Comet 13P/Olbers, which passes close to Earth every 69 years, can be seen in the skies over Brazil during July. It is expected to reach its maximum brightness on Saturday (6), but it is supposed to approach Earth on July 20, reaching a distance of approximately 72 million kilometers. The last time 13P/Olbers passed was in 1956. The “P” in its name indicates that it is a periodic comet, meaning that its appearance in the sky occurs regularly every 69 years.
The comet’s celestial body is mainly composed of ice, rock and dust. It was discovered by German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers in 1815, and comet 13P/Olbers was named in his honor. According to scientists, although NASA classifies the comet as a “near-Earth asteroid,” there is no danger of colliding with the planet.
To see the comet, it’s important to find a safe spot with little artificial light and a clear horizon. The comet will reach its peak brightness on July 6, but will remain visible in the sky throughout the month. It will appear above the constellation Lince, which can be seen in Brazil a few hours after dusk.
It is essential to look towards the northwest, near the horizon, just after sunset. The exact time the comet will become visible varies depending on the region of Brazil, with better chances of seeing it in the northern and northeastern regions.
