Neanderthal comet – Municipality of Palermo

Doors open to the Planetarium and Astronomical Museum of Villa Filipina (Piazza San Francesco de Paola 18) on Friday 3 February from 7.00 pm for an evening dedicated to “Neanderthal comet”.

there Neanderthal comet It was discovered in early March 2021 by astronomers using the Zwicky Transit Facility’s Wide Field Survey Camera. Studies have estimated the time it takes to revolve around the sun, i.e. 50,000 years. Therefore, if a comet appeared 50,000 years ago in the sky of our planet, then this It would have been visible to our ancestors, the Neanderthals accurately. This comet is now on its way to Earth and will Its closest approach to Earth is on February 1, 2023. Neanderthal comet one The comet is known as a “polar ocean”That is, it is located near the North Star and never settles down, which means that it will be visible all night and it is not difficult to locate it. To see a Neanderthal comet it is very important to find a place with little light pollution since in the presence of artificial lights the comet’s coma will merge with the artificial brightness of the sky.

On the evening of Friday, February 3rd, scheduled: LE Observations outside telescopes Neanderthal comet, in Villa Filipina Park From 19.00 to 22.00. Tickets: €3 (adults and children) available the same evening by going to the box office at the entrance. Information at 347 8119078.