‘Christmas Comet’ to light up the sky this holiday

Source: The Hill | December 22, 2021 | Jenna Romaine

The comet was first detected earlier this year.

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Comet C/2021 A1 or Comet Leonard, also being called the “Christmas Comet,” was detected earlier this year and was at its closest distance from Earth on Dec. 12. The “Christmas Comet” will continue to be visible throughout the United States through the rest of the year. 

However, experts are encouraging people to search for it in the night sky soon, as it will continue to become dimmer as the end of December nears and the comet won’t pass Earth again for another 80,000 years.

“This comet should be visible with a backyard telescope or binoculars,” Gordon Johnston, a program executive at NASA Headquarters, told Accuweather, “and may be visible to the naked eye under very clear and dark observing conditions.” 

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  • Consistent December 22, 2021 at 3:49 pm #51237

    Consistent December 22, 2021 at 3:50 pm #51238

    Venus will be a guide for spotting the comet as it will appear to the left of the bright planet through Christmas.

    “Viewers will need a clear view of the horizon, as the comet will only be a few degrees above the horizon as evening twilight ends,” Johnston said.

    The green track shows where Comet Leonard will appear in the sky through Dec. 25, 2021. (NASA)
    The green track shows where Comet Leonard will appear in the sky through Dec. 25, 2021. (NASA)

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