Comet Passing is “Space Mission in Reverse”
There is plenty of activity in the night sky this weekend. In addition to the Geminid meteor shower, scientists say one of the brightest comets of the year will pass overhead. The Comet 46p/Wirtanen will be about 7 million miles away, which is close. In fact, it is one of the closest comets to pass by earth in recent times. Auburn University astrophysicist Dennis Bodewits says it is a rare sight.
“Comets are spectacular,” Bodewits says. “Not only are they amazing to see in the sky, but they’re also leftovers from the time when our solar system was formed.”
With this comet coming so close to earth, it is an opportunity for scientists to learn more about it. Bodewits will use three of NASA’s state of the art telescopes to zoom in on the comet and study its features. He is looking for more information about what it is made of and the activity of the gases around it.
“We call it a space mission in reverse,” Bodewits says. “Rather than flying to a comet and study it, this comet flies to us.”
If the weather is clear, Bodewits says the best view will be Sunday night. From a dark spot, the comet should be visible with the naked eye, but he recommends using binoculars or a telescope. Look for the Orion constellation and follow the arrow.
Ryder Cup MC steps down over foul-mouthed chant aimed at golfer Rory McIlroy
Some of the golf at this year's Ryder Cup has been overshadowed by interventions from passionate and unruly fans, as Americans tee off against Europeans in one of the sport's biggest events.
1 person dead and 9 injured in shooting at Michigan church, police say
Multiple people have been shot at a Mormon church in Michigan and the shooter is down, police said Sunday.
Palestinian death toll tops 66,000 as Netanyahu prepares to meet Trump
The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has topped 66,000 Palestinians, Gaza's Health Ministry said, a day before the Israeli Prime Minister heads for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Maine’s food pantries stare down volunteer shortage while anticipating cuts
Maine has long been one of the most food insecure states in New England. In March, the Trump administration cut more than $1 billion from two U.S. food programs.
The endangered cactus behind Mexico’s sweet secret
In Mexico, September means chiles en nogada season. But one key ingredient, a candied barrel cactus called biznaga, is now illegal because it's vanishing in the wild.
Sunday Puzzle: P-Ro phrases
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with WAMC listener Jeremiah Hyslip of New York City along with Weekend Edition Puzzle Master Will Shortz.
