COMET-WATCHING: Looking for NEOWISE from West Seattle this weekend

(Photo by Andrew Reddaway)

Seen Comet NEOWISE yet? Tonight should be another chance, with clear weather expected to continue. It’s Once it’s gone from view, that’s it for another 6,000+ years, so you might as well take advantage of it. Thanks to sky-watcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen for more images, made with Stellarium, on where to look in the sky – these two were for midnight last night/4 am this morning so the position should be close:

And just in case you don’t get out to see it – here’s another view from earlier this week:

(Photo by John Hinkey)

You can read Alice’s overall comet-watching guidance here.

randy July 18, 2020 (12:41 pm)

When I see the stars, I think of this. Psalm 8:4-84 What is man that You are mindful of him,And the son of man that You visit<span data-fn="#fen-NKJV-14017a" class="footnote" data-link="[a]” style=”font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;”>[a] him?5 For You have made him a little lower than <span data-fn="#fen-NKJV-14018b" class="footnote" data-link="[b]” style=”font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;”>[b]the angels,And You have crowned him with glory and honor.6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;You have put all things under his feet,7 All sheep and oxen—Even the beasts of the field,8 The birds of the air,And the fish of the seaThat pass through the paths of the seas.

Marilyn July 18, 2020 (3:01 pm)

You got that right
Poop July 18, 2020 (7:10 pm)

Hell yea

me July 18, 2020 (12:54 pm)

Can you see it tonight from Sunset Ave and SW Seattle street? Or would a different view point be better? Would Hamilton be better? Thanks!

Dan July 18, 2020 (2:21 pm)

We see it from Sunset, actually quite faint, can barely see it around 10:30-11;00 pm w/ naked eye. Binos help, taking decent photos a real challenge .
- me July 18, 2020 (3:30 pm)
  
  Okay, thanks! I was up there the other night and couldn’t see it but I think I was too early.

Claudia Florence July 18, 2020 (1:26 pm)

Can you see the comet also in Europe? Most specifically in Belgium?

Keith Savall July 18, 2020 (1:57 pm)

Yes you can see it in Belgium. Looking an hour and a half or two hours after sunset in the Northwest Sky below the Big Dipper

Patrick Roberto July 18, 2020 (1:26 pm)

Thank you

Robert Valenti July 18, 2020 (1:43 pm)

Thank you! This is gives me a good start for finding this.

Yma July 18, 2020 (2:24 pm)

For West Seattle, Alki Beach is probably the best place, from what I’ve read. We saw it from telescope in our house looking NorthWest around 10:30 pm a few nights ago. It’s pretty awesome to see a comet.

Angela July 18, 2020 (2:47 pm)

Where can I see close to mansfield texas??

WSCurmudgeon July 18, 2020 (5:40 pm)

Angela, I was born on Planet Texas, but haven’t returned in many years. The comet is near Polaris, the Pole Star, and above the horizon 24 hours, so in theory “no problem.” BUT, from Mansfied the lights of Dallas-Ft Worth are north of you. You should check with local stargazers for assistance. It’s likely you’ll have a drive of some distance to find a dark sky. Good luck!

Ivy July 18, 2020 (8:03 pm)

I live in Tukwila. Any particular spots where the comet is more visible? I’m not a Washington native so I don’t know if I should try Alki beach or head east? Further south?