If the Comet ISON has survived its close encounter with the sun — and that's a big if — the streaking iceball and its tail may provide a good show to Central Florida stargazers who watch the eastern horizon just before dawn beginning in the next several days.
"It's like the universe giving us a gift for the holidays," said Derek Demeter, director of the Seminole State College planetarium, as he discussed the possibility that the daredevil sungrazer might emerge with its nucleus intact after perihelion, the point in its orbit closest to the sun.
NASA scientists, who have been closely tracking the comet, initially doubted that had happened. They tweeted on Thanksgiving: "Breaking up is hard to do. Like Icarus, [comet ISON] may have flown too close to the sun."
But the space agency scientists were more optimistic Friday. They tweeted: "New data indicates it may have survived."
Demeter said the Atlantic beaches and rural parts of Central Florida, which offer clear views of an eastern horizon, unobstructed by trees and buildings, should provide the best viewing venues of the comet. The cosmic visitor also might be visible from some backyards before sunrise.
He recommended the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, about a two-hour drive south on Florida's Turnpike. The park boasts a dedicated astronomy site.
"You may not need any fancy-schmancy telescope, although that would be better," he said.
The comet originated from the deep, icy reaches of the solar system in a region known as the Oort Cloud, Demeter said. Its journey began more than five million years ago, according to NASA estimates, and was expected to encounter temperatures of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit as it neared the sun.
On its website, NASA said most sungrazing comets are torn apart by the sun's gravity and heat. Some survive, emerging in spectacular form.