Comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) is making its closest approach to Earth tomorrow, February 17. This astronomical event is called perigee. At its closest, the comet will be about 94 million miles away from us—roughly the same distance between Earth and the sun. Good news: there is no danger to our planet!
Earlier this year, on January 20, Comet Wierzchos had its closest pass by the sun, which made it shine brighter. The sun’s heat turned frozen materials inside the comet into gas, creating a glowing cloud around it. This cloud reflects sunlight, boosting the comet’s visibility.
Right now, Wierzchos has a brightness of +8.2. In simple terms, that’s too dim for most people to see without a telescope, since the naked eye typically spots objects with a brightness of +6.5 in a dark sky. If you want to catch a glimpse of it, binoculars or a small telescope might help, but only if you’re in the right spot.
On February 17, the comet will be located in the southern constellation of Grus. It will be just under 20 degrees above the southwestern horizon at sunset. This means you’ll have a limited window to see it before it disappears. After this, the comet will drift into the constellation Eridanus, becoming increasingly difficult to observe as its brightness fades.
If you’re interested in observing it more easily, grab a telescope. The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a popular choice for stargazers. It’s great for both astrophotography and viewing deep-space objects, though it comes with a higher price tag.
In the coming nights, Wierzchos will climb a bit higher in the sky at sunset. By early March, it will still be visible but may have dimmed further. According to the Comet Observation Database, it will still be a reasonable target for a telescope.
As space events grab attention, social media platforms are buzzing with excitement. Users are sharing their experiences trying to spot the comet, and many are discussing not just Wierzchos, but upcoming celestial events as well. Engaging in this community can enrich your experience as an amateur astronomer.
Comets have fascinated humans for centuries. Historically, they were seen as omens. Now, we understand they are just icy bodies traveling through space. Studying them helps astronomers learn about the origins of our solar system. So, while Wierzchos may not have the spectacle of some past comets, its visit is a reminder of our place in the cosmos.
If you’re keen on cosmic views, it’s worth looking into the best telescopes and binoculars available. Want more tips on how to photograph comets? There are plenty of guides online that can help you get started!
