Take a peek at Comet Lovejoy as it races across Arizona sky
Jan 16, 2015, 12:50 PM | Updated: 12:50 pm
PHOENIX — Sky-watchers will have their eyes peeled for a flash of green shooting through the night Saturday, as Comet Lovejoy races through the solar system.
It’s the comet’s first appearance in 11,000 years and will be visible in Arizona, even though it’s streaking for the sun at 95,000 mph.
Lovejoy’s brightness has been peaking over the last couple of weeks.
“Look into the southern sky at exactly 8 p.m.,” KTAR’s Dr. Sky said. “About halfway up in the sky you’ll be able to see with the naked eye a small group of stars about the size of your thumb.
“Find that in your binoculars, swoop a little bit to the lower right and you’ll get to see this little fuzzball in the sky.”
The little fuzzball is 47 million miles away. The comet was closest to Earth earlier this month and will be closest to the sun on Jan. 30, according to NASA.
Lovejoy will come around again in 8,000 years.
