After being away for about 25 million years Comet Swan is
paying us a call.
It's astonishingly
bright for a space object, giving off a greenish glow trailed by a long, blue
tail. Unlike asteroids - which are made
of rock - comets are largely made of ice and as a consequence leave a streaking
debris trail following them.
The best viewing opportunities will be reserved for star gazers in the southern hemisphere. Nevertheless, for those of us living in the
northern hemisphere we may have a shot at viewing Swan as it passes earth at 52 million miles
on May 12.
If you reside in the mid-latitudes watch for it low in the
west-northwest sky after sunset and low in the east-northeast sky before
sunrise. Best to use binoculars or a telescope.
Comet Swan will be
around until the end of this month and the best viewing opportunities should be tonight and tomorrow morning.
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