How To See The Comet 21P Pass By Earth This Month

How To See The Comet 21P Pass By Earth This Month

The comet 21P/Giacobini Zinner (affectionally called just “21P) is gearing up to make a close pass by earth, and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of it yourself.

The comet actually passes earth every 6.6 years, but this year it’s coming closer than it has in the past 72 years, making a viewing opportunity likely, CNET reports.

You can actually catch a glimpse of the comet now using a good pair of binoculars (or a telescope), but it will be its brightest and closest on September 10th and 11th and then again on September 18th. Here’s a video of the comet a little farther away taken with a telescope:

If you want to check it out, NASA ambassador Eddie Irizarry has a detailed explanation of how and when you can catch the comet over on EarthSky, as well as some much-needed diagrams detail what exactly you’re looking for.

Irizarry also has details about another comet, Wirtanen, which is expected to pass by in December.


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