The green streak of Comet Lulin will be bright and visible in the night sky for the next few days. After reaching the point in its orbit closest to the Sun (the perihelion) back in January, Lulin reached its closest to Earth on February 24th. This point is less than half an astronomical unit from us, meaning less than half the average distance from the Earth to the Sun.

Comet Lulin will be moving quickly across the night sky, so if you stand outside long enough you can see its movement. It will be easy to recognize because of its green color, which is caused by the reflection of the Sun’s rays off the carbon gases in the comet’s Jupiter-sized atmosphere.

Lulin was likely much greener when it was at its perihelion, but at that time it could not be seen with the naked eye. Now, at a position so close to Earth, the comet will likely be able to be seen without a telescope. But if you have trouble, a pair of binoculars or a camera with a good zoom should do the trick.

As seen in the Stony Brook Independent on Thurs. Feb. 26,  2009

Have you even been to a concert and wish you could see the performer more clearly?

Have you ever been just out for a walk and wish you  could get a better view of that strange looking animal?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then y0u should own a pair of compact size binoculars.  Although they are not a “must have” item, they are definitely a “should have”!!!  They will come in handy more times than you think.

Unlike full-size binoculars, a pair of compact binoculars are very easy to travel with because they can be kept in your pocket,  small bag or even your pocketbook.  They are very lightweight and user friendly.

Compact binoculars come in a variety of sizes, such as the Carson “Scout” line – JD-822 Scout, JD-718 Mini Scout and the JD-025 Scout Plus.  There is even a waterproof, shockproof pair available in the NS-025.

Although small in size, compact binoculars offer lens coatings that reduce glare, provide bright, quality images and most come with a diopter adjustment for flexibility in focusing.

You don’t have to be an avid hiker or birdwatcher, a pair of compact binoculars will come in handy more times than you think and make a perfect gift for that “hard to buy for” person.