Comet Neowise visible from NYC this week
Skywatchers and astronomers across the Northern Hemisphere are in for one heck of a treat over the next week. Comet Neowise, a retrograde comet which passed close to the sun on July 3rd, 2020, is the brightest comet visible from earth in the last 23 years.
The comet has brightened by 100 times over the past two weeks, and is expected to continue brightening in the past few days. It is clearly visible in the evening and early morning skies across the Northeast United States, and will remain that way until next week. From that point forward, the comet will begin to fade away – and won’t be seen again for another 6,800 years.
A comet with a short history and long orbit
Neowise was first discovered by the Neowise satellite in March of 2020. It was classified as a comet on March 27th, 2020 and officially named Neowise on April 1st. The comet made its closest approach to the sun on July 3rd, 2020 and then emerged back around on its orbit on a path to exit our solar system.
Initially, astronomers and scientists were hesitant to predict that Neowise would become a bright or memorable comet. It is difficult to predict how comets will behave after their close shaves with the sun, as many comets have different chemical compositions and can react differently near approach. You may recall Comet ISON from 2013 – which famously disintegrated near the sun after astronomers placed huge expectations on the comets brightness and visibility.
Quickly after Neowise emerged from its closest pass to the sun, however, it became clear that this comet was special. By June 22nd, 2020 the comet had brightened to an apparent magnitude of 3, and was continuing to brighten. By early July, most estimates placed the comets apparent magnitude of -1, far brighter than most recent comets. For instance, Neowise has been confirmed to be brighter than P/2011 (PANSTARRS), but not as bright as Comet Hale-Bopp.
Scientists have confirmed that the orbital period of the comet is extremely long – 6,800 years. Neowise’s closest approach to earth will occur on July 23rd, 2020, but will fade in visibility as it approaches our planet – and then fade even further as it begins to move away.
How to see Neowise from the NYC Area
Skywatching is typically a failed endeavor in the immediate NYC Metro Area, as light pollution creates very difficult viewing conditions. Comet Neowise is an exception, however, thanks to its brightness and the time of day at which it is best viewed. Over the next week, Neowise will be visible from the NYC Metro Area at the following times:
- 9:30pm to 12:30am in the Northwest sky
- 2:30am until sunrise in the Northeast sky
Photographers have been able to capture the comet near and over NYC over the last few days, even despite the obvious light pollution that is ongoing from the city itself. If you want an even better view of the comet, we recommend heading out to areas such as Eastern Long Island or suburban New Jersey, where light pollution is much less. An even better option is the New Jersey Pine Barrens or New Jersey shore.
During the evenings, looking to the northwest, the comet will appear just as dusk fades below the horizon. You will be able to locate the comet quite easily, as it will be located near the Big Dipper. The comet will appear to rise tail-first, followed by its bright coma head. During the mornings, the comet will be visible higher in the Northeast sky, prior to sunrise. It will be brighter at this time, especially near the 3:30 – 4:30am time frame and just prior to sunrise.
The weather looks likely to cooperate, at least for a few days. Conditions should be solid for viewing this evening into Thursday morning. Unsettled conditions are likely on Friday, but better viewing conditions will return by Saturday and Sunday.
We’re not sure about you guys, but we’ll be heading out to check out Neowise tonight. The very least we can do is wave goodbye!
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