Michigan To Have 3 Rare Space Events This Week

It has been a wild year for space-related events. Not only did a total solar eclipse happen covering much of the Midwest in temporary darkness, but the Northern Lights were also visible way down south here in Grand Rapids. These are gorgeous and rare events that left Michiganders speechless.

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So, right when you think we can't possibly have any more wild events, space decided to throw us another curveball by providing not one, not two, but three rare events in the same week. Space is getting dizzying at this point.

Four Special Events

The vastness of space is something we know shockingly little about, so when astronomers predict that Michigan's night sky will be treated to a comet, a new 'mini-moon', and seeing Venus all in the same week. HUH? Yeah, it may be time to get a couple of energy drinks or start brewing some coffee.

80,000 Years Later

According to Fox News, the comet known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, or Comet A3, will be visible in Earth for the first time in 80,000 years. If you want to view the comet this week, you're going to need to be up before sunrise, visible until October 2nd. The comet will have a tail behind it, distinguishing it from the stars in the sky.

However, waking up early seems like a challenge all of its own, especially on a weekday, so no one can blame you for waiting until October 12th to see it after sunset. 

Earth's Mini Moon

While "min-moon" is a bit of an exaggeration, this little asteroid will be caught in Earth's orbit for the next 57 days until just before Thanksgiving when it returns to floating aimlessly through space. The Moon won't be visible to amateur astronomers, but it'll be there.

See An Old Friend This Weekend

Finally, a more routine space event will be taking place this weekend when you can see Earth's Twin, Venus. While Venus is usually visible in the night sky, due to the Moon's position and brightness, it will be very visible.

According to Forbes, this is how to find Venus this weekend:

Look west, first on Saturday, Oct. 5 to see a 6%-lit crescent moon about three degrees below and to the left of Venus. On Sunday, Oct. 6, the crescent moon will be farther to the left of Venus.

We are also entering the Northern Lights season the skies are primed for a light show, especially heading into November.

Keep your eyes on the skies all of this week.