Discovered July 26, 2021, Comet C/2021 O3 gradually approaches the Sun, but this event may not be visible to the naked eye – at least in this region of the planet. Widely known as Pan-STARSoriginally observed by astronomers using Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, reflector Ritchie-Chrétien in 1.8 meters installed in Hawaii.

Between the end of this month and the beginning of May, the brightness of the comet will have a variable brightness, reaching magnitude 4.9 – be the one human eye limit 6. For those who live in hemisphere southas we are, Pan-STARS will be on a relatively close path to the Sun and will be very difficult to see. Only owners of specialized equipment, such as a telescope, will be able to watch the event between days. eighteen and 20 April.

(loans: Image showing the location of comet C/2021 O3 (PanSTARRS) on May 3, 2022, after sunset. earthsky.org)

PanSTARRS will pass at the point closest to the Earth May 8

Even if there is such a possibility, observation with instruments will be necessary, and twilight light can interfere with the view of the object. The ideal scenario for observations is superior 30° above from the horizon of the azimuth gridhowever the comet will only be around 10th above – in April days. It is worth noting that PanSTARRS will pass at the point closest to the Earth May 8at estimated distance 90 million kilometers.

AT July, C/2021 O3 will have reduced luster (with magnitude over 14), but in the early evening it will be well above the horizon. If the comet doesn’t break apart before then, some owners of large telescopes may try to observe it. Other comets like this one could come from the planet’s inner side. Oort Cloud, ice edge of our solar system. Usually, however, objects originating from this location tend to disintegrate as they approach the Sun, due to their volatile composition, and which tend to separate when the icy layer begins the evaporation process – even at a considerable distance from the star.

The evaporation process creates a high intensity glow for a limited time.a fact already known to experienced astronomers – and this is one of the reasons why they do not arouse expectations among lovers of space observations.

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Via: canaltech.com.br Source: earthsky.org, space.com