NEOWISE kite in Joshua Tree, California. The comet is currently visible after sunset in the … [+]
Looking for a last chance to see the NEOWISE comet, the “comet of the century”?
You are late for the party. C / 2020 F3 (NEOWISE) has been visible to the naked eye for much of July, but is now fading as it recedes from Earth and returns to the outer Solar System.
However, all is not lost because All you need to see the NEOWISE kite this weekend is any pair of binoculars.
This is how you find Comet NEOWISE before it disappears forever.
Step 1: take yourself to a dark place
Light pollution is a big problem for kite hunters. It reduces the contrast between the comet and the darkness, which means it stands out much less than it should. That means that you will almost certainly not be able to find the NEOWISE comet at a glance within the city limits now.
However, head to a decently dark place, with a clear view to the northwest that preferably doesn’t overlook a town or city, and you may have a chance.
You can greatly increase your chances of seeing the NEOWISE comet with your own eyes by taking some binoculars with you; 10×50 are great for all kinds of stargazing, but anything you have will give you a great opportunity to see the NEOWISE comet with your own eyes.
Comet NEOWISE is seen on a clear summer night over a lavender field near the town of Brihuega, … [+]
Step 2: know where and when to look
Comet NEOWISE is right on the cusp of visibility with the naked eye in the constellation Coma Berenices. It can be found on the north-northwest horizon as soon as it gets dark, about 90 minutes after sunset. However, you can watch until late at night; the comet will move north, then northeast of the night sky.
The trick is to find the Big Dipper / The Plow, that easily recognizable shape of seven bright stars, and then draw a diagonal line towards the western horizon. About the middle of that line is the approximate location of Comet NEOWISE this weekend.
Here are three star charts, one for the next three nights:
How to Find Comet NEOWISE on Friday, July 31, 2020
How to Find Comet NEOWISE on Friday, July 31, 2020
How to find Comet NEOWISE on Saturday August 1, 2020
How to find Comet NEOWISE on Saturday August 1, 2020
How to find Comet NEOWISE on Sunday, August 2, 2020
How to find Comet NEOWISE on Sunday, August 2, 2020
Step 3: use binoculars to observe it
Put your binoculars in your hands. You’re sticking your elbows out, right? Squeeze your elbows so they are tight against your rib cage. If you can, lean against a wall or tree. This will give you some stability and give you a chance to find and get a stable view of the comet. You can even rest your binoculars on a wall, rock, or the top of a car.
Now decide where you think the comet is, using these charts, and draw a line towards the horizon. Now put your binoculars at that point and lift them up to the comet. Be patient and repeat until you have our little fuzzy friend in your sights.
The comet appears to be traveling towards the horizon; his tail creeps behind him, higher in the sky.
Binoculars should take a look at Comet NEOWISE this weekend. (Photo by: Alan … [+]
Tips for observing the NEOWISE comet
The peripheral vision of the human eye is the most sensitive to brightness, while the center of the eye is most sensitive to color. So, when looking at the comet through binoculars, look slightly to the left or right of it and its tail. That way, your peripheral vision will better detect its brightness. This technique is called “vision avoided”.
It also helps adapt the eyes to the dark. Stand in a completely dark place for 20 minutes, and don’t look at your smartphone, and your pupils will dilate to let in as much light as possible. That way, you will see many more stars and you will see the comet more clearly.
Find it while you can because this huge ice ball will not return in 6,800 years.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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