Comet 46P/Wirtanen: The Brightest Comet of 2018

 

Comet 46P/Wirtanen is due to closely sweep passed the sun on December 12, 2018 and then pass the Earth on December 16.

46P/Wirtanen is a small short-period comet that was discovered photographically on January 17, 1948, by the American astronomer Carl A. Wirtanen at the Lick Observatory.The comet has a current orbital period of 5.4 years.

On December 16, 2018 the comet will pass Earth at an estimated magnitude of 4.2, making this pass the brightest one predicted. It could possibly peak at magnitude three at a point close to its Earth approach on December 15.

When it passes, it will be around 7.4 million miles away, or 30 times the distance the Earth is from the Moon. You should be able to see 46P/Wirtanen with the naked eye, even at a location with a little light pollution.

Check out the video on my blog: http://www.cactuspix.com/purethoughtsblog/comet-46p-wirtanen-the-brightest-comet-of-2018/

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Rod Washington

Rod is a blogger, writer, filmmaker, photographer, daydreamer who likes to cook. Rod produces and directs the web series, CUPIC: Diary of an Investigator. He is also the editor, producer and administrator of STM Daily News, a part of the TNC Network.