“Wow, the universe is sooooo boring.” —Bart Simpson
As you may be starting to plan your trips for next year, I wanted to make sure you heard about an upcoming event that could truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience (ironic, eh?). In late November of 2013, the Great Comet (comet ISON C/2012 S1) looks ready to put on quite a show for us. By that time, it will likely have a sexier, more memorable name, but when it does arrive, some astronomers are predicting that it could be as bright as the full moon in the sky, accompanied by as much as a 90 degree tail. That’s half the visible sky!
On Monday, I gave you 5 ridiculously easy tips for improving your travel photography. You need a 6th? Try adding an comet to the background of your night shots!
As that link above mentions, the comet will be best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, so just off the top of my head, I’m thinking about landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Parthenon, the Great Wall of China, or perhaps natural wonders such as Yosemite Valley or Arches National Park. I always set a goal of getting one “wall shot” (meaning a photo worthy of space on a wall at home) on every trip, and I’m already imagining the amazing possibilities for this comet.
Imagine this scene bathed in comet light, with the comet itself above Half Dome! (Credit: tessaneedham)
So if you want a truly once-in-a-lifetime photograph, here’s a way to give yourself the best chance possible. Start thinking now about where you want to be in November 2013 to watch the Great Comet!
thanksgiving weekend in Yosemite for a comet watch?! 😉
Sounds great! 🙂
will it be visible on just one day or various weeks!? I’m so exciteddd
– Maria Alexandra
If the comet lives up to its billing, it should be visible for at least a week or so before and after the peak. I can’t wait, either!
Easter Island, of course.
I agree that it’d be amazing to see a comet in the sky above a stand of moai (called an Ahu). But this comet is Northern Hemisphere only, so perhaps Stonehenge would work! But the next one of these in the Southern Hemisphere and I’d love to catch it on Easter Island!