COMET LEONARD IS APPROACHING EARTH: Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1) is approaching Earth for a close encounter on Dec. 12th. So far this week, the comet has nearly tripled in brightness, making it an easy target for small telescopes and digital cameras. Six days after its close approach to Earth, Comet Leonard will have an even closer encounter with Venus. That flyby will be visible in evening skies next week. Sky maps @ Spaceweather.com.

Solar Flare Alerts: Sign up for Space Weather Alerts and get instant text notifications when solar flares are underway.

Above: Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1) approaching Earth on Dec. 8th. Photo credit: Izzy Rodriguez of Colorado City, CO.