Science

Judi Lynn

(160,501 posts) Mon May 18, 2020, 07:46 PM May 2020

Comet SWAN: A brilliant 'icy wanderer' in photos

By Space.com Staff 2 hours ago

Astrophotographer Gerald Rhemann captured this image of comet C/2020 F8 SWAN on May 12, 2020.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Gerald Rhemann)
Meet Comet SWAN

. . .

Comet C/2020 F8 SWAN was discovered in early April 2020, when amateur astronomer Michael Mattiazzo spotted it in images captured by NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory on March 25. It has since brightened just enough for skywatchers to spot it with the naked eye under dark, clear skies, though it is easier to see through binoculars or telescopes.

The comet is expected to reach perihelion on May 27, when it will swing around the sun and begin its journey back to the outskirts of the solar system. See photos of the bright, new comet in this Space.com gallery. In the image above, Comet SWAN shows off its long ion tail during its closest approach to Earth on May 12.

https://www.space.com/comet-swan-amazing-amateur-photos.html?utm_source=notification

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Comet SWAN: A brilliant 'icy wanderer' in photos (Original Post) Judi Lynn May 2020 OP

I always read and enjoy your posts. jls4561 May 2020 #1

So glad if you find something useful, jls45561. Thank you. Judi Lynn May 2020 #2

Stargazers hope to spot Comet Swan and its 11m mile long tail Judi Lynn May 2020 #3

I love all the science posts, and find the South American posts enlightening. jls4561 May 2020 #4

So much to discover, continually, isn't there? Thank you, so much. n/t Judi Lynn May 2020 #5

I just love looking off the deck at night. jls4561 May 2020 #6

Thanks for the head's up! Karadeniz May 2020 #7

jls4561

(1,257 posts)

1. I always read and enjoy your posts.

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Mon May 18, 2020, 07:58 PM

May 2020

Thank you.

Judi Lynn

(160,501 posts)

2. So glad if you find something useful, jls45561. Thank you.

Reply to jls4561 (Reply #1)

Mon May 18, 2020, 09:20 PM

May 2020

Judi Lynn

(160,501 posts)

3. Stargazers hope to spot Comet Swan and its 11m mile long tail

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Mon May 18, 2020, 09:22 PM

May 2020

Stargazers in Yorkhire are hoping for a sighting of Comet Swan, last seen around the time of the last Ice Age, 12,000 years ago.
By Alexandra Wood
Monday, 18th May 2020, 5:00 pm

The blue comet with a long wavy tail, estimated to be 11m miles long, has already been seen spotted by observers in countries in the southern hemisphere, including Brazil, Bolivia and Sudan.

East Yorkshire astronomer George McManus said there is a narrow window of opportunity to see it between now and the end of the month.

But people will need to have a pair of binoculars and it is not that easy to find. They will also have to get out of bed extremely early.

“It has been seen by quite a few people in the southern hemisphere and is now working its way into visibility in the northern hemisphere,” said Mr McManus, who suggested Wednesday morning could be a good time to look for it.

More:
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/stargazers-hope-spot-comet-swan-and-its-11m-mile-long-tail-2856964