So Comet ISON did not survive its close brush with the Sun. And on solar approach, it didn't really get bright enough for us to see in our sky until it was much too close to our Sun. So...phooey.
However, Comet Lovejoy, one of several by that name (the official name of this one is C/2013 R1)...a much less touted comet...is also currently in our sky. It too, is approaching the Sun, with perihelion coming on Christmas Day. The big difference here is...this comet might actually be visible in our sky!
Comet Lovejoy is currently a magnitude 4 object in the constellation Corona Borealis. That puts the comet above the threshold for naked eye visibility. You'll want a dark sky location to get the best view - anywhere that you can get away from bright sources of light will work. And of course, the best time to see the comet is in the wee small hours before dawn.
But still! It's a comet! HA!
Comet Lovejoy has already made its closest approach to Earth. But as it draws closer to the Sun, its brightness may continue to increase, meaning that the comet may be on a path to looking better and better in our early morning skies. Since Lovejoy will only get about as close to the Sun as Mercury, it might even survive and continue to put on a good show into the new year. Stay tuned!
This finder chart will help you locate Comet Lovejoy in the morning sky:
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| Finder chart for Comet Lovejoy. Courtesy spaceweather.com |
Best of luck seeing the comet! If things continue to improve, we'll do a comet-watching event, so stay tuned for more details.
Carpe noctem!
Kelly
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Your comments and questions are welcome! Please post here, but realize it may be two weeks or more before you see a response. To contact me faster, email me at kelly.herbst@thevlm.org.