How to See Comet 21P Pass Earth This Month
Comet 21P / Giacobini Zinner (affectionately referred to simply as “21P”) prepares to fly past Earth, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of it.
In fact, the comet passes Earth every 6.6 years, but it is getting closer this year than it has been in the last 72 years, making it possible to observe, according to CNET .
You can actually catch a glimpse of the comet using good binoculars (or a telescope), but it will be brightest and closest on September 10 and 11, and then again on September 18. Here’s a video of the comet a little further, captured with a telescope:
If you want to check it out, NASA Ambassador Eddie Irizarri has a detailed explanation of how and when you can catch a comet on EarthSky , as well as some much-needed charts detailing exactly what you’re looking for.
Irizarri also has details about another comet, Virtanen, which is expected to pass in December.