USA TODAY International Edition
Comet Leonard will make a rare appearance
It looks like space was saving its best for last in 2021, as the arrival of the newly found comet Leonard will be one of the most visible this year.
The comet, discovered by Greg Leonard, a senior researcher at the University of Arizona, was first spotted at the Mount Lemmon Observatory outside of Tucson, Arizona, on Jan. 3.
Robert Lunsford with the American Meteor Society told USA TODAY the comet won’t be the most spectacular one ever but will be “the brightest comet this year.” With the help of binoculars and telescopes, people across the country can already begin to spot it, and it won’t be long before people can view the comet with the naked eye for this once- in- a- lifetime event.
What makes Leonard special?
Although recently discovered, the comet won’t be sticking around for long. Astrophysicist and founder of The Virtual Telescope Project Gianluca Masi told USA TODAY Leonard is a long- period comet, meaning it doesn’t come around often. In fact, the comet hasn’t passed by Earth in over 70,000 years, and after it passes by the sun, it will be ejected from our solar system.
“This makes the observation of this comet even more exciting, as we will say ‘ farewell’ to this icy, little world,” Masi said. Masi noted that comets are unpredictable and they can often change course, making them more or less noticeable. However, if Leonard stays on course, Lunsford says it will have a magnitude brightness of four, which is the same brightness as average stars.
When, and how, can you see it?
Unless you are living in Antarctica, Lunsford said anyone on the planet can view the comet right now. Through Dec. 13, the comet can be observed in the morning sky using binoculars or a telescope. On Dec. 12, it will be 21.7 million miles away from Earth, the closest it will get. If you are able to avoid light pollution, you’ll have a better chance to see it.
Beginning Dec. 14, the comet will be viewable in the night sky and for a few days, no instruments will be needed. Lunsford said viewers will notice the comet between the horizon and Venus right after sunset on Dec. 17.