Comet 13P/Olbers will be closest to Earth on July 20

View larger image. | Comet 13P/Olbers will make its closest approach to Earth on July 20, 2024. By taking and stacking long exposure images, astrophotographers can get amazing results, like this image of Comet 13P/Olbers over Terna, Slovakia. Image credit: Petr HolarekUsed with permission.

Comet Olbers 13P approaches Earth

Comet Olbers has returned to our solar system after 68 years. It is now visible through binoculars. This periodic comet reached perihelion (its closest point to the Sun) on June 30th. Comet Olbers will be closest to Earth on Saturday, July 20th. It is currently Ursa Major But rapidly Small LeoIn the northwest sky.

At its closest approach, the comet will pass 176 million miles (283.5 million km) from Earth. Even at that distance, Comet Olbers is currently the brightest comet in Earth’s sky. According to NASA/JPL, this celestial visitor orbits the Sun every 68 years (67.9 years to be exact). The comet returns to the Sun in less than 200 years, which is why it’s classified as a periodic, or “Halley-type” comet.

It is currently approaching the inner solar system at a speed of 83,802 miles per hour (134,867 km/h) relative to Earth.

Observation of Comet Olbers 13P

This week is a great time to observe (with binoculars or a small telescope) and photograph Comet 13P/Olbers. The brightness of Comet 13P/Olbers is Magnitude 6.5 to 7This means that it’s not visible to the naked eye, but you should be able to see it with binoculars.

Those in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best chance of seeing the comet through binoculars or small telescopes, while observers using optical instruments closer to the equator may be able to spot it very low on the horizon just after sunset.

On July 16th, just after sunset, Comet Olbers 13P NGC 3104An irregular galaxy in the constellation of Scorpio Minor, it’s a great opportunity for astrophotographers.

At closest approach on July 20, 2024, the celestial visitor will pass close to the galaxy. NGC 3219 on the dome of the sky. Distant galaxies thus provide convenient references for pointing computer-controlled or “Go To” telescopes.

13P/Olbers Comet: A starry sky with a bright, fuzzy object in the center and a tail pointing upwards. — View EarthSky Community Photos. | George Cassatt The Brunswick, Maryland Observatory photographed Comet 13P Olbers on July 1, 2024 at approximately 9:00 pm ET. Thanks, George! See below for how to see the comet for yourself.

Finder Map

A star chart showing the comet's hash mark, located between the constellations Ursa Major and Leo. — On July 14, 2024, Comet Olbers 13P will Ursa Major and Small LeoUse binoculars or a telescope to look northwest just after sunset. Image credit: Stellarium/ Eddie Irizarry.

A star chart showing the positions of a fuzzy white comet and some other stars. — Take a closer look at the position of Comet 13P Olbers and nearby stars on July 14, 2024. Image credit: Stellarium/ Eddie Irizarry.

A star chart showing a close-up of a faint comet and the stars around it. — A close-up image of Comet 13P Olbers and nearby stars taken on July 16, 2024. Image credit: Stellarium/ Eddie Irizarry.

A star chart showing the horizon and constellations, as well as hash marks indicating the comet's location. — Comet Olbers 13P finder map for July 18, 2024. Look toward the northwest with binoculars or a telescope after sunset. Image courtesy of: Stellarium/ Eddie Irizarry.

There is a faint comet in the center with some slightly brighter stars nearby that are labeled. — A close-up image of Comet 13P Olbers on July 18, 2024. Image credit: Stellarium/ Eddie Irizarry.

A star chart showing a comet near the center with faint stars surrounding it. — A close-up of Comet 13P Olbers and the position of the surrounding stars on July 20, 2024. Image credit: Stellarium/ Eddie Irizarry.

Discovery of the comet

Heinrich Olbers discovered the comet that now bears his name in Bremen, Germany, on March 6, 1815. At the time, the comet was faintly visible to the naked eye.

The comet last visited our solar system in 1956, and after passing by Earth in 2024, it won’t be seen again until March 2094. So take a good look at the chart and try to find it now!

Bottom line: Comet Olbers 13P will make its closest approach to Earth on July 20, 2024. Want to see it for yourself? Check out the finder map here.

Eddie Irizarry

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About the author:

Eddie Irizarry of the Caribbean Astronomical Society has been a NASA Solar System Ambassador since 2004. He is a passionate public educator and has published numerous articles on astronomy in EarthSky and Puerto Rican newspapers. He has also organized dozens of conferences on asteroids and comets at the Arecibo Observatory. The 7.8 km diameter asteroid 33012EddieIrizarry is named after him.

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