Look up, stargazers, there is a comet flying through our space neighborhood.

A bright ball of ice, dust, and rock is what the new comet is called. The oldest objects in the solar system are leftover from when planets were just forming.

On January 12th, the comet will be closest to the sun, then on February 2nd it will be closest to Earth.

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The comet does not pose a threat to the planet. The boulder is thought to be 26.4 million miles away from its closest point.

If you live north of the equator, you should be able to see comets in the morning. It will be visible in the southern hemisphere in February.

"Comets are notoriously unpredictable," said a NASA scientist in a video. It's possible that it could become visible to the untrained eye under dark skies if this one continues its current trend in brightness.

"It's just possible it could become visible to the unaided eye under dark skies." A historical illustration depicting constellation Corona Borealis

In this circa 1824 astronomical chart, the constellations Hercules and Corona Borealis are illustrated. Credit: History / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The comet is much brighter than when it was first detected, and it is now speeding across the northern sky. There is a photo of the comet taken by an independent astronomer in December of 2022.

Dyches said that the comet isn't expected to be as spectacular as the one in 2020. It's still a great chance to make a personal connection with an icy visitor from the distant outer solar system.

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Winter constellations to watch

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The night skies are full of twinklers. In the first few hours after dark, stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere can see some of winter's greatest hits, including the big dog constellation Canis Major, the bull, and the heads.

Planet groupings and conjunctions

Even without a telescope or binoculars, planets appear to be squeezing in close for family photos throughout the month.

  • The moon and Mars will be in the southeast in January.

  • After sunset, Venus and Saturn will cross paths in the southwest. The moon is going to make a photo bomb.

  • The moon should be butting up to Jupiter about 45 minutes after the sun sets.