Comet SWAN Discovery ?
Comet SWAN was discovered on April 11, 2020, by an amateur astronomer from Australia, Michael Mattiazzo. He was analyzing data from NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). Michael noticed a comet that suddenly appeared in images that were taken on March 25, 2020. It was the new comet SWAN, named after the SOHO’s device.
Comet ATLAS breaking
While Comet SWAN has been the point of attraction for the last 1 month. In meanwhile NASA’s Hubble telescope posted a video of comet ATLAS being disintegrated into many pieces on its way towards Earth. It is expected that these broken pieces of comet ATLAS will make a closed approach to the planet Earth on May 23, 2020.
Comet SWAN Journey
Comets are great to look at because of their beauty and it is believed by many that comets fulfill the wishes. It is also an important comet in the last 10 years because of its iconic long green tail. Comet SWAN will get brighter as it gets closer to us and chances are there that it will also disintegrate as comet ATLAS did in its further journey towards the sun. On May 12–13, 2020, it will make the closest approach to Earth at a distance of 52 million miles (84 million km). it is predicted to reach a peak magnitude of approximately 2.5–3 on May 27, 2020, at perihelion (closest approach to the Sun). it will be 40 million miles (64.4 million km) away.
Where to watch comet SWAN?
It is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. According to scientists, in late May, it’ll become visible in binoculars and telescopes from southern parts of the Northern Hemisphere also.
How to track comet SWAN?
If you wish to track its movement, check the stargazing app Star Walk 2 where you can find real-time information about it also you can check the NASA official website.
Considering the comet’s uncertain behavior, comet SWAN may also disintegrate and fade out at any moment. So, don’t miss this golden opportunity to watch this comet with a very long elegant green tail.
