Everyone should take out their telescopes and binoculars to see one of the brightest comets in years. Comet Lovejoy has been treating stargazers with a splendid sky for the past month, but it will shine its brightest on Jan. 11.
Comet C/2014 Q2, also named as the Christmas Comet Lovejoy, is a celestial body that has been roaming the skies for a while. It will be at its closest position to the earth this week at a distance of around 70 million kilometers. It has a projected magnitude of 4.5.
According to reports, the comet is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye in dark skies for the next two weeks. It is most visible in unpolluted suburban locations. However, one can see it better with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. Through the lens, it appears like a huge ball of cotton wool with a faint tail.
Those who cannot go out or spot the comet can head to the Virtual Telescope Project website as it will hold a live stream of its journey.
Astronomers were astounded by the fast progress of the comet. It is reported to be half of the moon's diameter, but since it is a newly discovered space object, astronomers are still finalizing the details of its revolution. According to calculations, it orbits the sun every 8,000 years. Other reports claim that it will return after 13,500 years as it has an aphelion distance of 170 billion km. away. Therefore, this is everyone's only chance of seeing this particular comet.
Comet Lovejoy was discovered by an Australian amateur astronomer and stargazer Terry Lovejoy in August. Although this is his fifth discovery, it is his most significant finding. The astronomer discovered the celestial object while it was still in its 15th level of brightness.
This is once in a lifetime opportunity as Comet Lovejoy will not return for another 8,000 years or so.
