17-Jun-2010, 06:00 PM
A bright green comet is streaking its way across UK skies – for the first and last time.
Comet 2009R1 McNaught will be visible from our back gardens for the rest of the week before it disappears from our Solar System forever.
Professor John Mason from the British Astronomical Association said that the comet’s visit was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime event’.
He said that even though it is not particularly bright at the moment the comet can still be viewed using a decent pair of binoculars.
‘From about today and for the next week it will be visible in the night sky across much of the UK,’ Professor Mason said. He said that the best time to view the comet in the UK will be on the night of June 22nd when it will be just about visible to the naked eye.
How to spot Comet McNaught 2009R1 from your garden on June 22nd
Wait until it is dark
Stand outside and look to the north north west
You should be able to see a bright yellow star (Capella) low down in the night
Comet McNaught 2009 R1 will be passing as a green glow close by, moving across the sky from right to left
Comet 2009R1 McNaught will be visible from our back gardens for the rest of the week before it disappears from our Solar System forever.
Professor John Mason from the British Astronomical Association said that the comet’s visit was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime event’.
He said that even though it is not particularly bright at the moment the comet can still be viewed using a decent pair of binoculars.
‘From about today and for the next week it will be visible in the night sky across much of the UK,’ Professor Mason said. He said that the best time to view the comet in the UK will be on the night of June 22nd when it will be just about visible to the naked eye.
How to spot Comet McNaught 2009R1 from your garden on June 22nd
Wait until it is dark
Stand outside and look to the north north west
You should be able to see a bright yellow star (Capella) low down in the night
Comet McNaught 2009 R1 will be passing as a green glow close by, moving across the sky from right to left
Jim