reported by:| Edited by: DNA Web Team | Source: DNA webdesk | Update: December 12, 2021, 23:03 IST
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The brightest comet of the year, Comet Leonard is not just an ordinary comet. These are solar pilgrims from deep in space, traveling back nearly 35,000 years later. To understand its duration, early human civilization evolved no more than 7,000 to 8,000 years ago.
Seen during December, it can be seen in the night sky emitting a green glow with its long tail. Watching Leonard pass by is definitely a privilege for the surviving generations, as the comet will never return to the solar system again.
Here’s everything you need to know about Leonard’s “once in a lifetime” comet.
The comet was only discovered by astronomer Gregory Leonard in January 2021. Officially named C/2021 A1, the comet will make its closest pass to Earth on December 12. 553512121590 km is the aphelion, or farthest distance from the sun. For comparison, the distance is 3,700 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun, also known as the astronomical unit (AU). Comet Leonard’s orbit around the Sun takes 80,000 years.
However, this may be the last time Leonard will come to the center of the solar system. According to current astronomical estimates, the comet will most likely be pushed out of the solar system after passing the sun. Leonard is not expected to return after this clip.
When Leonard is visible, his position in the sky is at the center of galaxy NGC 4631 (nicknamed the Whale Galaxy). The comet will be closest to the sun on January 3, 2022.
How to watch a comet once in a lifetime?
Comet Leonard will be visible throughout December with the early morning before sunrise being the best time to observe. Leonard will be visible in the eastern sky.
Before dawn, Leonard reached the highest point in the sky. The comet will pass between the brightest star of the constellation Bootes, Arcturus, and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism during its closest approach to our planet.
From December 14 onwards, the comet will be visible in the evening sky after sunset. While Comet Leonard will be closest to Earth on December 12, astronomers suggest that it will be at its best on December 17.
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The brightest comet of the year, Comet Leonard is not just an ordinary comet. These are solar pilgrims from deep into space, traveling back nearly 35,000 years later. To understand its duration, early human civilization evolved no more than 7,000 to 8,000 years ago.
Seen during December, it can be seen in the night sky emitting a green glow with its long tail. Watching Leonard pass by is definitely a privilege for the surviving generations, as the comet will never return to the solar system again.
Here’s everything you need to know about Leonard’s “once in a lifetime” comet.
The comet was only discovered by astronomer Gregory Leonard in January 2021. Officially named C/2021 A1, the comet will make its closest pass to Earth on December 12. 553512121590 km is the aphelion, or farthest distance from the sun. For comparison, the distance is 3,700 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun, also known as the Astronomical Unit (AU). Comet Leonard’s orbit around the Sun takes 80,000 years.
However, this may be the last time Leonard will come to the center of the solar system. According to current astronomical estimates, the comet will most likely be pushed out of the solar system after passing the sun. Leonard is not expected to return after this clip.
When Leonard is visible, his position in the sky is at the center of galaxy NGC 4631 (nicknamed the Whale Galaxy). The comet will be closest to the sun on January 3, 2022.
How to watch a comet once in a lifetime?
Comet Leonard will be visible throughout December with the early morning before sunrise being the best time to observe. Leonard will be visible in the eastern sky.
Before dawn, Leonard reached the highest point in the sky. The comet will pass between the brightest star of the constellation Bootes, Arcturus, and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism during its closest approach to our planet.
From December 14 onwards, the comet will be visible in the evening sky after sunset. While Comet Leonard will be closest to Earth on December 12, astronomers suggest that it will be at its best on December 17.
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