Midlands Astronomy Club talk comets in Tullamore Library

Midlands Astronomy Club to host a talk entitled 'What makes a comet ‘Great’?' on Thursday September 19 at at 6:30pm in Tullamore Library.

Well-known Irish amateur astronomer Mr. John Flannery will present the talk as part of the clubs Family Astronomy Night.

Seanie Morris, PRO of Midlands Astronomy Club explains: “History has shown us great comets that passed Earth that caused great curiosity and excitement, mostly due to their size and brightness, and sometimes their rarity.

“A ‘great’ comet is one that is bright, will last for many days or even weeks as a naked eye object, and in our modern times offers superb photographic observations.”

Famous comets in modern times visible from Ireland include NEOWISE (2022), Lovejoy (2015) and McNaught (2007).

Some may even remember Comet HaleBopp in 1996, a comet first discovered in 1995 before becoming visible in our night skies in 1996 from Ireland for a further 18 months.

This is a free event and all ages are welcome to attend.

To learn more about astronomy with Midlands Astronomy Club, visit www.midlandsastronomy.ie or find them on Facebook.