Community Corner

When is the Best Time to See Comet ISON?

The latest on Comet ISON is that you may be able to see it — but look now.

By Todd Richissin

Comet ISON has become a big tease: First it looked to fulfill hopes of becoming the "comet of the century." Then those hopes, like Comet ISON, dimmed.

But the comet, now hurtling toward a brush with the sun on Thanksgiving, has suddenly brightened, and some reports say that you may be able to see it from Bedford with the naked eye.

While Comet ISON has increased dramatically in brightness, it will remain, for now, a faint shooting star at best.

Earthsky.org implores: "The comet is headed into the morning twilight now, as it hurtles toward its November 28 perihelion, or closest point to the sun. Morning twilight is beginning to interfere with observations of Comet ISON, so if you’re going to search with binoculars … do it soon."

Here's why you want to look for it soon: Comet ISON is a sun-grazing comet. It's hurtling toward the sun and is expected to come closest to it on Thanksgiving.

Since comets are largely made up of ice, the comet will either ricochet around the sun and give us earthlings a great view of it in December — or it may not survive the trip. And  then ... nothing.

Find out what's happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here