A new comet discovered that may become one of brightest in history. Next year, this dim spot, comet ISON might outshine the moon! According to Astronomers it’s possible: 30% chance of awesome, 60% chance of that being wrong. Image credit: NASA
The newly discovered C/2012 S1 (ISON) could develop a spectacular tail. Alternatively, the comet could break up when it gets closer to the Sun.
The comet, discovered just over a week ago from Russia by Vitali Nevski and Artyom Novichonok, is currently falling toward the Sun from between the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn.
Comet McNaught, also known as the Great Comet of 2007 and given the designation C/2006 P1. Image credit Wikimedia
During the next 15 months, Astronomers around the world will be tracking this large dirty snowball to find out its nature.
The comet will pass the Earth in late 2013 December.
An animation showing the movement of the comet in about 30 minutes.
Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 has fallen apart. Image credit: NASA, ESA, H. Weaver (JHU / APL), M. Mutchler and Z. Levay (STScI)
Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). Currently located beyond the orbit of Jupiter, Comet ISON is heading for a very close encounter with the sun next year. In Nov. 2013, it will pass less than 0.012 AU (1.8 million km) from the solar surface. Image credit: NASA
via APOD, NASA
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