The bright Neowise comet reaches a night sky near you: how to catch it

Neowise Kite It could be the most photogenic ice ball in decades. After two other promising kites: Swan and atlas – Faded and faded, Comet C / 2020 F3 (aka Neowise) is already dazzling sky watchers, and the best may be yet to come.

The comet survived its closest touch with the sun on July 3 and is now heading toward its closest passage on Earth on July 23.

Over the past two weeks, several amateur astrophotographers have shared impressive images of the captured comet as it appeared just above the horizon in skies before sunrise.

Astronauts on the International Space Station have also seen the comet., aided by his premium point of view, and NASA Parker Solar Probe captured Neowise’s profile, showing that it has multiple tails.

The best time to see the comet from Earth’s surface is changing from the early hours of the morning until night.

According to NASA’s Solar System Ambassador Eddie Irizarry, it will begin to be visible on the night of July 15-16. It should be a little easier to see during the second half of July when it is highest in the sky.

Right now, the advice many of those who have successfully seen the comet share is to locate it first in the sky using binoculars or a telescope. Once you’ve found it and your split tail mark, you should be able to track it down with the naked eye.

The closest passing of the comet to Earth will be July 23, which could be a particularly exciting viewing opportunity if the comet’s brightness continues to stay where it is or even intensify. It will also soar a bit higher in the sky on July 24 and 25 in case you miss the actual flyby date. Kites are remarkably fickle things that can always break and burn at any time, so they cross your fingers.

There is a possibility, for the most optimistic of us, that Neowise lights up dramatically to become the so-called “great kite” that is easily visible and spectacular to see with the naked eye. While there is no strict definition of what a great comet is, it is generally accepted that we have not seen one since Hale-Bopp in 1997.

Once it appears in the night sky in mid-month, the comet will be visible to the northwest and west edges of the sky.

This is where you can see the comet in the next two weeks. Online resources like TheSkyLive also offer similar night sky maps to aid you in your comet hunt.

If you don’t catch the comet before it inevitably fades in August or sooner, you’ll have to wait a while for your next trip through the inner solar system, which is currently estimated to occur in 8786.