On July 14 I needed a first-rate northern horizon.
Comet C/2020 F3 Neowise would be gleaming low in the north-northwest an hour after sunset, rotating with the celestial sphere and out of view not long after. Id seen raves online (Do not miss this!). And besides, hunting comets has been a keen subset of my astronomy hobby for decades.
Six weeks earlier, after several late-night and predawn forays beginning in late March, Id finally spotted a different comet, C/2017 T2. It manifested as a small, dim patch of fuzz in my 15x70 binoculars, not even remotely apparent to the unaided eye a species of quarry only zealots could savor, and a typical cometary experience.
But I was assured that Neowise was special. Shining at fourth magnitude it was easily a naked-eye object, brighter than many of the stars visible in a rural sky.
The day was partly cloudy, but a glance at the weather forecast (and a barometer) indicated a clear night. Not taking any chances, I scaled the 100-feet-tall Side Lake fire tower at dusk. Cant procure a much better panorama than that.
When I reached the cupola and faced north, I groaned. A last bridgehead of cloud was draped along the north-northwest horizon. The gray mass, fringed with fading orange, hovered in precisely the wrong spot. Had the privilege of the tower been neutralized?
At 10:05 p.m. I began scanning with the formidable glass of the 15x70s. I stalked just above the treacherous band of cloud. Nothing. Anyone whos searched for comets has known disappointment. Many recall the hype (entire books were written) preceding the return of Halleys famous comet in 1986. It didnt fizzle exactly, but never approached the splendor that astounded the world in 1910, when it spanned most of the sky, was visible during the day, and inspired apocalyptic fever dreams. The earth passed through Halleys tail and farm families retreated into tornado shelters, frightened by claims the cometary gas could poison our planet.
Searching for Neowise, I spent 20 minutes periodically gridding the north-northwest horizon side-to-side, up and down, taking breaks to admire Jupiter and Saturn rising in the southeast, and noting familiar stars and constellations snapping into view with last light fading.
As darkness develops, objects leap into visibility. A threshold is attained for any given brightness, and what is imperceptible one moment is suddenly revealed a second later.
At 10:27 p.m., the comet in full glory materialized in the lenses, 5 degrees above the clouds. I whooped. The hype was redeemed.
The coma, or head, was intensely luminous; the tail fanned out in a gentle arc, the pressure and heat of mere sunlight fashioning a feather of star dust saturating my field of view. The impression was of a hot, blazing rocket, but comets sustain the icy cold of deep space. Even so, the frozen primordial matter being peeled away by solar wind looked like the pure white product of a forge.
For the next half-hour I relished the rarity, and the surprise. We average only one prominent comet per decade. Unlike Halley and other short-period comets, Neowise blew in from nowhere, calculated to be on a 6,800-year orbit around the sun, last visiting our neighborhood at the dawn of human civilization. Nobody wrote it down.
Just after 11 p.m. I eased down the 126 steps of the fire tower, then paused on the center-line of County Road 5 and looked north. Naked-eye, the comet was a white slash bracketed by tall pine forest on either side of the road. It was a beckoning tableau, as if the pavement steered for the sky through a tunnel of trees and the comet was within reach.
I stood transfixed. Sure, I was glad for the tower, and certainly appreciative of the lenses, but there on the highway I enjoyed the most compelling phase of the spectacle, when the celestial traveler seemed linked to earth.
The reputation of comets as harbingers of doom or revival, explicitly connected to human events, is well known. Who isnt drawn to portents and omens? We understand that comets are essentially dirty snowballs composed of rocky ice and dust, and relatively insubstantial. Indeed, the National Geographic Society once described them as the nearest thing to nothing that anything can be and still be something.
And yet, when I heard of the unexpected arrival of a bright comet my first thought was: of course, its 2020. We are mired in a baneful pandemic unlike anything endured for a century, parsing our lives into 14-day increments of health and survival or not. As of this writing, 150,000 Americans have died, with no end immediately apparent. Against this sobering backdrop, were suffering domestic unrest over racial injustice, the global economy is severely strained, tensions between the United States and China are escalating, and our looming November election is seen by many left and right as an existential, do-or-die moment of truth.
All these challenges (and more) demand attention, action but we cannot be always on red alert, at the barricades, hypervigilant, hypersensitive. We must also play and dream. Otherwise well sooner or later collapse into a bitter vortex of angst and be of little use to anyone. The first rule for all is do no harm, and that includes to ourselves. No one contributes by crashing and burning.
Seeking and witnessing the comet was an intentional, joyous frolic. Its beauty was inspiriting (and bipartisan) and though Im familiar with the physics I also enjoyed an indulgent flight of fancy. I thought, why do I feel so uplifted? What is the message of this comet? Im capable of ascribing meaning if I choose, so what does Neowise mean?
I choose revival. Listen: the comet is a herald of magnificent transformation. I allowed the view of Neowise from the center-line of County Road 5 to assure me that we have a clear route to a metaphorical heaven. The comet beckons to a loftier plane, to acknowledge and celebrate what Abraham Lincoln called the better angels of our nature.
They are often evoked in play, when we set aside the axes were grinding and revisit the wonder, optimism, and uninhibited rumpus of childhood. Mark Twain, whose birth and death were bracketed by Halleys comet, wrote, When Im playful I use the meridians of longitude and the parallels of latitude for a seine, and drag the Atlantic Ocean for whales. I scratch my head with the lightning and purr myself to sleep with the thunder.
Prose poetry of a high order, and resonant with rejuvenating gladness and useful whimsy. Its a mind-set we call recreation. Such imagining can keep us in touch with sanity.
So, washed in starlight on a mild summer evening, I passed through the looking glasses. I strode the highway between the pines to the comet, and straddling the shimmering tail I rode it toward the sun and a dazzling tomorrow. Popping into view just ahead I saw John Muir, that tough and intrepid wanderer of wilderness. He called out, All things move in music and write it. The mouse, lizard, and grasshopper sing together on the Turlock sands, sing with the morning stars.
Why not? Its my choice, my portent. Ill get back to work in the morning.
Peter M. Leschak, of Side Lake, Minn., is the author of Ghosts of the Fireground and other books.
Go here to read the rest:
- Comet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Comets - The Nine Planets - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Comets - Astronomy For Kids - KidsAstronomy.com - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Views of the Solar System: Comets - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Comets (extra footage) - Video - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Solar flare update. 6 comets! Nov 28th ISON perihelion! - Video - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Comets game 2end goal - Video - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Missouri Comets vs. Milwaukee Wave - Video - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Football: Comets Advance Past Momence - Video - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Caliber Cheer Comets Nov 9 2013 - Video - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Two Comets Are About to Fly By Mercury | NASA Space Science HD Video - Video - November 21st, 2013 [November 21st, 2013]
- Comets win on tiebreaker - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets fend off Wildcat attack - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Free throws bring Comets down - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets continue solid play on their home ice - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets Beat Heat 4-2 - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets in the Community - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets pick up third straight win over Heat - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets Welcome Back Old Rival - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets Cool Abbotsford 4-2 - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets – Facts and Information about Comets | Space.com - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets v Wave 121313 Highlights - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Highlights - Comets vs. Monsters 12/15/13 - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Weekly Space Hangout - Preventing Asteroids, More Comets, Worldview Balloon - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Pens 1 - Comets 0 - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Milwaukee Waves Cheap Shot Vs. Missouri Comets - 12.13.13 - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Hometown Nights - Tarso Miller and the Wild Comets - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Hangout with Comets Nova and Deathlyhall - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets vs St. Louis Ambush - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Shake, Rattle and Roll Bill Haley and His Comets - Sheet Music - Easy Alto Sax Version - Video - December 20th, 2013 [December 20th, 2013]
- Comets Shut Out Heat 3-0 - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Administration - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Bill Haley And His Comets ' R-O-C-K' 78 rpm - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Bill Haley And His Comets ' The Saints Rock 'N Roll' 78 rpm - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Nicklas Jensen's Shootout Winning Deke 12-15-13 - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Missouri Comets Night with Miles - 12.13.13 - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- 12/13/13 Comets 5 vs. Senators 2 - Video - December 21st, 2013 [December 21st, 2013]
- Comets rock Bulldogs for first win - December 22nd, 2013 [December 22nd, 2013]
- Comets Deposit Life's Building Blocks Across the Cosmos!(Dr.Ruehl) - Video - December 22nd, 2013 [December 22nd, 2013]
- Comets beat AHL rival Abbotsford again with shutout - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Comets Win Streak Grows to Four Games - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Comets Corner: On the Mask - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- 'Comets of the Centuries': 500 Years of the Greatest Comets Ever Seen - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Hackensack High School (NJ) Football Home - MaxPreps.com - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Little Comets - Isles (Music Video) - Video - December 23rd, 2013 [December 23rd, 2013]
- Comets Have Two Players on MISL Team of Week - December 25th, 2013 [December 25th, 2013]
- ONE FOR THE RECORD DECEMBER 20 2013 21 FUKUSHIMA COMETS EARTHQUAKES NMR GZ PAUL AND BP - Video - December 25th, 2013 [December 25th, 2013]
- Comets in the Community: Christmas at St. Luke's - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- Best comets of last 500 years - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- STRANGE EVENTS In 2013 Earthquakes, Mass Animal Deaths, Extreme Weather, OORT Cloud Comets - Video - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- Utica Comets " 'Twas the Night" - Video - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- Missouri Comets vs. Rochester Lancers - Video - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- Chasing Comets: In search of secrets about our origins - Video - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- DREAM X2 COMETS/STARS FLYING OVERHEAD, MASSIVE SONIC BOOMS EARTH HIT POSSIBLY. - Video - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- What are comets? - Video - December 26th, 2013 [December 26th, 2013]
- Game Preview: Syracuse Silver Knights at Missouri Comets and St. Louis Ambush - December 27th, 2013 [December 27th, 2013]
- Clark's performance boosts Clayton over Moss Point - December 27th, 2013 [December 27th, 2013]
- Gameday: Comets vs. Binghamton - December 27th, 2013 [December 27th, 2013]
- Comets Battle for First Place - December 27th, 2013 [December 27th, 2013]
- Gameday: Comets vs. Hamilton - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- Comets fall to Senators - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- Comets end winning streak - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- Comets vs Syracuse Silver Knights - Video - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- Winning Comets Soccer - Video - December 28th, 2013 [December 28th, 2013]
- Comets Lose in Final Minutes - December 29th, 2013 [December 29th, 2013]
- CometsTV: 12-27-13 Utica Comets vs. Binghamton Senators Highlights - Video - December 29th, 2013 [December 29th, 2013]
- Comets knock off Aquin for second time this season - December 31st, 2013 [December 31st, 2013]
- Comets fall after late rally - December 31st, 2013 [December 31st, 2013]
- CometsTV: 12-28-13 Utica Comets vs. Hamilton Bulldogs Highlights - Video - December 31st, 2013 [December 31st, 2013]
- Comets Corner: Kellan Lain - January 1st, 2014 [January 1st, 2014]
- Comets Welcome New Year - January 1st, 2014 [January 1st, 2014]
- Comets Media Game 2013 - Video - January 1st, 2014 [January 1st, 2014]
- 1957 AMI H200 playing Bill Haley and his Comets Rock Around The Clock. - Video - January 1st, 2014 [January 1st, 2014]
- 7 Amazing Christmas Kinder Surprise Eggs SMURFS cars, comets Unwrapping Review Chocolate Easter Toys - Video - January 1st, 2014 [January 1st, 2014]
- Shootout - Dogs @ Comets - 12/2813 - END - Video - January 1st, 2014 [January 1st, 2014]
- Shootout - Dogs @ Comets - 12/2813 - Video - January 1st, 2014 [January 1st, 2014]
- Catonsville girls basketball shows promise for another strong season - January 2nd, 2014 [January 2nd, 2014]
- Gameday: Comets vs. Lake Erie - January 2nd, 2014 [January 2nd, 2014]
- Comets Kick off New Year with Exciting Win - January 2nd, 2014 [January 2nd, 2014]
- Comets Remain Hot at Home with 3-2 Decision over Lake Erie - January 2nd, 2014 [January 2nd, 2014]