Space
Comet ISON Update: How to See the Spectacular Light Show
Catherine Griffin
First Posted: Nov 21, 2013 12:09 PM EST
Comet ISON has gained a lot of attention in recent days. As Thanksgiving approaches, so too does the moment where the comet will be closest to the Sun. While ISON has so far remained in one piece, though, it's plunge toward our nearest star may just cause it to break apart.
Currently, astronomers believe that ISON is still in one piece, though they're still not sure. That's mainly because there have been reports of "coma wings" in processed images of the comet, which are features that have been associated with fragmentation of comet nuclei. That said, the current evidence implies that the comet is still holding together, especially since the "coma wing" features appear to have faded.
Although the comet was in outburst about a week ago and increased in its light output by 10-fold, it seems to have done so again. Scientists using the European Southern Observatory's TRAPPIST telescope reported on Nov. 19 that comet ISON was in outburst. There was a six-times increase in production rates, which caused it to brighten significantly, according to NASA.
So how can you spot ISON? Currently, the comet itself is about 25 degrees from the Sun, which means that it can only be spotted at twilight. Actually seeing the comet is somewhat difficult at the moment, as well. Although ISON is brightening, it's located near the eastern horizon and can be only seen just before dawn. Not only that, but the moon is currently near full, which means that light is interfering with the view of the comet. But if you do want to catch a glimpse of ISON, be sure to get away from city lights and use a pair of binoculars to pick out the comet. As the moon's light wanes over the next week, sky gazers should have a better chance at viewing the comet.
Currently, ISON is scheduled to reach perihelion on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m., according to Accuweather.com. That's when ISON will be the closest to the Sun. Whether it breaks apart or flies on past, though, is something that astronomers still aren't sure about.
If the comet does make it past Nov. 28, though, we could be in for quite the treat. ISON could potentially become visible to the naked eye in dawn skies in early December as gas jetting from its nucleus illuminates the night sky. It's also good to note that ISON is about 100 times brighter than comet Lovejoy was at the same distance from the Sun, which means that the next few days could make the comet absolutely spectacular.
Want to learn more about the comet? Check out this stunning visualization of the comet's path as it hurtles toward Earth and our Sun over the next few weeks.
See Now:
NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone
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First Posted: Nov 21, 2013 12:09 PM EST
Comet ISON has gained a lot of attention in recent days. As Thanksgiving approaches, so too does the moment where the comet will be closest to the Sun. While ISON has so far remained in one piece, though, it's plunge toward our nearest star may just cause it to break apart.
Currently, astronomers believe that ISON is still in one piece, though they're still not sure. That's mainly because there have been reports of "coma wings" in processed images of the comet, which are features that have been associated with fragmentation of comet nuclei. That said, the current evidence implies that the comet is still holding together, especially since the "coma wing" features appear to have faded.
Although the comet was in outburst about a week ago and increased in its light output by 10-fold, it seems to have done so again. Scientists using the European Southern Observatory's TRAPPIST telescope reported on Nov. 19 that comet ISON was in outburst. There was a six-times increase in production rates, which caused it to brighten significantly, according to NASA.
So how can you spot ISON? Currently, the comet itself is about 25 degrees from the Sun, which means that it can only be spotted at twilight. Actually seeing the comet is somewhat difficult at the moment, as well. Although ISON is brightening, it's located near the eastern horizon and can be only seen just before dawn. Not only that, but the moon is currently near full, which means that light is interfering with the view of the comet. But if you do want to catch a glimpse of ISON, be sure to get away from city lights and use a pair of binoculars to pick out the comet. As the moon's light wanes over the next week, sky gazers should have a better chance at viewing the comet.
Currently, ISON is scheduled to reach perihelion on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m., according to Accuweather.com. That's when ISON will be the closest to the Sun. Whether it breaks apart or flies on past, though, is something that astronomers still aren't sure about.
If the comet does make it past Nov. 28, though, we could be in for quite the treat. ISON could potentially become visible to the naked eye in dawn skies in early December as gas jetting from its nucleus illuminates the night sky. It's also good to note that ISON is about 100 times brighter than comet Lovejoy was at the same distance from the Sun, which means that the next few days could make the comet absolutely spectacular.
Want to learn more about the comet? Check out this stunning visualization of the comet's path as it hurtles toward Earth and our Sun over the next few weeks.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone