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All about Comet Lovejoy (C/2013 R)

Comet Lovejoy (C/2013 R1) is one of three comets that will grace the skies in November, 2013.

Update: This event has passed

Illustration image

Comet C/2011 W3 discovered in 2011

NASA

Lovejoy is the fourth comet to be discovered by Terry Lovejoy, an amateur Australian astronomist. It was discovered on September 7, 2013 and was confirmed the same day by astronomers at the Remanzacco Observatory, Italy.

Where and when to view

Lovejoy will be best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, though observers in the Southern Hemisphere will be able to view it through a telescope during early morning hours before November 19, when the comet makes its closest approach to the Earth.

Those in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to see the comet close to the Big Dipper after November 19. The comet is estimated to make its closest approach to the Sun on December 25, Christmas Day in many parts of the world.

Topics: Astronomy, Comets