In this wide-angle image taken with a telescope over Namibia on 21 December, the tail of a comet can be seen. Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1), which suddenly increased in brightness only a few days ago and was visible to the naked eye, has won the title of the brightest comet of this year. It is very useful to use binoculars to spot this diffuse comet, which lies close to the western horizon after sunset. Details in the clear image reveal the comet's greenish coma. Also, the comet's ion tail can be seen interacting with magnetic fields in the solar wind. Passing closest to Earth on 12 December and Venus on 18 December, Comet Leonard will reach its closest position to the Sun on 3 January. Leonard, which presented a pleasant sight in the sky in late December, was recognised as the Christmas Comet of 2021.

Isn't it a marvellous sight?

*25 December 2021 Astronomy Photo of the Day (NASA APOD)