Rare comet visible from today, will disappear for 6,800 years

Discovered in March by NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission, C/2020 F3 is an icy comet in a near-parabolic orbit around the Sun.

It made its closest approach to the Sun, at a distance of 43 million km, on July 3 and is now set to fly by Earth on its return journey to the outer parts of the Solar System.

During its close approach to the Sun, the comet's icy outermost layer was heated up, releasing a glowing, large tail of debris. Now, this so-called "natural firework" will be directly visible to people on Earth.

This close approach to Earth will be a once-in-a-life view, as the comet will not make another close approach and streak across the sky for the next 6,800 years.

Another interesting thing about this comet, estimated to be 5 km wide, is the fact its nucleus is covered with sooty dark particles leftover from its formation nearly 4.6 billion years ago - when our Solar System was created.

Also, despite the fiery flyby the Sun and even Mercury's orbit, it has retained most of its mass, which is pretty amusing in itself.

For skywatchers in India, C/2020 F3 NEOWISE will be visible every day after sunset for about 15-20 minutes.

The show will begin starting the evening of July 14, with the comet appearing in the northwestern sky, which is 20 degrees from the horizon.

Then, in the coming days, it will climb higher in the sky, remaining visible for a longer period.

For the best viewing experience, we recommend looking up from an open space that would give you a large, clear view of the night sky with minimal distractions such as buildings or artificial lights.

This could be your neighborhood park or even your terrace. In case you go for the former, do not forget to follow social distancing protocols, wearing a mask.