Kentish Express Ashford & District
Still time to capture comet in our skies
These stunning pictures capture a comet visible in the skies above Kent until the end of the month.
Stargazers have been heading out into the county’s open expanses in a bid to photograph the phenomenon, which Nasa says has “suddenly become visible”.
Called Comet Neowise, it can currently be seen throughout the night in a northerly direction low in the sky.
Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the comet are advised to look beneath the Plough asterism.
It will be at its closest point to Earth - a mere 64 million miles away - next Thursday (July 23).
Each night, it will be a little further to the left, and come the end of July, it is expected to go out of sight.
A statement from Nasa reads: “A comet has suddenly become visible to the unaided eye.
“Comet C/2020 F3 was discovered in late March and brightened as it reached its closest approach to the sun, inside the orbit of Mercury, late last week.
“The interplanetary iceberg survived solar heating, so far, and is now becoming closer to the Earth as it starts its long trek back to the outer solar system.”
In the past few weeks, Neowise has developed a curving tail composed of dust particles ejected from the main body of the comet as it is warmed by the sun. This dusty trail catches sunlight, causing the comet to shine in the night sky.
Comet Neowise last entered the solar system about 4,500 years ago and will not reappear for another 7,000.
So this is your last chance to see it in action.
Send us your pictures to showcase@thekmgroup.co.uk.