Tag Archives: Asteroid

2013 comet may be brightest ever seen

Excitement continues to rise among both professional and amateur astronomers about Comet ISON, which on Nov. 28 of this year might become one of the brightest comets ever seen, outshining such recent dazzlers as Comet Hale-Bopp (1997) and Comet McNaught (2007).

Fortunately, Comet ISON was discovered 14 months before this perihelion passage — its closest point to the sun — while still distant and faint, thus giving observers time to plan. Another major advantage is that this fine object will be favorably placed for viewing, first in the morning sky before perihelion passage on Nov. 28, and then both in the morning and evening sky afterward.

Stargazers Forecast for Comet Pan-STARRS

Star gazers should prepare to potentially see Comet Pan-STARRS this week.

The Pan-STARRS comet, officially known as C/2012 L4 made its debut in the night time sky on March 7, 2013.

Although the comet was at its brightest on March 10 when it was closest to the sun, the comet will be close to the crescent moon Tuesday and Wednesday night. This could provide astronomers and star gazers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the comet.

Record-breaking Asteroid To Pass Earth

An asteroid half the size of a football field is passing by Earth Friday in the closest ever approach by an object of its size.

The asteroid, called 2012 DA14, will pass between the Earth and satellites in orbit. The closest point to the Earth is believed to be 5,000 miles closer than the satellites which make up the GPS navigational system or 1/13th the distance from the Earth to the moon. Continue reading →