The comet can be seen all over Brazil

Early this year, countries across the Southern Hemisphere will be able to see Comet C/2017 K2 (PanSTARRS), which actually popped up in late December last year. At this time, it was its closest approach to the Sun (perihelion), which was crucial for it to shine in the coming months.

Surprisingly, only 12% of the world’s population lives in the Southern Hemisphere, an area where such phenomena cannot be observed. With the naked eye, the comet cannot be seen, but we only need binoculars or a small telescope to allow us to see it.

Obviously, the comet has a magnitude of 6, which can be seen theoretically without equipment. However, according to Aerith’s website, the correct number is 8, which is impossible to see with the naked eye.

Tips for Observing Comet C/2017 K2 (PanSTARRS)

Forecasts say that in March the comet can already be seen by the inhabitants of the Southern Hemisphere. To see them well, the recommendation is to give preference to a dark sky, and it is worth noting that the more stars in the sky, the easier it is to find them.

It is important to note that comets are unpredictable, that is, the ideal is to try to observe them as soon as possible, because with each passing week they gradually lose their brightness, but on the other hand, they gain height.

An interesting point is that when using equipment such as binoculars or telescopes, it is possible to see a point of brightness in the form of a “smoke”, which is located around the comet, called a coma, which consists of a small atmosphere created as a result of its proximity to the Sun.