See a green comet come close to Earth next week: Stargazers in northern hemisphere could be treated to a stunning show
Comet Linear is 100 times brighter than astronomers had expected
Due to moon-filled skies, you may need binoculars to get a good view
Sky watchers will need to be outside at least 1.5 hours before sunrise
It will be roughly in line with Mars and Saturn on morning of March 29th
By Ellie Zolfagharifard For Dailymail.com
A bright green comet is about to come into view for sky watchers in the northern hemisphere.
The icy space rock, dubbed Comet Linear, will emerge from next week and be around 100 times brighter than astronomers had expected.
Sky gazers in the southern hemisphere, were treated to view of the comet earlier this week, after it passed Earth at 3.3 million miles away.
HOW TO SEE IT
Go to an area with low light pollution away from any cities or towns.
You will need to be out at least 1.5 hours before sunrise,
The comet is moving between the constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius. This is in the southern part of the sky.
The planets Saturn and Mars are in this part of the sky as well.
They and the bright star Antares will be the first things you notice, forming a distinctive triangle a little smaller.
The comet is climbing to the left of this trio.
You may need the help of binoculars, as the moon light will could obscure your view.
Currently, Comet Linear is moving rapidly into view from the northern hemisphere. But due to moon-filled skies, you may need binoculars to get a good view.
Sky watchers will need to be out at least 1.5 hours before sunrise, in a location as free from light pollution as possible.
The comet is moving between the constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius, which is in the southern part of the sky before dawn.
Each morning the comet will be higher up with respect to the surrounding stars.
The planets Saturn and Mars are in this part of the sky as well.
They and the bright star Antares will be the first things you notice, forming a distinctive triangle a little smaller than your clenched fist held at arm’s length, according to Sky & Telescope.
The comet is climbing to the left of this trio. It will be roughly in line with Mars and Saturn on the morning of March 29th and along a line connecting Saturn and Antares on March 31st.
‘Don’t expect Comet Linear to be obvious with a long tail,’ explains Sky & Telescope Senior Editor Kelly Beatty.
‘Its light isn’t concentrated in a single point but instead is spread out in a soft round glow, larger than the Moon but many thousands of times dimmer.’
Comet Linear has a greenish colour caused by molecules of diatomic carbon that are fluorescing in sunlight.
However, the green tint likely won’t be evident unless you view the comet through a telescope.
Given the comet’s unexpected surge, astronomers aren’t sure how long it will remain.
READ MORE: Comet 252P/LINEAR Soars Into Predawn View This Week – Sky & Telescope
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3509840/See-green-comet-come-close-Earth-week-Star-gazers-northern-hemisphere-treated-stunning-show.html#ixzz448UTOQuS
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Check out also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThbuvhwWuFA
