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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider A 'Christmas comet' is coming! Here's the best time to spot Comet Leonard

A 'Christmas comet' is coming! Here's the best time to spot Comet Leonard

Published Dec 4, 2021 11:23 am

(PAGASA)

A comet named C/2021 A1, also known as Leonard, will be making a close approach to the Earth this December.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recommended watching out for the recently discovered comet on the southwestern horizon towards the end of the month.

"On the 12th of December 2021, another comet named C/2021 A1 (Leonard) will make its closest approach to the Earth at a distance of 0.23 AU. The comet, however, will not be visible during its perigee since it will be below the horizon after sunset," PAGASA said in its astronomical diary.

"Luckily, there are other chances to see the comet on a different day of the month," it said.

Every other day, from Dec. 21 to Dec. 31, comet Leonard will most likely be visible between 6:28 p.m. and 6:43 p.m.

According to PAGASA, comets are relatively small solar system bodies composed of ice and dust. Due to this unusual composition, many astronomers refer to them as "dirty snowballs."

Comets are probably best known for their long, luminous tails, which are plumes of dust and gas that are ejected from the comet as it nears the Sun, PAGASA said.

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration said that a comet's brightness and visibility may be hard to predict, as such, skygazers may need binoculars to spot comet Leonard.

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