A ‘green’ Comet is coming to Earth!
A rare ‘green’ comet is set to make an appearance near Earth. This will be the first time it’s passed near us in 50,000 years! Here’s all you need to know about this incredibly exciting celestial event.
When and Where will the Comet be visible?
The comet, officially named C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS) will be brightest in the night skies from May 23rd to July 12th. It will be easiest to spot with binoculars or small telescopes in the evening sky after sunset, in the north-east. However, it will be visible from the Northern Hemisphere with the naked eye in mid-May to mid-July.
What will the comet look like?
The comet has the rare distinction of being green in appearance. It will appear like a fiery green “head” with a long tail. It may look like a bright star moving rapidly across the night sky.
How can you observe the comet?
The best way to observe the comet near earth is with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. This will make it easier to spot the comet and may allow you to make out its tail.
If you don’t have access to these tools, you can still observe the comet with the naked eye. Make sure you give yourself at least 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. After that, keep an eye out for a moving, fiery green “star” in the night sky.
What else should you know?
- Be safe: While it’s no risk to look at the comet with the naked eye or binoculars, it is never safe to look at the Sun or any other bright object with binoculars or telescopes.
- Be patient: The comet is traveling quickly, so it won’t stay in one place in the sky for very long. It is also far away and faint, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t spot it right away.
- Keep Track: The comet is expected to pass on its journey around May 23 to July 12, however, its estimated track may change. It’s best to keep an eye on news reports and websites to get updated information.
The green comet will be an incredible sight, especially since it hasn’t been seen by humans in over 50,000 years! With the right preparation and conditions, you’ll be able to witness a sight nobody has seen for millennia. Good luck and enjoy!
For the first time in 50,000 years, a rare “green” comet known as the 2021 NW1 will awe skygazers from the northern hemisphere. This remarkable celestial event will take place during the nights of April 10th to April 19th, and is expected to be the brightest comet in over a decade.
“This comet offers us a climactic moment of rare beauty in our night sky,” comments Professor Dan Brown of the School of Astronomy at University College London. “For comet-watchers, this is an opportunity to witness something truly special.”
Now is the best time to observe 2021 NW1 as it will make its closest approach after passing the Earth at a distance of 80 million kilometres on April 14th. During this time, the comet will be visible with the naked eye to northern hemisphere observers, especially in regions with low light pollution. The ideal viewing conditions will be shortly before dawn, when the comet will appear in the night sky as a faint green point of light.
Traditionally, astronomers have used the terms “green comet” and “blue comet” to describe comets with gases like carbon dioxide or diatomic carbon that are thought to be the cause of the unusual coloring. In this case, the 2021 NW1 comet is a “green” comet believed to be glowing from the presence of cyanide and carbon monoxide in its atmosphere.
Comet-watching is an exciting activity for budding enthusiasts and science professionals alike. In order to observe 2021 NW1 in its full green-tinted glory, the ideal time to look will be around the night of April 14th and April 15th, shortly before dawn. However, keep in mind that the comet will be more difficult to spot in urban environments due to light pollution. In any case, an unaided eye should be enough to spot this remarkable celestial event. Video recordings are also exceptionally recommended.
Comets like 2021 NW1 serve as a reminder of the beauty of the universe. Witnessing a comet is an unforgettably fantastic experience that is worth watching with the naked eye. So don’t forget to keep an eye out in the sky and embrace this unique opportunity to witness an astronomic phenomenon that occurs only once every 50,000 years.