Watch out for a mesmerising fireball show in the night sky this week. A newly discovered comet that is currently travelling across the Solar System is expected to become bright enough to be visible to the human eye this week – and you might just catch it in Singapore if you're lucky. Called Comet Neowise, short for Near Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, it is dubbed as Earth's most spectacular comet since 2007.
According to NASA, Comet Neowise would be visible to the naked eye from Earth throughout July. The elusive comet will make its closest approach to earth between July 12 and July 25 and will be the brightest about an hour and a half after sunset. Look to the north-northwest and it should be about 10 degrees above the horizon. And if you don't know what to look out for, Space.com describes Neowise as “a beautiful, gently curved tail of dust which many observers using binoculars and small telescopes have remarked has shown a noticeable yellowish tinge.”
Astronomy Picture of the Day - July 14, 2020, Comet NEOWISE over Stonehenge via NASA - Have you ever seen a comet?...
Posted by SCOB - Science Centre OBservatory on Monday, July 13, 2020
Here are tips for the best chances to see a comet:
- Head to a dark spot away from city lights, as light pollution in urban areas creates a big obstacle when it comes to stargazing. In Singapore, it's best seen in the North
- For best viewing conditions, wait for evenings with clear skies. Haze, smoke, clouds and fog banks can be obstacles to seeing Neowise.
- While you should be able to see the comet with your naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope could help.
Alternatively, tune into a live stream on Northwoods Aurora Cam or check out a stunning time-lapse video on Space.com.
Just try not to miss it, because this comet won't be back for about 6,800 years.