There is always a reason to look up at the sky, especially when the Universe offers us an event that’s tracing a 10 million-mile tail. The most recent proof of such a show is the newly discovered Comet SWAN that streaks through the constellation Pisces.
If you live in the Southern hemisphere and can spot Pisces, you can view Comet SWAN. The cosmic feature is only a chunk of dirty, ancient ice shedding gas and dust, almost as bright as the dimmest stars noticeable to the naked eye. SWAN also has a somehow greenish-yellowish head, with a long, but thin, blue tail, approximately 10 million miles long.
When Should You See Comet Swan?
Astronomers hope that comet SWAN will maintain its brightness strong enough in the following weeks as it moves north. On May 12, the comet passed 52 million miles from Earth, reaching the closest approach. We should expect to round up the Sun on May 27. Comet Swan could put up a big show in the sky, but it depends on how it reacts to solar heating. Unfortunately, it has many chances to become a victim of the solar system’s ruin before more of us get to view it.
Last week, on May 10, comet SWAN was almost as bright as the dimmest stars that can be spotted with the naked eye – 5th magnitude measured in astronomical terms. Astronomers’ highest guesses indicate that the cosmic feature will reach up to 4 times brighter as it passes northward out of constellation Pisces and through other constellations such as Triangulum and Perseus.
Astronomers stated that it would be challenging to see comet SWAN if you live in the mid-latitudes of the north. At its highest, SWAN will be keeping it low in the northeastern sky before dawn. Remember to bring your favorite pair of binoculars, find your best spot and be ready to enjoy the full show, the Universe prepared for us.
