Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Dec 12 - Comet Wirtanen Closest to Sun Today

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Jack Fusco Photography in California wrote: "Hi EarthSky! I'm so excited to share my 1st photo of comet 46P/Wirtanen!" Thanks, Jack, and thanks for sharing how to photograph the comet on your blog!  See more photos.

How to see 2018's brightest comet

Comet 46P/Wirtanen is closest to the sun today. It'll be closest to Earth next week. With the moon waxing and casting more light in the sky, the time to see the comet is now. Charts, tips and other info here.

See it! Images of comet 46P/Wirtanen

The images are coming in fast! That tells us people are finding this comet relatively easily. See photos.
Geminid meteors peak this week
The best morning is likely Friday morning, December 14. But try Thursday morning, too. Read more.

Great week for stargazing!

To glimpse comet Wirtanen this week - and maybe catch some Geminid meteors - set your location at NASA's Night Sky Network, then search for clubs and events. Or visit the Virtual Telescope Project for a free, online viewing of comet Wirtanen on December 12 and 17.

 

Note: 22 UTC is 5 p.m. Eastern on December 12 and 16; translate UTC to your time.

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Find the Geminids' radiant point
Why is the Geminid meteor shower best around 2 a.m.? It's because that's when the shower's radiant point - near the bright star Castor in the constellation Gemini - is highest in the sky. Read more.
See it! Images of comet 46P/Wirtanen

Emilio Lepeley sent this fine picture of comet Wirtanen from Elqui Valley, Vicuna, Chile. See videos and more photos. Have you seen the comet yet? Here's how.

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