Only discovered by Russian astronomers last autumn, people are already gearing up to watch Comet Ison when it really lights up the skies in November this year.

 

Pictures are already available, taken by the Deep Impact spacecraft, showing a tail that measures nearly 64,000km. Scientists are hoping to study the tail in detail as this could be the first time this particular comet has entered the Inner Solar System. The dust and debris held in the tail probably since the Solar System was formed should change as it is heated up by the Sun. The Deep Impact has been in operation since 2005 and specialises in comet detection.  

 

At this moment the comet is over 700 million kilometres away, but at its closest distance from the sun it should be just 1000km, and if its discoverers, Vitali Nevski and Artyom Novichonok are correct it could even light up the sky in daylight in February 2014!! Now that would be something to see.

 

Now that astronomy in general is back in fashion, with Professor Brian Cox and Brian May at the forefront maybe this will be the big event of 2013.

 

So early warning of something major in the skies we will all be able to enjoy, and with our cold weather coming to an end, he said hopefully, now’s the time to look at getting your gear sorted for next winter. Although with our British summers lately it might only be around the corner!! So check out the website and consider what is on offer, such as the range of men’s outdoor jackets and remember “Watch The Skies!” (Yes I know that’s a quote from a Classic Science Fiction Film, but that’s the geek in me coming out).