Comet

Comet Leonard may have spawned meteor shower on Venus

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Comet Leonard may be sparking meteor showers at Venus this weekend during a relatively close approach of the comet to the planet. Officially known as comet C/2021 A1, also known as Comet Leonard was discovered in January by astronomer Gregory J. Leonard of the Mount Lemmon Infrared Observatory in Arizona. Its close pass of Venus this … Read more

Comet Leonard’s discoverer shares tips to spot it in night sky now (before it’s gone for good)

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A diagram showing the positions of Venus and Comet Leonard in the sky around 5:30 p.m. local time from New York City on Dec. 18, 2021. (Image credit: Starry Night) The discoverer of Comet Leonard has shared a few tips to help see the bright object in the night sky this month.  Comet Leonard, formally … Read more

Brightening Comet Leonard may be visible without a telescope. Look near Venus.

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Comet Leonard spent the first couple of weeks of December visible as a target for observers with binoculars and telescopes in the early morning sky before sunrise.  Now, however, the viewing venue has changed and the newfound Comet Leonard (cataloged as C/2021 A1) has moved into the evening sky, visible low above the southwestern horizon … Read more

Comet Leonard is at its closest to Earth right now. Here’s how to spot it.

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Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year, made its closest approach to Earth today (Dec. 12) and should be visible through binoculars and telescopes, weather permitting. Officially known as Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard), Comet Leonard was discovered in January by astronomer Gregory J. Leonard of the Mount Lemmon Infrared Observatory in Arizona. On Sunday, it … Read more