New Years Eve Comet

New years eve is the time of year we all hope for a better one to come.  I know I certainly am, but it was a good year too for the most part.  We always hope for the better, it is human nature, who wants to have a crappy year?  This year we have a bonus to look forward to, but just for tonight, yet it occurs every five years. Just after dark in the western sky look left of the crescent moon, you will be able to see  45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova.  A periodic comet that returns to the inner solar system every five and a quarter years.  The New Years comet first was visible around December fifteenth.  The comet’s head turned to a blue green color around December twenty first and the tail now looks like a fan.  It will just barely be visible to the naked eye, and has been seen since December fifteenth.  I love star gazing, whether from the beach or my back yard.  It is a great way to relax and clear your head.

Have a safe and happy new year.

Fish On!!

Rich King