Another theory is that a comet or Nova was the object, this fits in with historical reports from both China and Korea from the year 5 BC but we are never likely to know the real truth behind the story. This all leads in very well to the fact that we have a Christmas Comet in our Skies this year, Comet Wirtanen is a short period comet which takes about 5.4 years to complete one orbit, which sees it come within the orbit of Earth before once more moving out towards the region of Jupiter’s orbit. This time it is going to pass close to the Earth, well close in astronomical terms 11,580,000 Km from us and whilst it won’t be a spectacular sight in our night sky, it became a naked eye object around closet approach on 16 December, however through binoculars or a telescope it should show up well and photographically, being a hyperactive comet it is a spectacular sight with its beautiful green coma. The Picture of the comet with this article, was taken by myself on 7 December from my home in North Tenerife using my Canon 600D camera with a Canon 100-400mm lens set at 250mm on a NEQ5 mount and a 3 minute exposure, F5.6 ISO 1600.

Happy comet hunting and a Merry Christmas Peter

Just to wanted to take this opportunity to wish all our friends and family a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from all of the Dark Skies Tenerife Guide Team.