Sungrazing Comet ISON Brightens in the Morning Sky

Discovered in 2012, Comet ISON is brightening rapidly as it moves on its orbit with increasing speed towards its point of closest approach to the Sun. Here, on 28th of November, it just grazes the SunтАЩs surface. The comet is best viewed with binoculars before dawn from a dark site with a clear view towards the eastern or south-eastern horizon. Astronomers are hoping that this rare тАЬsungrazingтАЭ comet will become visible with the naked eye, either before closest approach to the Sun or shortly afterwards in early December. Nobody can yet say how bright the comet will be or whether it will even survive its encounter with the SunтАЩs strong gravity and hot, fiery surface. However, astronomers are eagerly observing this cometтАЩs passage on its journey around the Sun, and are keen to discover its eventual fate. See the Armagh Observatory website for links to sky charts showing the cometтАЩs changing position against the background stars.

Comet ISON sky charts, coloured and inverted versions. Click on image to enlarge.
November 15th 06.30
November 20th 07.00am
November 22nd 07.20am
December 7th 07.00am
December 14th 07.00am
December 14th 05.30pm

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Libby McKearney at the Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DG. Tel.: 028-3752-2928; FAX: 028-3752-7174; lmkarm.ac.uk.

Last Revised: 2013 November 21th