Home » The 2021 “brightest comet” will pass perihelion on January 3, 2022-Scientific Exploration-cnBeta.COM

The 2021 “brightest comet” will pass perihelion on January 3, 2022-Scientific Exploration-cnBeta.COM

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The “brightest comet” of 2021-Leonard’s comet will pass the perihelion on January 3 and reach the position closest to the sun.Astronomy science experts said that early January may be the last opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts in the northern hemisphere to observe the comet. If the weather is clear and the atmosphere is transparent, at low altitudes in the southwest after sunset, interested members of the public are expected to take a short look at it with telescopes. To its “true content”.

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Comet Leonard filmed by Beijing astronomy enthusiast Xu Xiaoping in Huairou, Beijing on December 4, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Starlink CSVA)

According to Xiu Lipeng, director of the Tianjin Astronomical Society and astronomical science expert, Leonard’s comet is a long-period comet. It was discovered by astronomer Gregory Leonard at the Mount Leman Observatory on January 3, 2021. The number is C/2021 A1.

This is the first comet discovered in 2021. After nearly a year of “test”, it will eventually become the “brightest comet” of 2021. Since December last year, many astronomers have photographed its beautiful figure before sunrise or after sunset.

Comet Leonard photographed by Gansu Province astronomer Lu Gang on December 4, 2021 in Longnan, Gansu. (Photo courtesy of Starlink CSVA)

Xiu Lipeng said that after passing perihelion, Leonard’s comet will begin to gradually move away from the center of the solar system. Comet’s orbit includes three types: parabola, ellipse and hyperbola, while Leonard’s orbit is a hyperbolic orbit close to a parabola.

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So far, it is lucky that Leonard’s Comet was not torn apart by the strong solar wind during its flight to the sun. Many comets have been “broken to pieces” in this process. For example, in May 2020, comet C/2019 Y4 was expected to become a dazzling star in the night sky, but unfortunately, it was The process of flying to the sun was shattered by the strong solar wind, which made astronomy enthusiasts all over the world regretful.

Leonard’s comet photographed in Lijiang, Yunnan on December 21, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Xingyuan Mountain Wind Team)

In the process of flying to the sun, Leonard’s comet suddenly ushered in a second eruption on December 20, 2021. The brightness suddenly increased, even reaching a level visible to the naked eye, and the tail of the comet became more stretched and became more beautiful. .

Beijing astronomy enthusiast Sun Si photographed Leonard’s Comet in Beijing on December 28, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Xingyuan Mountain Wind Team)

“In early January 2022, the brightness of Leonard’s comet is expected to drop to 6th magnitude. Only by relying on telescopes can it be seen at low altitude in the southwest after sunset. Interested members of the public may wish to hurry up and try to take another look at it. Look like it.” Xiu Lipeng said.

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