'Snow Moon' Lunar Eclipse Shines with Comet Tonight

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'Snow Moon' Lunar Eclipse Shines with Comet Tonight: What to Expect
Early this evening (Feb. 10), careful observers across parts of North America can watch a Full Snow Moon penumbral lunar eclipse. With a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, skywatchers can also catch a glimpse of a bright-green comet passing by Earth.

Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková, which entered the media spotlight in December as the "New Year's Eve comet" when it first became visible, makes its closest approach to Earth on Saturday (Feb. 11). While the comet has been visible for months, this weekend skywatchers will have the best possible view of the blazing space rock. It will also be the closest comet encounter in over 30 years, so it's certainly a must-see for avid skywatchers. Look for Comet 45P in the eastern sky before dawn or in the western sky just after sunset. It will be visible all weekend, though it will be difficult if not impossible to spot without the help of binoculars or a telescope.

The online astronomy service Slooh.com will webcast two free shows related to the eclipse and the comet tonight. "The Full Snow Moon Eclipse" will air live views of the lunar eclipse at 5:30 p.m. EST (2030 GMT) and be followed by "Cruise the Galaxy with Comet 45P" at 10:30 p.m. EST (0330 GMT Feb. 11). You can also watch both of the broadcasts here on Space.com, courtesy of Slooh.
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