There are currently 4 comets in the eastern morning sky

Comets Ison, Encke, Lovejoy Linear

I had not known there were four.

They are not yet naked eye comets except one and only in the darkest skies.

From today's Spaceweather.com:

Pictured from left to right are exploding Comet LINEAR X1, sungrazing Comet ISON, short-period Comet Encke, and the brightest of them all, Comet Lovejoy. All four are visible in binoculars or backyard telescopes, and Comet Lovejoy (mag. +6.0) is visible to the naked eye from dark-sky sites. Comet ISON is actually one of the faintest of the group; only expanding Comet LINEAR X1 (mag. +8) is more difficult to see.

An apparition of so many comets at once is a rare thing, and amateur astronomers are encouraged to wake up early for a tour of the pre-dawn sky. Dates of special interest include Nov. 15-18 when Comet LINEAR X1 passes by the bright star Arcturus, Nov 17-18 when Comet ISON has a close encounter with Spica, and Nov. 18-20 when Comet Encke buzzes Mercury. These stars and planets make excellent naked-eye guideposts for finding the comets. Meanwhile, bright Comet Lovejoy is approaching the Big Dipper; if you can't see it with your unaided eye, a quick scan with binoculars will reveal it.
Click to expand...

Log in or Sign up

GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

There are currently 4 comets in the eastern morning sky

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

There are currently 4 comets in the eastern morning sky

Share This Page

Useful Searches