A New Comet for 2021

Last summer we were treated to the pleasantly surprisingly comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3). Through early detection and widespread awareness campaigns, many were finally able to see this rare visitor in the evening sky on its way around our solar system. While it’s now long gone, new comets are discovered on a regular basis, though not all reach the same threshold of visibility as NEOWISE. Thankfully we have a new comet to keep an eye on this year: Comet Leonard. 

It won’t be until late this year that we’ll be able to get a good look at it visually, but early prospects are good and hopes are high that it may reach naked-eye visibility. Read more here:

https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/bright-comet-c-2021-a1-leonard-2021-2022

Don’t forget to check out the crescent Moon this week as it grows in the evening twilight, and nearby Mercury continually ascending after sunset.

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-january-8-16-2/

Be sure to join us for our program “Winter Sky Highlights” on Wednesday, January 20 @ 6:00 PM as we explore some interesting celestial objects visible right from your backyard this winter. Email register@standleylakestargazing.com to sign up! Special guest physicist Ron Havermann will join the discussion of this fascinating platform.

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Stay well, and clear skies!