We are about to welcome a visitor last seen over a hundred years ago.
Cosmic visitors can take centuries to return to Earth. However, a visitor who last reached us in 1861 is returning to the Earth. And it will be visible across the nation next week.
How will you gaze upon this long-awaited celestial visitor next week?
How a century-long wait is finally coming to an end
Next week will be a date to mark on the calendar.
We have been waiting patiently for this visitor to return. More than a century, in fact. Comets light up the sky in a cosmic show that inspires millions. And this one has taken almost 200 years to return.
Americans will be able to spot this event with the naked eye.
Next week will be the last chance to gaze upon this planetary visitor for a long time. After that, you might not get another chance in your lifetime. So get the telescopes ready, and bring the family together.
Beyond the horizon: Humanity’s view of the cosmos will brighten next week
Comets have left humanity in awe of space for generations.
We now have the technology to gaze upon deep space in great detail. And these remarkable telescopes will surely be used soon. Specifically, when a visitor last seen in 1861 makes its return.
Astronomers now have the tech to track distant objects in space in real time.
Even civilian amateur astronomers will be able to track the return of this interstellar visitor. Space is vast. So vast that comets can take their sweet time navigating deep space. And this one has taken more than a lifetime.
Comets provide us down here on Earth with an astonishing display of light and energy.
Some nations have developed methods to study comets out in deep space. And this development will be crucial next week when Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) returns to Earth.
In 1861, Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) was detected as it passed by its closest approach to the Sun.
Get your telescopes ready next week to get a glimpse of Comet C/1861 G1
Earth regularly receives a few cosmic visitors from space.
Next week will see the triumphant return of Comet C/1861 G1. It will pass by the Earth as part of the Lyrid meteor shower taking place.
The shower of space debris will bring Comet C/1861 G1 much closer to our planet. So get the family ready for a cosmic light show from space. The comet will be visible to the naked eye in the US of A.
If you are lucky enough to have a telescope, your view will be far better. If not, then simply get a lawn chair and wait patiently.
Mark April 21-22 on your calendar and get the family together
Next week Tuesday will see Comet C/1861 G1 passing by our planet between midnight and dawn.
The meteor shower will consist of 15 to 18 bright, inconceivably fast meteors per hour. The space light show will benefit from a settling crescent Moon that will darken the skies.
It has taken nearly 150 years for a glimpse of this body to be visible from Earth again. So do not miss this chance of a lifetime.
Europe will have to rely on its own fireball in the sky. But for us in the US, Comet C/1861 G1 will be easily visible. Gather the family and friends for an early morning viewing that will leave you awe-inspired.
Thankfully, we can view this celestial event with the naked eye.
Otherwise, it may have passed us by without us ever knowing. Catch a glimpse of this comet before it’s too late. And bring space into your home at the same time to inspire the kids.