This graphic released by NASA shows the path the “Green Comet” will take across the solar system. (NASA)
A “once-in-a-lifetime comet” that hasn’t been seen in the solar system for 50,000 years is set to reach its brightest moment this week as stargazers will be able to spot it with just a telescope or binoculars.
According to Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, the comet, informally known as the “green comet” recently made its closest approach to the sun, after having traveled tens of thousands of years from the far fringes of the solar system.” It is expected to be brightest around Feb. 1 as it reaches its closest point to Earth.
The comet will be “just slightly brighter than 6th magnitude,” the planetarium notes, meaning the comet will be at the “faintest an object can be seen without optical aid in a very clear, very dark sky.”
But it won’t look like what many might imagine a comet to look like – even in photos.
“It will be more like a faint, fuzzy glow or smear of light,” the planetarium reported. “Under a city or suburban sky, you’ll need binoculars or a small telescope to actually see this comet. Even far from city lights, you’ll likely still need binoculars because when the comet is brightest, the bright Moon will be in the sky at the same time, making viewing more difficult.”
Discovered less than a year ago, the harmless green comet already is visible in the northern night sky with binoculars and small telescopes, and possibly the naked eye in the darkest corners of the Northern Hemisphere.
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