Leonard, potential Christmas comet

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Spotted at the start of the year, Leonard should become visible in the night sky early next month and pass closest to the sun on Jan 3rd.

 
Potential for Mag 10 before the end of the month.
Leonard1.webp
 
As per the earlier link


The apparent magnitude independently observed is approximately four to five days ahead of all predictive curves, so Leonard could be more spectacular as it swings closer December time.

There is a relatively close rendezvous with Venus on the 18th of next month that might show the two within a few minutes of arc for observers on Earth.
 
Further observations in the past day suggest Leonard will be under magnitiude 8 by the end of the week.

www.cloudynights.com

Comet C/2021 A1 Leonard Brightens Nov 13 - Major & Minor Planetary Imaging - Cloudy Nights

Comet C/2021 A1 Leonard Brightens Nov 13 - posted in Major & Minor Planetary Imaging: 62 x 120 seconds using a RASA 11 and ASI2600mcP. Some interesting details from head to tails. Looking forward to more images from others under favorable skies. Dan
www.cloudynights.com www.cloudynights.com
 
Into the 6s, but not quite the shining star.

ktar.com

Discovered by Arizona researcher, Comet Leonard will catch looks soon - KTAR.com

With the dark of the moon coming and a new moon Thursday we have an opportunity to view an amazing celestial visitor. Welcome to a new comet, Comet Leonard C/2021 A1, soon to be visible with binoculars and possibly the naked eye.
ktar.com ktar.com

www.space.com

Comet Leonard will light up the sky this month — here's how to see it

Comet Leonard should be visible in small telescopes and binoculars in the Northern Hemisphere's pre-dawn sky as it increases in brightness for the first half of December.
www.space.com www.space.com
 
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Something odd about the comet's tail.


Where have I heard that before ?

 
Hitchhikers? alien trojan horse?
 


A week to go before brightest magnitude, estimated somewhere between 2.2 and 2.5

I'm wondering if the effect of Leonard passing close to Venus in a fortnight is likely to impact on the trajectory beyond that already predicted.
 
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