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Comet Siding Spring near M6

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October 12, 2014

Rolando Ligustri in Italy caught Comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring passing nearly in front of M6 – sometimes called the Butterfly Cluster – in the tail of the constellation Scorpius on October 9. Professional astronomers recently announced the comet began losing brightness in September. But it is still beautiful, and still has a sweeping comet tail. Its close encounter with the planet Mars on October 19 – one week from today – is much anticipated.

Everything you need to know about the October 19 comet / Mars encounter

Look for M6 and M7 near the Tail of the Scorpion in the constellation Scorpius. Map by Tammy Plotner via Universe Today. — The star cluster M6 is very easy to see in the night sky, if your sky is dark. It’s near the Tail of the Scorpion in the constellation Scorpius. Map via Universe Today.

Bottom line: Comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring near the star cluster M6 on October 9, 2014.

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October 12, 2014

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.