Don't miss Comet Lulin approaching Earth: It's green!

William Atkins
Thursday, 05 February 2009 01:44

Science - Space

As of February 4, 2009, Comet Lulin is a 7th magnitude object in the night sky, being located within the constellation Libra.

The NASA article states these important dates for viewing the comet:

“Feb. 6th: Comet Lulin glides by Zubenelgenubi, a double star at the fulcrum of Libra's scales. Zubenelgenubi is not only fun to say (zuBEN-el-JA-newbee), but also a handy guide. You can see Zubenelgenubi with your unaided eye (it is about as bright as stars in the Big Dipper); binoculars pointed at the binary star reveal Comet Lulin in beautiful proximity.”

View the February 6th sky map.

“Feb. 16th: Comet Lulin passes Spica in the constellation Virgo. Spica is a star of first magnitude and a guidepost even city astronomers cannot miss. A finderscope pointed at Spica will capture Comet Lulin in the field of view, centering the optics within a nudge of both objects.”

View the February 16th sky map.

“Feb. 24th: Closest approach! On this special morning, Lulin will lie just a few degrees from Saturn in the constellation Leo. Saturn is obvious to the unaided eye, and Lulin could be as well. If this doesn't draw you out of bed, nothing will.”

View the February 24th sky map.

Ye, the discoverer of Comet Lulin makes a comment to all people young at heart. He says, "I hope that my experience might inspire other young people to pursue the same starry dreams as myself.” [Science @ NASA]

Check out its sky position on the Heavens Above website.

Additional information about Comet Lulin is found on the Gary W. Kronk’s Cometology website “C/2007 N3 (Lulin)”.