Don’t be a killjoy, keep a lookout for Lovejoy comet
A bright emerald light has been zipping across the night sky this month. The comet Lovejoy, officially catalogued as 2014 Q2 (or Q2 for short) is named after amateur astronomer Terry Lovejoy, who first discovered it from his roll-off roof observatory in Birkdale, Queensland, Australia.
The comet will reach the perihelion point of its orbit (its closest point to the sun) on Jan. 30, but was at its closest point to Earth on Jan. 7. According to CityLab’s John Metcalfe, “city dwellers can maximize their comet-spotting chances by seeking dark places like parks and times when the moon’s not so prominent (the black period before moonrise is ideal). A decent pair of binoculars will add immeasurable help.” Sky and Telescope also has a helpful map that charts the comet’s path.
While our winter chill might keep us inside for the night, at least the sky is getting a really good light show. (deb)
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