A rare comet will be visible in the night sky this week. Named NEOWISE, the comet will be closest to Earth on July 23, making it the best time to see it.
Comets are balls of ice, dust, and gas that orbit the sun. They are not dangerous and can be very beautiful to watch. NEOWISE was discovered by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) in late March, hence its name.
To spot the comet, look towards the northwest horizon about an hour after sunset. It will appear low on the horizon with a tail pointing upwards. NEOWISE should be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars will provide a better view.
Comets like NEOWISE are rare and can only be seen every few years. This makes it a special event for sky watchers and astronomers alike. So, don’t miss this chance to witness a natural wonder in the night sky.
If you’re interested in stargazing, this is a unique opportunity to see something out of the ordinary. Make sure to find a dark spot away from city lights for the best viewing experience. Enjoy the magic of the cosmos with the NEOWISE comet!
Vocabulary List:
- Comet /ˈkɒm.ɪt/ (noun): A celestial object made of ice and dust that develops a tail when it gets close to the sun.
- Visible /ˈvɪz.ə.bəl/ (adjective): Able to be seen; apparent to the eye.
- Astronomers /əˈstrɒn.ə.mərz/ (noun): Scientists who study celestial bodies and the universe.
- Horizon /həˈraɪ.zən/ (noun): The line at which the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet.
- Stargazing /ˈstɑː.ɡeɪ.zɪŋ/ (noun): The activity of looking at stars and celestial bodies in the night sky.
- Opportunity /ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.ti/ (noun): A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
How much do you know?
What is NEOWISE?
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What is NEOWISE made of?
On which date will NEOWISE be closest to Earth?
What organization discovered NEOWISE?
Why is it important to find a dark spot away from city lights for stargazing?