All articles tagged with #closest approach
Comet 13P/Olbers will make its closest approach to Earth on July 20, 2024, passing at a distance of 176 million miles. Currently visible with binoculars, the comet is moving from Ursa Major to Leo Minor in the northwestern sky. This periodic comet, which orbits the sun every 68 years, will be brightest this week, offering a prime opportunity for observation and astrophotography.
The 'Devil Comet', also known as 12P/Pons-Brooks, has lost its iconic horns after a massive volcanic eruption. Astronomers have observed new characteristics in the comet, including a mysterious shadow and a rare green hue. The comet, which is cryovolcanic and has an icy shell, will make its closest approach to Earth in over 70 years next summer. The recent eruption caused the comet's coma to expand, but the distinctive horns were not visible. It remains uncertain if the horns will reappear in the future.
Uranus will make its closest approach to Earth on November 13, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazers to observe the ice giant with a small amateur telescope or binoculars. Larger telescopes may even reveal its rings. Billions of years ago, Uranus and Neptune likely formed closer to the Sun before migrating to their current positions, potentially flinging other ice giants out of the solar system. Uranus acquired its unusual tilt during a massive collision with a planet around 4 billion years ago.