The minor differences from object to object are part of what keeps observational astronomy so interesting. I can’t think of anything as unpredictable as the appearance of comets in our sky. 

This year we’ve watched as Comet ATLAS self-destructed, as comet SWAN disappointed, and many of us, having come to terms with the loss of the large comets, have found ourselves startled to watch as comet NEOWISE has grown into a stunningly beautiful object in our sky. Currently, it is visible in the evening in the northwest and is just visible to the unaided eye if you are in a dark location and have great eyesight. In general, you want to use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. Some folks are also reporting it can be easily photographed with just an iPhone.

While I have managed to consistently not see it due to clouds, which is the story of my life really, we want to make sure that any of you with clear skies have the chance to see it. Currently, it is in the northwest, straight down from the bowl of the Big Dipper. It is about 30 degrees above the horizon, which is three fist-widths at arm’s length.

I strongly recommend heading toward a location with no trees on the horizon as the Sun sets. As soon as you start to see the stars in the bowl of the big dipper, begin sweeping the sky with binoculars or taking a series of photographs with a camera. You can take exposures a couple of seconds long without needing to track if you are using a lens that is 200mm or less. 

While I’m looking at a new round of thunderstorms tonight, I hope all of you have clear skies. If you get any amazing photos, please send them to us, and we may share them on a future show. You can reach us at cosmoquestx@gmail.com.

More Information

Sky & Telescope article (July 9, 2020)

EarthSky article (July 21, 2020)