The green comet has been seen in the night sky more often than any other celestial event of its kind. This mysterious comet is larger, brighter and more active than other comets and has been observed around the world.
This podcast will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to spot the green comet, as well as what could potentially get in the way of your efforts.
Tips to Spot the Exotic Green Comet
- Location
It’s important to pick the perfect location for comet spotting. Sunny spots work best for daytime sightings, whereas moonset can increase your chances of catching a glimpse of the green comet.
- Instruments
Powerful optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars, can help to magnify the comet and give you a better view.
- Timing
It’s best to view the comet during the hours of highest activity. This is usually when the comet is at its closest approach to Earth, as this gives you the best opportunity to get a clear view of the tail.
Things That Could Get in the Way
- Light pollution
Bright city lights can make it difficult to spot the green comet clearly. Try to travel to a darker location, away from any light sources.
- Weather conditions
Temperatures and humidity can affect the visibility of the comet, so it’s best to choose a day with clear skies.
- Smoke and fog
Smoke and fog can obscure the comet, so try to choose a day with clean air and clear skies.
Now you know how to spot the elusive green comet, as well as what could potentially get in the way. Enjoy your celestial sighting!
On April 7th, 2021, sky watchers were treated to another incredible astronomical show—the rare green comet dubbed Neowise, which is sometimes referred to as “the Green Flash”. This comet is visible to the naked eye and is easily spotted in the night sky, making it a phenomenon that shouldn’t be missed. Unfortunately, many people miss this incredible display due to a lack of understanding of how to locate it, or of the potential obstacles that could get in the way of seeing it in the night sky.
The main obstacle that could stand in the way of anyone spotting the green comet is, of course, cloud cover. Despite this, many of us can still be lucky enough to catch sight of it—if you know where to look.
The best place to spot the green comet is in the northern hemisphere. To locate it in the night sky, simply look towards the northeast. The comet is best seen at around 11:00 PM in the northern hemisphere and at around 3:00 AM in the southern hemisphere. As Neowise is so distinctively coloured, it should be very easy to spot in the night sky, just to the left of the top two major stars of Ursa Major (otherwise known as the Big Dipper) in the Great Bear constellation.
Once you know where to look, it’s important to take into consideration the current light conditions in your area. To avoid light pollution, it’s advisable to move to a location away from bright city lights and artificial lights when attempting to spot the comet. It is also important to make sure you have access to a clear sky—be sure to check the local weather conditions before venturing out into the night.
Finally, a useful tip when attempting to spot the green comet is to use a telescope. While a telescope isn’t required to see the green comet, it will allow you to get a much better and clearer view of it.
Once you have identified Neowise in the night sky and have your telescope in the right position, you can then stand back and enjoy the spectacle. Be sure to take a picture of the beautiful green comet or share your experience with others.
In short, although cloud cover and light pollution can get in the way of spotting Neowise in the night sky, armed with the right knowledge and equipment, almost everyone can have a chance to witness the spectacular green comet for themselves.