C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) Visitor from Beyond

Amateurs discovery continues. Many amateurs patrol the skies in a systematic way and keep discovering comets, Asteroids, Variable stars, Nova and Supernova and even galaxies. This August 30th, amateur astronomer Gennady Borisov scanning the skies from Nauchnij near black sea in Ukraine reported discovery of a comet using his 25 inch telescope. After the initial observations were made it became clear that this comet could be a visitor from beyond solar system. This comet is designated as C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) may be changed to I/2019 Q4 (Borisov) as I/ (I indicating Interstellar) was adapted in 2017.

C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) in Cassiopeia constellation is slowly progressing towards perihelion on 9 December 2019 at 1.96 au (Piotr Guzik, et al) and is in hyperbolic orbit. Astronomers have photographed the comet C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) using 8.1 meter (319 inch) telescope.

Gemini Observatory two-color composite image of C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) which is the first interstellar comet ever identified. This image was obtained using the Gemini North Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) from Hawaii’s Maunakea. The image was obtained with four 60-second exposures in bands (filters) r and g. Blue and red dashes are images of background stars which appear to streak due to the motion of the comet. Composite image by Travis Rector.

Image Credit: Gemini Observatory/NSF/AURA

The C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) will not come within the orbit of Mars even in at Perihelion (closest to Sun) . Here is the orbit of C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) at the closest to Sun and also we can visualize the path of the comet with high eccentricity. Many planetarium programs may have to add a new feature to accept this high eccentricity. This image is of the top view of the solar system or as seen from north ecliptic pole. To give a good location on where we have to be to have this top view of our solar system is close to Cat's eye nebula in Draco. This image clearly shows the path of comet C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) will be beyond Mars.

The next image shows  the orientation of the path of C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) with respect to our orbital plane.

The comet is currently  at a visual magnitude of 17.7 and at its closest approach to Sun ,the magnitude will be 15.5, these values may change if there are any changes in the comet. The C/2019 Q4 (Borisov) will be closest to earth on 28^th December 2019.

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