Comet Rosetta, the closest path to Earth: when and how to look

The Comet Rosetta Is ready to give us an amazing show. The comet, known by experts as 67P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko, is best known for its work by the European Space Agency’s Rosetta study, which will soon be visible from Earth due to a new orbit very close to our planet – but not to the naked eye. . In 2021 November 11 to 12 at nightExactly seven years after landing on the surface of the Fly Lander, the Rosetta comet will reach its lowest point at a distance of 61 million kilometers. No such incident has taken place in 193 years. Comet Rosetta has never been closer than 70 million kilometers from us.

It is already known – because since November 3 it has been in the perihelion – using binoculars or telescopes – starting from as dark a place as possible, where light pollution is reduced within range – projected in the direction of the Rosetta comet. Gemini zodiac sign. Experts point out that its status can be found in one place About 3 degrees angular distance from the Pollux star. So the latter can be used as an important reference point.

The advice to enjoy the beautiful heights on the horizon is to wait until midnight and head east at 40 degrees. But on the night between November 11 and 12, 2021, between 1:30 and 1:50 – Italian time – The long path of dust and particles left by the comet can be seen in all its splendor. In fact, it is at that precise moment that the distance between Rosetta and Earth will be less.

It is difficult and impossible to see the comet Rosetta with the naked eye. This can be detected by using large telescopes (11 × 70 or 20 × 80) or a telescope with a diameter of at least 10-15 cm by following the above directions.

History and studies of the Rosetta comet

The history of the Rosetta comet is long and full of views because it has been repeatedly observed and studied over the years. It became possible The term comet It orbits the sun, inserts itself between Jupiter and Earth, and rotates every 6.5 years to ‘find us’.

Discovered in 1969 by Russian astronomers. This beautiful comet is often seen:

• 1976
• 1982
• 1989
• 1996
• 2002
• 2009
• 2014

Just TheNovember 11, 2014 A new exploration mission has begun with the landing of the Philae lander of the study on the comet. After 12 years of work, The November 30, 2016 The work ended with the study that it was Collided with the comet.

Upcoming views: When will Comet 67P return?

When will the comet Rosetta be seen again? The next phase of action is planned November 29, 2034. By that date The distance from Earth would certainly be equal to 70 million kilometers more than it is today. So professional tools are needed, so not everyone can see it with the tools they have in their own home.