Comet Leonard India visibility: Closest approach to Earth, when and where to watch

Comet Leonard is coming and it is nothing short of a magnificent spectacle.

This handout picture taken with a telescope and released on December 9, 2021 shows the comet C/2021 A1 Comet Leonard. (AFP)

An amazing spectacle is coming towards Earth from outer space and it will last practically for the entire month. This is nothing else than Comet Leonard, which has been dubbed once-in-a-lifetime comet simply because it came calling after tens of thousands of years. Now, that makes it special and everyone wants to know when is Comet Leonard going to be visible in India. We reveal details of Comet Leonard India visibility and tell you how and when to watch it.

Comet Leonard closest approach to Earth will be on December 12. However, as mentioned above, you do not have to worry if you miss out as it will be visible for the entire duration of the month.

Comet Leonard India visibility

Comet Leonard visibility in India is possible for everyone. You do not need binoculars or telescopes to see Comet Leonard as it will be visible to the naked eyes too. However, to watch Comet Leonard in all its glory, binoculars and telescopes will be of great help.

Best time to watch Comet Leonard

While it may be closest to Earth on December 12, the best time to see Comet Leonard will be December 17. Of course, if you want, you can watch it earlier too.

Comet Leonard can be seen at its best during the  early morning hours. The direction is in the East and that too before sunrise. Just ahead of dawn will probably be perfect for everyone in India to see Comet Leonard.

Ideally, the best viewing experience will be if you spend a couple of hours on it rather than just a few minutes.

How to watch Comet Leonard livestream

Of course, since it is winter time and no one wants to get out of a warm bed, there is the option of a livestream available online too. Comet Leonard livestream is being provided by the Virtual Telescope Project in Rome, Italy. The livestream is available free on the internet starting at 11:15 p.m. CST (10:45 a.m. IST on December 12).

Comet Leonard in brief

The comet was first spotted by Gregory Leonard via images taken from Mt Lemmon Observatory, Arizona in January, 2021.

Comet Leonard has been named C/2021 A1. It is a long-period comet with an orbital period of over 70,000 years.