An astronomer from New Zealand has played a significant part in the latest discovery of a comet. This green-colored comet was first spotted by a Queensland man six days ago.
Astrophotographer Terry Lovejoy discovered his comet not by any telescopic devices, but by taking a series of shots using a
Canon digital camera.
In the early morning of March 15th Mr. Lovejoy observed a fuzzy, greenish spot that had slightly shifted on some series of shots.
In fact, it is the first time anyone has discovered a comet using a
digital camera. Officially this new spot is labeled as C2007 E2. The name of the comet is Lovejoy, to honor its discoverer.
Currently the celestial object is too faint to see, but
telescopes and
astronomical binoculars. But it is expected to brighten in April and most likely it will become visible to smaller
binoculars and
spotting scopes.