A Faint Comet Follows Friday’s Full Moon
You’ll need binoculars to see 45P
![Exterior of the Michigan Science Center](https://wdet.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/michsciencectr-2048x1536.jpg)
The Michigan Science Center
When the full moon rises in the evening of Feb. 11, it will be passing through the Earth’s outer shadow (penumbra). A few hours later, a comet will appear in the sky, although you’ll need binoculars–and a clear sky–to see it. Paulette Epstein is Planetarium Manager and Staff Astronomer at the Michigan Science Center in Detroit. She says the moon will look a little dimmer during the penumbral eclipse, which happens 7:43 p.m. Detroit time. Epstein also tells WDET’s Pat Batcheller Comet 45P (Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova) will resemble a faint green football in the eastern sky around 3 a.m. on Feb. 12. Click on the audio player to hear the conversation.
MORE:
Sky & Telescope: Green Comet Makes Close Earth Flyby
Sky & Telescope: February’s Deep Penumbral Eclipse
NASA’s August 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Page
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