This month’s new moon could not be at a better time. On February 24th the sky will be as dark as can be allowing Comet Lulin to really show off its stuff. If you want the best view you’ll have to set your clocks for 1am on Monday night. At this time, Comet Lulin will be making its closest approach to Earth with a distance of 38 million miles. Rural areas might even be able to see this comet with the naked eye despite its fascinating distance from Earth. If you live near any lights you’ll need to use your binoculars or telescope. Look high in the Southern Sky for something that will surely please you eyes. If you have a hard time locating the comet, first find Saturn. Saturn is a bright golden star in the South/Southwest sky. It will be only 2 degrees away from the comet. To the unaided eye, Lulin will look like a faint patch of gas. If you use a small telescope or binoculars, you’ll be able to see a beautiful green tint to it.
If you have a telescope and you really want to be amazed, set the comet up in a view and take notice of the stars around it. If you look back in 10 minutes you’ll see how quickly the comet moves. The comet will be visible through the week, but after the 24th it will quickly move away from the Earth and Sun. By the 28th, the comet will be difficult to see as it fades and the moonlight begins to interfere. For more information on Comet Lulin, head to this website:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/35992534.html
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