Maun). According to the first and preliminary orbit the 19^m comet C/2011 J3 (LINEAR) already passed perihelion on Jan. 21, 2011, at 1.4 AU. This is the 203^rd comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9209 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-K11)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  251P/LINEAR = P/2011 J1 = P/2004 HC₁₈
  (MPC 74774)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on May 5, 2011, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by J. Lacruz (La Canada), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Nerpio, and from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), R. Holmes, T. Linder, V. Hoette (Cerro Tololo), J. V. Scotti (Spacewatch), and W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory). Additionally, prediscovery images of Mar. 10, and 25, by Catalina were identified by the MPC. According to the first published orbit the 18.5^m comet C/2011 J2 (LINEAR) will pass perihelion not before Dec. 23, 2013, at 3.4 AU. This is the 203^rd comet discovery for LINEAR. (CBET 2714 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-J31)
• New Discovery!: A. R. Gibbs (LPL) reported his discovery of an apparently asteroidal object with unusual motion on Apr. 26, 2011, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. After identification with Apr. 14, data from Spacewatch, where the object appeared also asteroidal, the object was announced as 2011 GK₇₁, despite some reports noting a possible diffuseness. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page G. Sostero and E. Guido (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory near Moorook), and R. S. McMillan, J. V. Scotti, and M. L. Terenzoni (Steward Observatory) reported a cometary appearance of the 19^m object. Prediscovery images from Mt. Lemmon of Mar. 29, 2011, were also found by Gibbs. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2011 H1 (Lemmon) indicates perihelion already on Jan. 31, 2006, at about 6.9 AU. This is the 36^th comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey. (IAUC 9206 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-J24)
• J. V. Scotti (LPL, Spacewatch) reports his recovery of comet P/2004 HC₁₈ (LINEAR) on May 1, 2, and 5, 2011. The comet was about magnitude 21.5^m. The correction to the prediction in the ICQ 2010/2011 Comet Handbook is Delta(T) = -0.10 day. Comet P/2011 J1 passed perihelion already on Dec. 29, 2010, at about 1.71 AU. The period is 6.52 years. (IAUC 9207 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-J26)

• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on Apr. 5, 2011, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page R. Holmes, T. Linder, and V. Hoette (Cerro Tololo), G. Sostero and E. Guido (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory, near Moorook), S. Foglia, P. Miller, P. Roche, A. Tripp, R. Miles, R. Holmes, and L. Buzzi ('Faulkes Telescope North', Haleakala), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Officer), and R. Ligustri (remotely from RAS Observatory near Officer) confirmed the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The latest orbit for comet C/2011 G1 (McNaught) shows perihelion on Sep. 16, 2011, at about 2.2 AU. This is the 75^thd comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 59^th for McNaught. (IAUC 9204, subscription required, MPEC 2011-G49)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  250P/Larson = P/2011 A1
  (MPC 74331)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Mar. 17, 2011, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by H. Sato (remotely from GRAS Observatory near Mayhill), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from GRAS Observatory), Sostero and Guido (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory, Cloudcroft), P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford), R. Banks (Montgomery, Powys), R. Ligustri (remotely from GRAS Observatory), L. Buzzi (Varese), and Buzzi, P. Concari, S. Foglia, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory). According to the uncertain orbital elements the 17^m comet C/2011 F1 (LINEAR) will pass perihelion not before Jan. 21, 2013, at 1.6 AU. It might then reach at least 9^m. This is the 202^nd comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9202, subscription required, MPEC 2011-F15)
• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  P/2011 E1    Kracht  R. Kracht      37th member of the Kracht group
                                      probably P/2000 O3 = P/2005 W4 = P/2011 E1
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1869 (MPEC 2011-F14)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  249P/LINEAR = P/2006 U1 = P/2011 A4
  (IAUC 9201 (subscription required))

• New Discovery!: A. R. Gibbs (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet on Feb. 12, 2011, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page K. Sarneczky (Konkoly Observatory, Piszkesteto, Hungary), J. V. Scotti (Spacewatch), and S. Foglia, T. Vorobjov, and R. Holmes (Ashmore, IL, U.S.A.) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19.5^m object. Predicovery images from Mt. Lemmon of Jan. 30, 2011, were also found. The first and preliminary orbit for comet P/2011 C2 (Gibbs) indicates perihelion on Jan. 16, 2012, at about 5.4 AU. The period is about 20 years. This is the 34^th comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 18^th for Gibbs. (IAUC 9199 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-C97)
• New Discovery!: A. R. Gibbs (LPL) reports another discovery of a new comet on Feb. 12, 2011, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2011 C3 (Gibbs) indicates perihelion on Apr. 8, 2011, at about 1.5 AU. This is the 35^th comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 19^th for Gibbs. (IAUC 9200 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-D01)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  247P/LINEAR = P/2002 VP₉₄ = P/2010 V3
  248P/Gibbs = P/2010 W1 = 1996 TT₆₅
  (IAUC 9195 (subscription required))

• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on Feb. 10, 2011, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Nerpio, Spain), S. Foglia, S. Baroni, L. Buzzi, P. Concari, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory, Cloudcroft, NM, U.S.A), A. Novichonok,T. Kryachko and S. Korotkiy (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), G. Hug (Scranton, KS, U.S.A.), W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from Global Rent-a-Scope Network near Mayhill, NM, U.S.A.), A. R. Gibbs (Mt. Lemmon), L. Buzzi (Varese, Italy), R. Ligustri (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), J. E. McGaha (Tucson, AZ), K. Kadota (Ageo, Japan), and A. Asami and K. Nishiyama (Bisei Spaceguard Center) confirmed the cometary nature of the 14.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2011 C1 (McNaught) shows perihelion on Apr. 17, 2011, at about 0.9 AU. This is the 74^th comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 58^th for McNaught. The comet might reach 12^m. (IAUC 9197, subscription required, IAUC 9198, subscription required, MPEC 2011-C79)

• New Discovery!: A. R. Gibbs (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet on Jan. 15, 2011, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. L. Buzzi (Varese), H. Sato (remotely from Nerpio), S. Baroni, L. Buzzi, P. Concari, G. Galli, M. Tombelli, and S. Foglia (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), R. Ligustri (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), and Sostero (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory) were then able to confirm the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet P/2011 A3 (Gibbs) indicates perihelion on Oct. 4, 2011, at about 1.1 AU. The comet might be of short period. This is the 95^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 17^th for Gibbs. (IAUC 9193 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-B07)
• L. Elenin (Lyubertsy, Russia) reports his recovery of comet P/2006 U1 on Jan. 14, and 15, 2011, remotely from ISON-NM Observatory near Mayhill. The correction to the prediction for the 19^m comet is +0.24 day. Comet P/2011 A4 (LINEAR) will pass perihelion on Apr. 16, 2011, at about 0.51 AU. (IAUC 9194 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-B08)

• New Discovery!: J. V. Scotti reports his discovery of a new comet on January 11, 2011, in the course of the Spacewatch survey. Scotti and T. H. Bressi then confirmed the cometary appearance with Kitt Peak observations. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page A. Knöfel, D. Koschny, M. Busch, and P. Ruiz (ESA Optical Ground Station, Tenerife), H. Sato (Nerpio), G. Hug (Scranton), and W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge) were also able to confirm the cometary nature of the 19.5^m comet. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2011 A2 (Scotti) indicates perihelion on Jan. 01, 2011, at about 1.8 AU. The comet might be of short period. This is the 48^th comet for Spacewatch and the 8^th for Scotti. (IAUC 9192 (subscription required), MPEC 2011-A65)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  246P/NEAT = P/2010 V2 = P/2004 F3
  (IAUC 9192 (subscription required))

• New Discovery!: S. M. Larson (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet on Jan. 10, 2011, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. R. A. Kowalski (Mt. Lemmon) confirmed the cometary nature, and after posting on the NEO Confirmation Page W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory) also confirmed this object as cometary. T. Spahr (MPC) also identified Catalina observations of Dec. 11, 2010. The first orbit for comet P/2011 A1 (Larson) indicates perihelion already on Nov. 15, 2010, at about 2.2 AU. The period is about 7.3 years. This is the 94^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 5^th for Larson. (IAUC 9191, subscription required, MPEC 2011-A46)
• S. Nakano (Sumoto, Japan) identified the minor planet detection 2010 PB₅₇ with comet P/2010 WK (LINEAR). (Nakano Note 2028)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Nov. 5, 2002, in the course of the LINEAR survey and then designated 2002 VP₉₄ and recovered also by LINEAR on Nov. 15, 2010, has been found cometary R. Behrend (Geneva Observatory and "T3 Project"), J. Strajnic (Academie d'Aix-Marseille) and T. Kmieckowiak and twelve students ("Le Ciel comme Labo" Project, France) on Dec. 10, 2010, with the 0.8-m reflector at Haute-Provence Observatory. Confirming observations were then received by H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, near Mayhill), K. Kadota (Ageo), and L. Buzzi (Varese). The 17^m comet P/2010 V3 = P/2002 VP₉₄ (LINEAR) will pass perihelion on Jan. 04, 2011, at 1.48 AU. The period is 7.89 years. This is the 200^th comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9190, subscription required, MPEC 2010-Y29)
• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Nov. 17, 2010, in the course of the LINEAR survey and then designated 2010 WK has been found cometary by H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), K. Kadota (Ageo), E. Prosperi (Castelmartini), L. Buzzi (Varese), and S. Foglia, S. Baroni, L. Buzzi, P. Concari, G. Galli, M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory near Cloudcroft). The orbit for the 16^m comet P/2010 WK (LINEAR) shows perihelion already on Oct. 19, 2010, at about 1.8 AU. The period is about 13.8 years. This is the 201^st comet discovery for LINEAR. (CBET 2607 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-Y30)

• New Discovery!: A. R. Gibbs (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet on Nov. 27, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. T. Spahr (MPC) then identified this object with the following apparently asteroidal detections: 1996 TT65, 2010 MS75, 2010 RR59, 2010 RN141, 2010 SQ31, and 2010 TL69. The first orbit for comet P/2010 W1 (Gibbs) indicates perihelion on Feb. 8, 2011, at about 2.1 AU. The period is about 14.6 years. This is the 93^rd comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 16^th for Gibbs. (CBET 2585 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-X102)
• Amateur astronomer Leonid Elenin (Lyubertsy, Russia) reports his discovery of a new comet on Dec. 10, 2010, using a remotely controlled 0.45-m astrograph at the ISON-NM observatory near Mayhill (NM, USA). After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page A. Sergeyev and A. Novichonok (Majdanak Observatory), W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), R. S. McMillan, J. V. Scotti, and M. L. Terenzoni (Steward Observatory), and H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19^m object. The first and very preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin) indicates perihelion on Apr. 1, 2010, at about 5.2 AU. The comet is probably of short period. (CBET 2584 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-X101)

• R. S. McMillan (University of Arizona) reports that the aseroidal but retrograde moving WISE discovery of May 16, 2010, designated 2010 KW₇ has been found slightly diffuse in images taken with the Steward Observatory 0.9-m reflector on Oct. 18, 2010. J. V. Scotti also reported a coma on images taken on the same day using the 2.3-m Bok telescope at Kitt Peak. Later observations by Scotti, T. H. Bressi, M. L. Terenzoni, J. M. Bauer and J. D. Goguen, and T. Grav and M. Huber also confirm the cometary nature of this object. Comet C/2010 KW₇ (WISE) paased perihelion on Oct. 11, 2010, at about 2.6 AU. This is the 17^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9187 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-W20)
• Further astrometry confirms the suspicion that comet 2010 V1 is of short period. Comet P/2010 V1 (Ikeya-Murakami) passed perihelion on Oct. 11, 2010, at about 1.6 AU. The period is about 5 years. Maik Meyer notes a similarity to the elements of comet P/2010 B2 (WISE). MPEC 2010-W29)

• It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Brian G. Marsden, one of the greatest astronomers. Brian was the person who has inspired all my astronomical career and helped me so many times with his helpful, patient and friendly answers to all my questions. Without him I would not have achieved what I have. Brian was always helpful to amateurs and listened and gave advice. I am proud to be a "groupie" as he once described Rainer Kracht, himself and me in regard to our comet groups. I will really miss him...
  The obituary by Gareth Williams.

• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2000 H12   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2000 K9    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2000 K10   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2000 K11   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2001 K12   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2001 L6    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2001 L7    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2008 L8    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 L9    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 L10   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 L11   Meyer   R. Kracht      108th member of the Meyer group
  C/2010 L12   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 L13   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 L14   Kreutz  R. Matson
  C/2010 L15   Kreutz  M. Kusiak 
  C/2010 L16   Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 L17   Kreutz  R. Matson
  C/2010 L18   Kreutz  R. Matson
  C/2010 L19   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 M2    Kreutz  R. Matson
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1870 (MPEC 2010-V72, MPEC 2010-V73, MPEC 2010-V76, MPEC 2010-V77)

• New Discovery!: A. Boattini reports his discovery of a new comet on Oct. 31, 2010, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), L. Elenin (remotely from ISON-NM Observatory near Mayhill), S. Foglia, P. Miller, P. Roche, and A. Tripp(Faulkes Telescope North at Haleakala), A. Novichonok and V. Gerke (remotely from Ka-Dar Observatory, TAU Station, Nizhniy Arkhyz), E. Romas and Novichonok (Kislovodsk Mountain Station, Pulkovo Observatory), J. E. McGaha (Tucson), E. Guido, N. Howes, and G. Sostero (remotely from Faulkes Telescope South), S. Foglia, T. Vorobjov, and R. Holmes, Ashmore), and G. Hug (Scranton) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 U3 (Boattini) indicates perihelion already on Oct. 17, 2016, at about 11.5 AU. This is the 33^rd comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 16^th for Boattini. (CBET 2535 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-V55)
• Comet P/2004 F3 has been recovered by E. Romas (Rostov-na-Donu, Russia), A. Novichonok (Kondopoga, Russia), and D. Chestnov (Saransk, Russia) using the 0.5-m reflector at the Kislovodsk Mountain Astronomical Station of Pulkovo Observatory, and independently by G. Hug (Scranton, KS, U.S.A.). The correction to the prediction on MPC 69908 is Delta(T) = -0.02 day. Comet P/2010 V2 (NEAT) is about 20^m and will pass perihelion on Jan. 28, 2013, at about 2.9 AU. (IAUC 9176 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-V47)

• New Discovery!: Kaoru Ikeya (Mori-machi, Shuchi-gun, Shizuoka-ken) and Shigeki Murakami (Tohkamachi, Niigata-ken) have independently discovered a comet visually using 25-cm and 46-cm reflectors, respectively, on Nov. 2, and 3. Comet C/2010 V1 (Ikeya-Murakami) is about 8^m and is positioned at small solar elongation in the morning sky. The first and very preliminary orbit shows perihelion already on Oct. 18, 2010, at about 1.7 AU. First follow-up observations show a strongly condensed comet at about magnitude 7-8. The comet will slowly increase its elongation and lose brightness. It may be of short-period and caught in outburst.
  
  This is the 7^th visual comet discovery for Ikeya and the 2^nd for Murakami. (IAUC 9175 (subscription required), IAUC 9176 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-V46)

• New Discovery!: A. Boattini reports his discovery of a new comet on Oct. 17, 2010, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page R. S. McMillan (Spacewatch) was able to confirm the cometary nature of the 18.5^m object. Additionally prediscovery images of Oct. 1, 2010, by the La Sagra Sky Survey were found. The first orbit for comet P/2010 U1 (Boattini) indicates perihelion already on May 15, 2010, at about 4.9 AU. The period is about 17.2 years. This is the 32^nd comet discovery for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 15^th for Boattini. (IAUC 9174, subscription required, MPEC 2010-U18)
• New Discovery!: R. E. Hill reports his discovery of a new comet on Oct. 17, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page H. Sato, E. Guido, G. Sostero, V. Gonano, L. Donato, L. Buzzi and S. Foglia, P. Miller, P. Roche, A. Tripp, and S. Foglia R. Ligustri confirmed the cometary nature of the 18^m object. Additional prediscovery observations of Oct. 1, 2010 (by the La Sagra Sky Survey) and of Oct. 9, 2010 (by Catalina) were also identified. The first orbit comet P/2010 U2 (Hill) indicates perihelion on Nov. 9, 2010, at about 2.6 AU. The period is about 8.9 years. This is the 92^nd comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 23^rd for Hill. (IAUC 9174 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-U19)

• R. Wainscoat reports the discovery of a new comet on Oct. 6, and 7, 2010, in the course of the PANSTARRS survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page J. V. Scotti, M. Terenzoni, and A. J. Mendez were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 19.5^m object. The first orbit for comet P/2010 T2 (PANSTARRS) shows perihelion on Jul. 29, 2011, at about 3.7 AU. The period is about 13.2 years. (IAUC 9173, subscription required, MPEC 2010-U07)

• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on Oct. 04, 2010, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page G. Sostero, E. Guido, L. Donato, V. Gonano (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory, near Moorook, Australia), S. Foglia, L. Buzzi, P. Concari, G. Galli, M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), and H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, near Moorook) confirmed the cometary nature of the 18.5^m object. B. G. Marsden identified an one night detection also from Siding Spring of Sep. 11, 2010, which McNaught re-inspected and also noted a diffuse appearance. The first orbit for comet P/2010 T1 (McNaught) shows perihelion on Nov. 24, 2010, at about 3.2 AU. The period is about 10.2 years. This is the 73^rd comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 57^th for McNaught. (IAUC 9172, subscription required, MPEC 2010-T27)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  245P/WISE = P/2010 L1 = P/2002 Q16
  (IAUC 9171 (subscription required))
• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2000 P4    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2000 P5    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2000 S8    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2000 S9    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2001 A5    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2001 O3    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2001 R10   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2008 P7    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 H7    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 H8    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 H9    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 H10   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 H11   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 J6    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 J7    Kreutz  M. Kubczak
  C/2010 J8    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 J9    Kreutz  R. Kracht
  C/2010 J10   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 J11   Kreutz  M. Reszelewski
  C/2010 J12   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 J13   Kreutz  K. Nakonechny
  C/2010 J14   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 J15   Kreutz  J. Ruan, M. Kusiak
  C/2010 J16   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 K3    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 K4    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 K5    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 K6    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 K7    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 K8    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1850 (MPEC 2010-T37, MPEC 2010-T38, MPEC 2010-T47, MPEC 2010-T48, MPEC 2010-T49, MPEC 2010-T50)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Sep. 21, 2010, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by D. Mayes (Table Mountain Observatory, USA), W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory, USA), and E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from GRAS Observatory near Mayhill, USA). The preliminary orbit for the 17.5^m comet C/2010 S1 (LINEAR) shows perihelion on May 09, 2013, at about 4.4 AU. This is the 199^th comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9170, subscription required, MPEC 2010-S41)

• New Discovery!: J. Nomen reports that an object, discovered in the course of the La Sagra Sky Survey on Sep. 14, 2010, showed some diffuse appearance, which was later confirmed on Sep. 16. Prediscovery images by La Sagra of Aug. 13, did not show that diffuseness so clearly. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford, England), R. Holmes and S. Foglia (Westfield, Illinois) and J. V. Scotti (Spacewatch, USA) confirmed the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. Comet P/2010 R2 (La Sagra) passed perihelion already on June 25, 2010, at about 2.6 AU. The period is about 5.5 years. It seems that this object is one of the so called 'main belt comets'. This is the 4^th discovery for the amateur survey La Sagra. (CBET 2459 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-S11)
• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2010 B6    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 B7    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 B8    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 B9    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 B10   Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 B11   Kreutz  R. Matson
  C/2010 B12   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 B13   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 C3    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 C4    Kreutz  H. Tan
  C/2010 C5    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 C6    ---     Z. Xu
  C/2010 C7    ---     M. Kusiak      related to C/2010 C8
  C/2010 C8    ---     M. Uchina      related to C/2010 C7
  C/2010 D5    ---     M. Uchina
  C/2010 D6    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 D7    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 D8    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 E7    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 E8    Kreutz  B. Wang
  C/2010 E9    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 E10   Kreutz  H. Su
  C/2010 E11   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 E12   Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 E13   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 F5    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 F6    Kreutz  K. Nakonechny
  C/2010 F7    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 F8    Meyer   M. Kusiak      106th member of the Meyer group
  C/2010 F9    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 F10   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2010 F11   Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 G4    Kreutz  H. Su
  C/2010 G5    Meyer   M. Kusiak      107th member of the Meyer group
  C/2010 G6    Kreutz  M. Kusiak, M. Uchina
  C/2010 H6    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1820 (MPEC 2010-R77, MPEC 2010-R84, MPEC 2010-R86, MPEC 2010-R93, MPEC 2010-R102, MPEC 2010-R108, MPEC 2010-R112)
• Further STEREO comets (all named STEREO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2010 A18   Kreutz  J. Ruan  
  C/2010 A19   Kreutz  J. Ruan, A. Watson
  C/2010 A20   Kreutz  J. Ruan, A. Watson
  C/2010 A21   Kreutz  A. Watson
  C/2010 A22   Kreutz  A. Watson
  C/2010 A23   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 B3    Kreutz  A. Watson
  C/2010 B4    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2010 B5    Kreutz  A. Watson
  

  Official STEREO comets: 37 (MPEC 2010-R74, MPEC 2010-R75)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Sep. 04, 2010, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by W. H. and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory). The preliminary orbit for the 18^m comet C/2010 R1 (LINEAR) shows perihelion on Jul. 20, 2012, at about 4.3 AU. This is the 198^th comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9166, subscription required, MPEC 2010-R58)

• Recovery!: P/2000 Y3 (Scotti) = P/2010 Q1 (J. V. Scotti, Spacewatch, Aug. 19 and 20, 2010. 21mag)
  Prerecovery images of Sep. 18, 2009, by T. Bressi, Spacewatch. T=2010-01-20, P=10.84 yr, delta-T=-0.46 day. (IAUC 9163, subscription required, MPEC 2010-Q19)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  238P/Read = P/2010 N2 = P/2005 U1
  239P/LINEAR = P/2010 C2 = P/1999 XB₆₉
  240P/NEAT = P/2010 P1 = P/2002 X2
  241P/LINEAR = P/2010 P2 = P/1999 U3
  242P/Spahr = P/2010 P3 = P/1998 U4
  243P/NEAT = P/2010 P5 = P/2003 S2
  244P/Scotti = P/2010 Q1 = P/2000 Y3
  (IAUC 9164 (subscription required))
• R. Matson has identified images of comet P/2002 Q16 (WISE) in images taken in the course of the NEAT survey on Aug. 27, Sep. 4, 11, and 12, 2002. The comet thus received the designation 2002 Q16. (MPEC 2010-R23)
• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2010 A6    Kreutz  J. Ruan        First seen by STEREO
  C/2010 A7    Kreutz  B. Zhou        First seen by STEREO
  C/2010 A8    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 A9    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 A10   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2010 A11   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 A12   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 A14   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2010 A15   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 A16   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2010 A17   Meyer   A. Kubczak     105th member of the Meyer group
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1784 (MPEC 2010-Q35, MPEC 2010-Q36)
• Further STEREO comets (all named STEREO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2010 A13   Kreutz  A. Watson
  

  Official STEREO comets: 28 (MPEC 2010-Q36)

• Recovery!: Independent recoveries of comet P/2002 X2 were reported by H. Taylor (Rayle, GA, U.S.A.), H. Sato (Tokyo, Japan; remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill, NM, U.S.A.), L. Elenin (Lyubertsy, Russia; remotely from ISON-NM Observatory, Mayhill), and by T. Yusa (telescope data same as for Sato) on Aug. 9 - 11, 2010. Comet P/2010 P1 (NEAT) will pass perihelion on Oct. 4, 2010, at about 2.1 AU. The period is about 7.6 years. The correction to the prediction is Delta-T = -0.63 day. (IAUC 9159, subscription required, MPEC 2010-P51)
• Recovery!: H. Sato (Tokyo, Japan; remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill, NM, U.S.A.) reports his recovery of comet P/1999 U3 on Aug. 12, and 13, 2010. Comet P/2010 P2 (LINEAR) passed perihelion on July 18, 2010, at about 1.9 AU. The period is about 11.0 years. The correction to the prediction is Delta-T = -0.22 day. (IAUC 9160, subscription required, MPEC 2010-P57)
• Recovery!: G. Hug (Scranton, KS, U.S.A.) reports his recovery of comet P/1998 U4 on Aug. 14, and 16, 2010. Comet P/2010 P3 (Spahr) will pass perihelion on Apr. 3, 2012, at about 4.0 AU. The period is about 13.0 years. The correction to the prediction is Delta-T = +0.04 day. (IAUC 9161, subscription required, MPEC 2010-Q05)
• New Discovery!: A. Maintzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on Aug. 06, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page ground-based observers were not able to detect the cometary features seen by WISE. The orbit for comet P/2010 P4 (WISE) indicates perihelion on July 6, 2010, at about 1.9 AU. The period is about 7.5 years. This is the 16^th comet for WISE.
  (IAUC 9161 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-Q06)
• Recovery!: E. Guido and G. Sostero (Castellammare di Stabia, Italy, remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill, NM, U.S.A.) report their recovery of comet P/2003 S2 on Aug. 15, and 17, 2010. Comet P/2010 P5 (NEAT) will pass perihelion on Mar. 3, 2011, at about 2.5 AU. The period is about 7.5 years. The correction to the prediction is Delta-T = -0.33 day. (IAUC 9162, subscription required, MPEC 2010-Q08)

• Recovery!: J. Pittichova (Univ. of Hawaii) reports her recovery of comet P/2005 U1 on July 7, and 20, 2010. Comet P/2010 N2 (Read) will pass perihelion on Mar. 10, 2011, at about 2.4 AU. The period is about 5.6 years. The correction to the prediction is Delta-T = -0.2 day. (IAUC 9158, subscription required, MPEC 2010-O44)
• Recovery!: G. V. Williams (MPC) has identified comet 1999 XB₆₉ in data obtained in the course of the WISE mission of Feb. 01, and 02, 2010. Subsequently he was able to identify a single night observation from the Mt. Lemmon survey of Oct. 31, 2008. Comet P/2010 C2 (LINEAR) passed perihelion on July 25, 2009, at about 1.7 AU. The period is about 9.5 years. The correction to the prediction is Delta-T = -0.34 day. (CBET 2400 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-P21)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  237P/LINEAR = P/2010 L2 = P/2002 LN₁₃
  (IAUC 9158 (subscription required))
• 2010 Edgar Wilson Award:
  The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory announces that the 2010 Edgar Wilson Award for the discovery of comets (cf. IAUCs 6936, 8962, 9066) is being divided among the following four individuals for three different comets: Rui Yang (Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China) and Xing Gao (Urumqi, Xinjiang province, China) for P/2009 L2 (cf. IAUC 9052); Don Machholz (Colfax, CA, U.S.A.) for C/2010 F4 (cf. IAUC 9132); and Jan Vales (Idrija, Slovenia) for P/2010 H2 (cf. IAUC 9137). (IAUC 9158 (subscription required))
• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/1997 C2    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/1999 D2    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/1999 D3    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/1999 O5    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/1999 Q4    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 Y10   Kracht  R. Kracht      36th member of the Kracht group
  C/2009 Y11   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2009 Y12   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 Y13   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 Y14   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 Y18   Meyer   J. Ruan        104th member of the Meyer group
  C/2009 Y19   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1773 (MPEC 2010-O30, MPEC 2010-O32, MPEC 2010-O33)
• Further STEREO comets (all named STEREO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2009 Y15   Kreutz  A. Watson
  C/2009 Y16   Kreutz  A. Watson
  C/2009 Y17   Kreutz  A. Watson
  

  Official STEREO comets: 27 (MPEC 2010-O31)

• New Discovery!: A. Maintzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on Jul. 05, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page D. Tholen (University of Hawaii) reports that J. Luthe (3.6-m Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope) was able to confirm the cometary nature of the 19.5^m object. Subsequently, pre-discovery observations by Catalina of Apr. 13, May 8, and 18, 2010, were also identified. The orbit for comet P/2010 N1 (WISE) indicates perihelion on Aug. 16, 2010, at about 1.5 AU. The period is about 5.7 years. This is the 15^th comet for WISE.
  (IAUC 9157 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-N48)
• A. Lowe was able to identify observations of P/2010 J5 (McNaught) by Spacewatch of Nov. 01, 2005, and by the Mt. Lemmon survey of Nov. 01, and Dec. 04, 2005, and of Feb. 28, and Mar. 25, 2009.
  (MPEC 2010-N30)

• New Discovery!: A. R. Gibbs reports his discovery of a new comet on Jun. 22, 2010, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page R. S. McMillan and C. K. Maleszewski (Spacewatch) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 20^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 M1 (Gibbs) indicates perihelion on Feb. 7, 2012, at about 2.3 AU. This is the 31^st comet discovery for the Mt. Lemmon Survey and the 15^th for Gibbs. (IAUC 9156, subscription required, MPEC 2010-M51)
• New Discovery!: A. Maintzer (JPL) repots the discovery of a new comet on Jun. 15, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page G. J. Garradd (Siding Spring), S. Foglia, L. Buzzi, P. Concari, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun, Moorook), and H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Moorook) confirmed the cometary nature of the 18^m object. The first orbit for comet C/2010 L5 (WISE) indicates perihelion already on Apr. 26, 2010, at about 0.8 AU. This is the 14^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9155 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-M50)

• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2009 U13   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 U14   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 V3    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 V4    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2001 V5    Kreutz  T. Scarmato
  C/2002 V6    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2009 V7    Kreutz  A. Kubczak
  C/2009 W3    Kreutz  J. Ruan, B. Zhou
  C/2009 W4    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 W5    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 W6    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 W7    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 W8    ---     T. Scarmato
  C/2009 W9    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 W10   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 W11   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 W12   Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2009 W13   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 W14   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 W15   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2009 W16   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 X2    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 X3    Kreutz  T. Scarmato
  C/2009 X4    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 X5    Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2009 X6    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 X7    Kreutz  R. Kracht
  C/2009 X8    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 X9    Kreutz  A. Kubczak
  C/2009 X10   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 X11   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 X12   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2009 X13   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2009 X14   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 X15   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 X16   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2009 X17   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 Y5    Kreutz  J. Ruan, B. Zhou
  C/2009 Y6    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2009 Y7    Kreutz  H. Tan
  C/2009 Y8    Meyer   B. Zhou     103rd member of the Meyer group
  C/2009 Y9    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1761 (MPEC 2010-L85, MPEC 2010-L90, MPEC 2010-L91, MPEC 2010-L92, MPEC 2010-M16, MPEC 2010-M17, MPEC 2010-M18, MPEC 2010-M19)

• New Discovery!: A. Maintzer (JPL) repots the discovery of a new comet on Jun. 15, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory), S. Foglia and R. Holmes (Ashmore, USA), and R. Miles (Faulkes Telescope North, Haleakala) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19^m object. The first orbit for comet C/2010 L4 (WISE) indicates perihelion on already on Jan. 24, 2010, at about 2.7 AU. This is the 13^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9154 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-M20)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object discovered on Jun. 15, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory), P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford, England), S. Foglia and R. Holmes (Ashmore, USA), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from near Mayhill, USA), D. Balam (Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Canada), and H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill). The first orbit for the 19^m comet C/2010 L3 (Catalina) indicates perihelion on Jul. 10, 2011, at about 2.3 AU. This is the 91^st comet for Catalina. (IAUC 9153 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-M09)
• Identification/Recovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered in 2002 by the LINEAR survey and then designated 2002 LN₁₃ has been found to be identical to a new comet reported by A. Mainzer found in the course of the WISE mission on Jun. 10, 2010. The orbit for comet P/2002 LN₁₃ = P/2010 L2 (LINEAR) shows that it passed perihelion already on Dec. 2, 2009, at about 2.4 AU. The period is 7.21 years. This is the 197^th comet for LINEAR. (IAUC 9152 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-L93)

• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/1997 S6    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/1998 D1    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/1999 R5    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/1999 S8    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2001 W5    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2002 B4    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 R3    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 R4    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 R5    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 S5    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 S6    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 S7    Kreutz  R. Matson
  C/2009 S8    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 S9    Meyer   B. Zhou      101st member of the Meyer group
  C/2009 S10   Kreutz  M. Uchina
  C/2009 S11   Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2009 S12   Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 T4    Kreutz  J. Ruan
  C/2009 T5    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2009 T6    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 T7    Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  C/2009 T8    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 T9    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 T10   ---     B. Zhou
  C/2009 T11   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 T12   Kreutz  S. Yuan
  C/2009 T13   Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2009 U7    Meyer   B. Zhou      102nd member of the Meyer group
  C/2009 U8    Kreutz  Z. Xu
  C/2009 U9    Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 U10   ---     B. Zhou
  C/2009 U11   Kreutz  B. Zhou
  C/2009 U12   Kreutz  M. Kusiak
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1719 (MPEC 2010-L20, MPEC 2010-L21, MPEC 2010-L42, MPEC 2010-L43, MPEC 2010-L44, MPEC 2010-L45, MPEC 2010-L60)
• Further STEREO comets (all named STEREO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2010 E6    Kreutz  A. Watson
  

  Official STEREO comets: 24 (MPEC 2010-L19)

• New Discovery!: A. Maintzer (JPL) repots the discovery of a new comet on Jun. 02, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page J. V. Scotti (Spacewatch), Scotti, J. A. Larsen, R. S. McMillan, and G. Bechetti (Steward Observatory), and R. Miles (Faulkes Telescope North, Haleakala) confirmed the cometary nature of the 21.5^m object. The first orbit for comet P/2010 L1 (WISE) indicates perihelion on already on Feb. 04, 2010, at about 2.1 AU. This is the 12^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9151 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-L46)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  236P/LINEAR = P/2010 K1 = P/2003 UY₂₇₅
  (IAUC 9150 (subscription required))

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on May 27, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission has been found cometary after posting on the NEO Confirmation Page. J. V. Scotti (Spacewatch) and A. C. Gilmore and P. M. Kilmartin (Mt. John) reported a small coma in their follow-up images. A. Mainzer (JPL) then reported that a coma was seen in 12-micron images. The first orbit for the 19.5^m comet P/2010 K2 (WISE) indicates perihelion on July 07, 2010, at about 1.2 AU. This is the 11^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9150 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-L17)

• Recovery!: J. V. Scotti (LPL) reports his recovery of comet P/2003 UY₂₇₅ on May 20, and 21, 2010, using the Spacewatch 1.8-m reflector. P/2010 K1 (LINEAR) was about 21.5^m. It will pass perihelion on Sep. 8, 2010, at about 1.83 AU. The period is 7.21 years. The correction to the prediction was -0.70 day. (IAUC 9149, subscription required)
• Further astrometry has shown that comet 2010 J5 is of short period. The latest orbit for comet P/2010 J5 (McNaught) indicates perihelion already on Dec. 22, 2009, at about 3.7 AU. The period is about 8.3 years. The eccentricity is only 0.087. (MPEC 2009-K53)
• B. G. Marsden (MPC) has identified WISE observations of Feb. 6, and 7, 2010, designated 2010 CG₆ with comet P/2010 J3 (McMillan). (IAUC 9149, subscription required)

• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on May 12, 2010, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Moorook) and R. Ligustri (same location) confirmed the cometary nature of the 18^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 J5 (McNaught) shows perihelion on Jun. 20, 2011, at about 1.4 AU. It seems possible that this comet is of short period with a much larger perihelion distance. This is the 72^nd comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 56^th for McNaught. (IAUC 9148, subscription required, MPEC 2010-J96)

• New Discovery!: R. S. McMillan reports his discovery of a new comet on May 12, 2010, in the course of the Spacewatch survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page Following posting on the Minor G. Sostero, E. Guido, L. Donato, and V. Gonano (remotely from Tzec Maun, Mayhill), D. Balam (Dominion Astrophysical Observatory), H. Sato, (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), P. Concari, S. Foglia, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun, Cloudcroft), J. Cave and R. Miles, ('Faulkes Telescope South', Siding Spring), R. Ligustri (remotely from RAS Observatory, Moorook), A. Novichonok and T. Kryachko (remotely from Zelenchukskaya Station), P. Camilleri (remotely from Tzec Maun, Cloudcroft), and T. Yusa (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 17^m comet. The first orbit for comet C/2010 J3 (McMillan) indicates perihelion on Sep. 28, 2010, at about 2.2 AU. This is the 47^th comet for Spacewatch and the 2^nd for McMillan. (IAUC 9146 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-J80)
• New Discovery!: A. Mainzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on May 12, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page D. Balam (Dominion Astrophysical Observatory) and P. Holvorcem (Tenagra Observatory) were able to confirm the cometary appearance of the 19^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 J4 (WISE) indicates perihelion on May 03, 2010, at about 1.1 AU. This is the 10^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9147 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-J91)

• New Discovery!: R. H. McNaught reports his discovery of a new comet on May 08, 2010, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page S. Foglia and R. Holmes (Ashmore), Foglia, P. Concari, G. Galli, M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), A. C. Gilmore and P. M. Kilmartin (Mt. John), and R. Ligustri (remotely from RAS Observatory, Moorook) confirmed the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 J2 (McNaught) shows perihelion already on Apr. 06, 2010, at about 3.4 AU. This is the 71^st comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 55^th for McNaught. (IAUC 9145, subscription required, MPEC 2009-J59)

• New Discovery!: An object with slight cometary features was discovered by J. V. Scotti (LPL) on Apr. 21, 2010, in the course of the Spacewatch survey. Images of May 3, and 4, confirmed this appearance and R-band images taken by W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge) also showed a greater FWHM than nearby field stars. Prediscovery images by Spacewatch of Mar. 18, 2010, and by Mt. Lemmon of Mar. 21, and Apr. 10, 2010, were identified by T. Spahr. The first orbit for comet P/2010 H5 (Scotti) indicates perihelion on Apr. 11, 2010, at about 6.0 AU. This is the 46^th comet for Spacewatch and the 8^th for Scotti. (IAUC 9144 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-J45)
• More astrometry has shown that comet 2010 H4 is of short period. Comet P/2010 H4 (Soctti) will pass perihelion on Jun. 27, 2010, at about 4.82 AU. The period is about 17 years. (MPEC 2010-J52)

• New Discovery!: A. Boattini reports his discovery of a new comet on May 6, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from near Mayhill), S. Foglia, P. Concari, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), A. Novichonok, D. Chestnov and T. Kryachko (Zelenchukskaya Station), M. Busch, D. Koschny and L. D. Palmero (ESA Optical Ground Station), F. Fratev (Plana), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), D. T. Durig (Sewanee), J. E. McGaha (Tucson), and T. Yusa (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill) confirmed the cometary nature of the 15.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 J1 (Boattini) indicates perihelion already on Jan. 31, 2010, at about 1.6 AU. This is the 90^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 14^th for Boattini. (IAUC 9143 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-J32)
• New orbital computations by B. G. Marsden in partial collaboration with R. Kracht present a linkage of the Marsden group comets 1999 J1, 2004 V9 and 2010 H3. Comet P/2010 H3 (SOHO) will have a moderate approach to Earth at about 0.32 AU around May 29. A. Nakamura points out the possibility of a detection with the WISE spacecraft telescope around May 24. (MPEC 2010-J28)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Oct. 22, 2009, in the course of the Mt. Lemmon Survey and then designated 2009 UG₈₉ has been found cometary by H. Sato (remotely from RAS Obs., Mayhill) and J. V. Scotti and R. McMillan (Spacewatch). The orbit for comet C/2009 UG₈₉ (Lemmon) indicates perihelion on Dec. 16, 2010, at about 3.93 AU. This is the 30^th comet for the Mt. Lemmon Survey. (IAUC 9141, subscription required, MPEC 2010-H68)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Mar. 28, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission and then designated 2010 FB₈₇, has been independently discovered by G. J. Garradd on Apr. 21, 2010, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. Garradd reported a faint tail and follow-up observations by S. Foglia, P. Miller and J. Wood (Faulkes Telescope South) confirmed the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first orbit for comet C/2010 FB₈₇ (WISE-Garradd) indicates perihelion on Nov. 6, 2010, at about 2.8 AU. This is the 70^th comet for the Siding Spring Survey and the 17^th for Garradd. (CBET 2260 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-H48)
• New Discovery!: J. V. Scotti (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet on Apr. 20, 2010, in the course of the Spacewatch survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge) confirmed the cometary nature of the 20^m object. The first and very preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 H4 (Scotti) indicates perihelion on Jan. 16, 2014, at about 3.8 AU. The orbit is currently very indeterminate. This is the 45^th comet for Spacewatch and the 7^th for Scotti. (CBET 2257 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-H41)

• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2010 H3    Marsden J. Ruan        Possible return of C/2004 V9 and C/1999 J6, 35th Marsden group comet
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1684 (CBET 2256 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-H37)

• Further observations of comet P/2010 H2 (Vales) show indeed an expanding, elliptical coma. (CBET 2253 (subscription required))

• New Discovery!: A bright asteroidal object has been discovered by J. Vales (Crni Vrh, Slovenia) on Apr. 16, 2010. Numerous follow-up observations show that this object is most likely a comet in outburst. R. A. Kowalski (Catalina Sky Survey) reports that the object is not visible in images down to 20^m of April 15.4 UT. Some observers have commented on a slightly larger FWHM of the object compared to the surrounding stars. The still very uncertain orbit for comet P/2010 H2 indicates perihelion on May 21, 2010, at about 3.1 AU. Follow-up observations are strongly encouraged. It is expected that an expanding coma will develop over the next days and weeks. (CBET 2249 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-H12)
• New Discovery!: G. J. Garradd reports his discovery of a probable new comet on Apr. 16, 2010, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page A. C. Gilmore and P. M. Kilmartin (Mt. John) confirmed the cometary nature of the 18.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 H1 (Garradd) shows perihelion on Jul. 15, 2010, at about 2.5 AU. This is the 16^th comet for Garradd, and the 69^th comet for the Siding Spring Survey. (CBET 2248 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-H07)

• New Discovery!: A. Mainzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on Apr. 14, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. This was confirmed by W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge). The first and preliminary orbit for the 18.5^m comet C/2010 G3 (WISE) indicates perihelion on Sep. 26, 2010, at about 4.7 AU. This is the 8^th comet for WISE. (CBET 2246 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-H04)

• Identification!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Nov. 22, 2009, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey, and then designated 2009 WX₅₁, has been found to be cometary in images taken in the course of the WISE mission on Apr. 2 and 3, 2010. The orbit for comet P/2009 WX₅₁ (Catalina) indicates perihelion on Jan. 31, 2010, at about 0.80 AU. The period is about 5.41 years. This is the 89^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey. (IAUC 9135 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-G105)

• New Discovery!: R. E. Hills reports his discovery of a new comet on Apr. 10, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey, which was confirmed by R. A. Kowalski and G. M. Hupe, and S. M. Larson at Mt. Lemmon. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page A. Novichonok and D. Chestnov (remotely from Tzec Maun), W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), H. Sato (remotely from the same site) and R. Ligustri (remotely from RAS Observatory, Moorook) confirmed the cometary nature of the 18.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 G2 (Hill) indicates perihelion on Jun. 19, 2011, at about 1.3 AU. This is the 88^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 22^nd for Hill. The comet might reach 11^m or brighter. (IAUC 9134 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-G87)
• New permanent short periodic comet numberings:
  234P/LINEAR = P/2010 E4 = P/2002 CF₁₄₀
  235P/LINEAR = P/2010 F2 = P/2002 FA₉
  (IAUC 9134 (subscription required))

• New Discovery!: A. Boattini reports his discovery of a new comet on Apr. 5, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page A. R. Gibbs (Mt. Lemmon), R. Ligustri (Udine), E. Pettarin (Farra d'Isonzo), F. Castellani and C. Marangoni (Malcesine), P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford), L. Buzzi (Varese), and J. E. McGaha (Tucson) confirmed the cometary nature of the 13.5^m object. J. J. Gonzales (Alto del Trichero - Soto y Amio) visually estimated a magnitude of 13.2^m. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 G1 (Boattini) indicates perihelion Apr. 6, 2010, at about 1.2 AU. This is the 87^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 13^th for Boattini. (IAUC 9133 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-G27)

• New Discovery!: Don E. Machholz (Colfax, CA, USA) reports his visual discovery of a comet on Mar. 23, using a 47-cm reflector. The comet was only observed for about 20 minutes, and not motion could be detected. The magnitude was given as 11^m. He was able to detect the object again on Mar. 26, at 11.5-12^m. After posting on the NEO Confirmation Page Y. Ikari (Moriyama), K. Kadota (Ageo), and K. Yoshimoto (Yamaguchi-ken) confirmed the comet. Yoshimoto observed the comet visually and gave a magnitude of 11.
  The first and very preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 F4 (Machholz) shows perihelion on Apr. 10, 2010, at about 0.6 AU. The comet will move closer to the sun and then turn southward becoming fainter quickly. This is the 11^th visual comet discovery for Machholz, who had searched 607 hours since his last discovery C/2004 Q2. Also, this is the first visual comet discovery after 2006. (IAUC 9127 (subscription required), e-mail from D. E. Machholz)

• New Discovery!: J. V. Scotti (LPL) reports his discovery of another new comet on Mar. 20, 2010, in the course of the Spacewatch survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), M. Busch, D. Koschny and D. Abreu (ESA Optical Ground Station, Tenerife), and P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 F3 (Scotti) indicates perihelion on Nov. 2, 2010, at about 5.2 AU. This is the 44^th comet for Spacewatch and the 6^th for Scotti. (IAUC 9127 (subscription required), MPEC 2010-F67)

• Identification/Recovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered in 2002 by the LINEAR survey and then designated 2002 FA₉ has been found to be cometary in images taken by R. H. McNaught in the course of the Siding Spring survey on March 20, 2010. Earlier observations by the Catalina survey were found, too. The orbit for comet P/2002 FA₉ = P/2010 F2 (LINEAR) shows that it passes perihelion on Mar. 21, 2010, at about 2.75 AU. The period is 8.01 years. This is the 196^th comet for LINEAR. (9130, MPEC 2010-F50)

• New Discovery!: A. Boattini reports his discovery of a new comet on Mar. 17, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), A. Novichonok and D. Chestnov (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory near Mayhill), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory near Mayhill), and E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from near Mayhill) confirmed the cometary nature of the 18^m object. Prediscovery images by Catalina of Feb. 20, 2010, were also identified. The first orbit for comet C/2010 F1 (Boattini) indicates perihelion already on Nov. 13, 2009, at about 3.6 AU. This is the 86^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 12^th for Boattini. (IAUC 9128, MPEC 2010-F32)
• M. Meyer (Limburg, Germany) reports his discovery of a new comet in NEAT images obtained in 2001. The discovery images of 2001, Aug. 18, show a tail, as well as the images of Aug. 22. Meyer was able to detect the comet in numerous NEAT images until Dec. 13, 2001. The Aug. 22, observations were already reported as a single night detection back in 2001, but never followed up. A single night detection by LONEOS was also detected by B. G. Marsden. The orbot for comet P/2001 Q11 (NEAT) shows perihelion on June 22, 2001, at about 1.85 AU. The period is 6.18 years. Searches by several other surveys to detect the comet in images of the favourable return of 2007 were of no success. The comet was then at a 0.1 AU farther perihelion. This is the 54^th comet for NEAT. (IAUC 9129, MPEC 2010-F38)

• New Discovery!: J. V. Scotti (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet on Mar. 14, 2010, in the course of the Spacewatch survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page P. Holvorcem (Tenagra), L. Buzzi (Varese), R. Holmes and S. Foglia (Ashomore), W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), L. Elenin (remotely from Tzec Maun near Mayhill), and E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from near Mayhill) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 19.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 E5 (Scotti) indicates perihelion on Jan. 20, 2011, at about 4.0 AU. This is the 43^rd comet for Spacewatch and the 5^th for Scotti. (IAUC 9127, MPEC 2010-F14)

• Identification/Recovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered in 2002 by the LINEAR survey and then designated 2002 CF₁₄₀ has been found to be cometary in images taken by R. A. Kowalski in the course of the Mt. Lemmon survey on March 15, 2010. Earlier observations by the La Sagra survey were found, too. The orbit for comet P/2002 CF₁₄₀ = P/2010 E4 (LINEAR) shows that it has already passed perihelion on Dec. 23, 2009, at about 2.86 AU. The period is 7.47 years. This is the 195^th comet for LINEAR. (9126, MPEC 2010-F02)
• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Mar. 5, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission has been found to be cometary by W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge). Upon request, A. Mainzer (JPL) reported also a coma in the WISE images. The first and preliminary orbit for the 20^m comet C/2010 E3 (WISE) indicates perihelion on Apr. 4, 2010, at about 2.3 AU. This is the 7^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9126, MPEC 2010-F01)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object discovered discovered by D. H. Levy, W. Levy, and T. Glinos on Mar. 9, 2010, using a 64-cm reflector at Jarnac Observatory (Vail) has been found to be cometary after posting on the NEO Confirmation Page. D. Chestnov and A. Novichonok (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory near Mayhill) and W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge) reported about the cometary appearance of the 18.5^m object. The MPC was also able to link observations of the Mt. Lemmon Survey obtained on Feb. 17, 2010. The orbit for comet P/2010 E2 (Jarnac) shows perihelion on Apr. 7, 2010, at about 2.4 AU. The period is about 25.3 years. This is the first amateur discovery in 2010, and the 23^rd comet for Levy. (IAUC 9125, MPEC 2010-E64)
• New Discovery!: A. Mainzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on Feb. 28, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEOCP numerous ground-based observers failed to detect any cometary appearance. The first and preliminary orbit for the 20^m comet C/2010 D4 (WISE) indicates perihelion already on Mar. 30, 2009, at about 7.2 AU. This is the 6^th comet for WISE. (IAUC 9125, MPEC 2010-E63)

• New Discovery!: G. J. Garradd reports his discovery of a new comet on Mar. 11, 2010, in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page R. Holmes and S. Foglia (Ashmore), Foglia, P. Concari, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), H. Sato (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from RAS Observatory, Mayhill), L. Elenin (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory), P. M. Kilmartin and A. C. Gilmore (Mt. John), and R. Ligustri (remotely from near Moorook) were then able to confirm the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 E1 (Garradd) shows perihelion already on Oct. 24, 2009, at about 2.6 AU. This is the 15^th comet for Garradd, and the 68^th comet for the Siding Spring Survey. (IAUC 9124, MPEC 2010-E59)
• Additional observations have shown that comet 2010 D2 is of short period. Comet P/2010 D2 (WISE) passed perihelion on Feb. 27, 2010, at about 3.7 AU. The period is about 17.0 years. (MPEC 2010-E56)

• New Discovery!: D. J. Tholen (University of Hawaii) reports that the object 2010 DG₅₆, which was discovered on Feb. 18, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission, showed a faint tail in images taken by M. Micheli, J. Gazak, and Tholen on Mar. 5, 2010. Upon request, A. Mainzer (JPL) confirmed a coma visible in the WISE images. The orbit for comet C/2010 DG₅₆ (WISE) indicates perihelion on May. 13, 2010, at about 1.6 AU. This is the fifth comet for WISE. (IAUC 9123, MPEC 2010-D79, MPEC 2010-E42)

• New Discovery!: A. Mainzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on Mar. 26, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEOCP G. J. Garradd (Siding Spring) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19-21^m object. The first orbit for comet C/2010 D3 (WISE) indicates perihelion on Sep. 2, 2010, at about 4.2 AU. This is the fourth comet for WISE. (IAUC 9122, MPEC 2010-E34)

• New Discovery!: A. Mainzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on Mar. 25, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEOCP P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford) confirmed the cometary nature of the 19.5^m object. The first orbit for comet C/2010 D2 (WISE) indicates perihelion on Jul. 2, 2010, at about 3.7 AU. (IAUC 9121, MPEC 2010-E12)

• New permanent short periodic comet numbering:
  233P/La Sagra = P/2009 WJ₅₀ = P/2005 JR₇₁
  (IAUC 9119)

• New Discovery!: A. Mainzer (JPL) reports the discovery of a new comet on Feb. 17, 2010, in the course of the WISE mission. After posting on the NEOCP R. S. McMillan (Spacewatch) confirmed the cometary nature of the 21^m object. Afterwards prediscovery observations by Catalina of Nov. 9, and Dec. 10, 2009, were also identified. Comet P/2010 D1 (WISE) already passed perihelion on Jun. 25, 2009, at about 2.66 AU. The period is about 8.5 years. (IAUC 9118, MPEC 2010-D51)

• Identification!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Nov. 19, 2009, in the course of the La Sagra Sky Survey (LSSS) has been found to show cometary appearance in images taken in the course of the WISE mission. Upon request of the MPC M. T. Read and J. V. Scotti (Spacewatch) and W. H. Ryan and E. V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge) were able to confirm this result. Additionally, the comet was identified with a two-night detection by LINEAR of May 8, and 10, 2005, then named 2005 JR₇₁. The orbit for comet P/2009 WJ₅₀ =2005 JR₇₁ (La Sagra) shows perihelion on Mar. 12, 2010, at about 1.79 AU. The period is about 5.3 years. This is the 6^th amateur comet discovery in 2009, and the 3^rd for the La Sagra Survey. (IAUC 9117, MPEC 2010-D01, -D02)

• New Discovery!: J. V. Scotti (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet in the course of the Spacewatch survey on Feb. 9, 2010. The subsequent detection of numerous prediscovery observations allowed a quick establishemnt of the orbit: Dec 12, 2008, and Feb. 1, and 28, 2009, from the Mt. Lemmon Survey, Jan. 2, 2009, from Spacewatch II, and of Jan. 12, and Feb. 5, 2010, from Spacewatch. The orbit for comet P/2010 C1 (Scotti) shows perihelion already on Dec. 1, 2009, at about 5.24 AU. The period is about 18.8 years. This is the 42^nd comet for Spacewatch and the fourth for Scotti. (IAUC 9116, subscription required, MPEC 2010-C26)

• New Discovery!: The WISE mission has found its first comet! A. Mainzer (JPL), reported the discovery of a possible comet in WISE IR images taken on Jan. 22, 2010. After posting on the NEOCP D. J. Tholen (Mauna Kea) and J. V. Scotti (LPL) were then able to confirm the cometary nature of the 20^m object. Comet P/2010 B2 (WISE) already passed perihelion on Dec. 20, 2009, at about 1.61 AU. The period is about 5.2 years. (IAUC 9115, subscription required, MPEC 2010-C23)

• New Discovery!: On Jan. 19, 2010, R. D. Cardinal (Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, University of Calgary) reported the discovery of an object which was posted on the NEO Confirmation Page. In the course of their follow-up Y. Ikari (Moriyama), D. Chestnov and T. Kryachko (Engelhardt Observatory, Zelenchukskaya Station), J. M. Aymami (Tiana), and L. Buzzi (Varese) then commented about the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first and prelimary orbit fore comet C/2010 B1 (Cardinal) indicates perihelion on Feb. 6, 2011, at about 2.9 AU. The comet might reach 13^m, well placed at opposition. (CBET 2141, subscription required, MPEC 2010-B36)
• Further SOHO comets (all named SOHO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2009 V1    Kreutz  M. Uchina      First seen by STEREO
  C/2009 V2    Kreutz  M. Uchina      First seen by STEREO
  

  Official SOHO comets: 1683 (MPEC 2019-B27)
• Further STEREO comets (all named STEREO):

  Designation  Group   Discoverer     Notes
  C/2009 Y3    Kreutz  A. Watson
  C/2009 Y4    Kreutz  A. Watson
  

  Official STEREO comets: 23 (MPEC 2010-B28)

• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Jan. 14, 2010, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by R. Ligustri (Udine, remotely from Moorook), L. Buzzi (Varese), K. Sarneczky (Konkoly Observatory), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from near Mayhill), W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory), H. Sato (remotely from near Mayhill), and S. Foglia, P. Concari, G. Galli, and M. Tombelli (remotely from Tzec Maun Observatory). The preliminary orbit for comet P/2010 A5 (LINEAR) shows perihelion on Apr. 20, 2010, at about 1.7 AU. The period is about 11.9 years. This is the 194^th comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9108, subscription required, MPEC 2010-B02)
• Additional astrometry has shown that comet 2010 A3 is of short period. M. Meyer (Limburg) was also able to identify a prediscovery observation by the La Sagra Sky Survey (LSSS) of Oct. 14, 2009. The orbit for comet P/2010 A3 (Hill) indicates perihelion on Apr. 3, 2010, at about 1.6 AU. The period is about 14.9 years. (MPEC 2010-A85)

• New Discovery!: On Jan. 12, 2010, G. J. Garradd reported his discovery of an apparently asteroidal object in the course of the Siding Spring Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page Garradd remarked that the object appeared elongated. W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from near Mayhill), and R. Holmes and S. Foglia (Ashmore) also reported the cometary appearance of the 18.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 A4 (Siding Spring) shows perihelion on Oct. 8, 2010, at about 2.7 AU. This is the 67^th comet for the Siding Spring Survey. (IAUC 9107, subscription required, MPEC 2010-A76)

• As already suspected additional astrometry has shown that comet 2010 A1 is of short period. The latest orbit for comet P/2010 A1 (Hill) shows perihelion already on Aug. 9, 2009, at about 1.9 AU. The period is about 9 years. (MPEC 2010-A50)

• New Discovery!: R. E. Hill (LPL) reports his discovery of another new comet on Jan. 8, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page T. Kryachko (remotely from Zelenchukskaya Station), H. Sato (remotely from near Mayhill), W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), E. Guido and G. Sostero (remotely from near Mayhill) and K. Kadota (Ageo) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 A3 (Hill) indicates perihelion on Mar. 27, 2010, at about 1.7 AU. This is the 85^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 21^st for Hill. (IAUC 9106, subscription required, MPEC 2010-A48)

• New Discovery!: R. E. Hill (LPL) reports his discovery of a new comet on Jan. 6, 2010, in the course of the Catalina Sky Survey. After placement on the NEO Confirmation Page E. C. Beshore (Mt. Lemmon), Y. Ikari (Moriyama), P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford), H. Sato (remotely from near Mayhill), and W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge) were able to confirm the cometary nature of the 17.5^m object. The first and preliminary orbit for comet C/2010 A1 (Hill) indicates perihelion on Jun. 24, 2010, at about 1.0 AU. The comet might be of short period. This is the 84^th comet for the Catalina Sky Survey and the 20^th for Hill. The comet might reach 11^m in July. (IAUC 9104, subscription required, MPEC 2010-A31)
• New Discovery!: An apparently asteroidal object, discovered on Jan. 6, 2010, in the course of the LINEAR survey has been found cometary after placement on the NEO Confirmation Page by P. Birtwhistle (Great Shefford), W. H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge), H. Sato (remotely from near Mayhill), E. C. Beshore (Mt. Lemmon), and K. Kadota (Ageo). All note that the comet is hard to measure due to almost no central condensation, but a straight tail. The preliminary orbit for comet P/2010 A2 (LINEAR) shows perihelion on May 7, 2010, at about 1.4 AU. The period is about 7.2 years. This is the 193^rd comet discovery for LINEAR. (IAUC 9105, subscription required, MPEC 2010-A32)

• New permanent comet numberings:
  229P/Gibbs = P/2009 S1 = P/2001 Q10
  230P/LINEAR = P/2009 U6 = P/1997 A2 = P/2002 Q15
  231P/LINEAR-NEAT = P/2009 X1 = P/2003 CP₇
  232P/Hill = P/2009 W1 = P/1999 XO₁₈₈
  (IAUC 9101, subscription required, IAUC 9102, subscription required)

accesses since Oct. 10, 1999.