[MIham] Comet NEAT Approaches

[FSK]

Space Weather News for May 5, 2004
http://spaceweather.com

COMET NEAT: Long-awaited Comet NEAT (C/2001 Q4) is approaching Earth and
growing brighter.  At closest approach on May 7th, it will be 0.32 AU (48
million km) from our planet and about as bright as a 3rd magnitude star.
The comet is now visible to the unaided eye--just barely--after sunset
from dark-sky locations in the northern hemisphere.  It looks like a fuzzy
blob with a stubby tail. City dwellers are advised to use binoculars or a
small telescope.  Visit Spaceweather.com for pictures of the comet and a
sky map.

METEOR SHOWER: Today Earth is passing through a stream of dusty debris
from Halley's Comet--the source of the annual eta Aquarid meteor shower.
Unfortunately, tonight's full Moon will outshine the display, reducing it
to near invisibility.  Try listening, instead, using real-time links to
meteor radars on Spaceweather.com.



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