Dec 9 - 2018's Brightest Comet

December 9 2018's Brightest Comet by:

Composite image, showing the size of comet Wirtanen’s extended atmosphere, compared with the size of a full moon on our sky’s dome. The comet’s brightness is spread over this large area. That’s why it’s so tough to see. Image via Brian D. Ottum (@astropicsdaily on Instagram). How to see 2018's brightest comet Comet 46P/Wirtanen is 2018's brightest comet, but that doesn't mean it's bright. Although theoretically visible to the eye now, the comet is large and diffuse ... not easy to see. Charts, tips and other info here. See it! Images of comet 46P/Wirtanen This comet will come closest to the sun on December 12, and closest to Earth on December 16. Look here for photos and video of comet 46P/Wirtanen from the EarthSky community. WASP-69b, the exoplanet with a tail Astronomers have discovered a Jupiter-sized planet - 163 light-years away - that seems to think it's a comet. It has a prominent tail of helium gas. Read more. Watch geckos race on water! Geckos are renowned for their acrobatic feats on land and in the air. Turns out they can also run on water. Watch video. A gecko racing across the water supported by paddling and surface tension. Image via Pauline Jennings/PolyPEDAL Lab, UC Berkeley

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Tonight … young moon and Saturn On Sunday and Monday evenings, the illuminated portion of the moon will be pointing toward Saturn. In the evenings to come, the moon will wax larger, while Saturn slips into the sunset glare. Read more.

See it! Images of comet 46P/Wirtanen Comet 46P/Wirtanen on November 26, 2018, by Gerald Rhemann in Namibia. See more photos. Submit your photo to EarthSky here! Did a friend forward EarthSkyNews to you? Click here to get your own subscription!

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