Hold tight: The Halloween comet is coming, and it can be seen even during the day. The comet is still expected to be visible as it moves away from the sun between November 2 and December 19.
An unusual celestial phenomenon is expected this week: Comet Halloween, officially known as C/2024 S1, is about to pass by Earth. According to astronomers, this distinctive celestial body can be seen even during the day, making it extremely rare. The comet was discovered at the end of September 2024 and will approach Earth again on October 24.
James Wray, a planetary astronomer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, recommends that early risers watch the sky before sunrise, low in the east. The comet will be at its best when it orbits the sun and returns to the western sky by Halloween. Such rare events always create excitement among astronomers and skywatchers.
Comet C/2024 S1 was first spotted in Hawaii using NASA's ATLAS (Asteroid Earth Delayed Warning System) report. The interesting thing about the comet is that it did not disintegrate as it approached the sun, and could even be seen in broad daylight. At the same time, it will only be visible at night with binoculars or a telescope, because it remains relatively far from Earth. He writes New York Post.
According to NASA expert Gordon Johnston, the best time to observe the comet will be in the early morning hours of October 24. Although the comet will be close to the sun, making it difficult to see, those living in Africa, Europe and South America will be in a particularly good position to spot it. It will also be visible on the East Coast of the United States, but given its proximity to the Sun, it is unlikely to be clearly visible there.
The comet is believed to have been cut off by Great Comet 1106, which broke apart nearly a thousand years ago as it passed in front of the sun. According to Johnston, this comet was so bright that it cast a shadow at night like a full moon. Now, C/2024 S1 could be a stunning sight too, if it doesn't disintegrate as it approaches Earth and the Sun.
The comet is still expected to be visible as it moves away from the sun between November 2 and December 19.
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