It is that bright tonight during the peak of Comet NEOWISE

Comet NEOWISE reached our solar system at the beginning of this month. The comet had been there every night since then, but cloud cover often made it difficult to see. Fortunately, we have good news, because tonight is the peak of the comet and the weather forecast shows quite favorable conditions.

Comet NEOWISE reaches its greatest clarity tonight. Despite the increased brightness, the comet produces less light than the stars. Binoculars, a telescope or a good camera can come in handy to spot the comet. The comet is especially notable for its luminous tail. Later in this article we give some tips that will come in handy when you look at NEOWISE.

Comet NEOWISE visible in many places

The comet will be visible tonight from 10:30 PM, but the best chance of spotting it is around 1:30 AM. To see the comet, you have to look north to northwest. Orient yourself in the area or use a compass to look in the right direction. During late evening and early night it is cloudy in many places with some high cloud veils that are unlikely to obstruct the view too much. Some low clouds may initially occur in the east. During the night the clouds increase in the north and possibly the west, so it is better to go there in the evening or early night. Elsewhere in the country it is mostly clear later in the night and the weather is ideal to watch NEOWISE.

Comet NEOWISE was also clearly visible in Prague last week. Photo: ANP / EPA / Martin Divisek

Around the peak, between 1:00 and 2:00, it is outside 15 to 16 degrees. Because you are standing or sitting, putting on a jacket or a sweater is definitely recommended. During the night it cools down further and the minima reach 12-14 degrees. Early in the morning, around 5 o’clock, NEOWISE disappears from sight.

Will we see Comet NEOWISE even more often in the near future?

After the good conditions we are dealing with tonight, we will get more clouds and a chance of showers tomorrow evening and into Monday night. Next week there is a great chance of nights with few clouds. Keep an eye on the current weather situation during the nights the most comprehensive weather forecast in the Netherlands to check.

NEOWISE will remain in our solar system for the time being, as shown in the image below. The distance to Earth is smallest on Wednesday 22 July, but the brightness has already decreased slightly.

NEOWISE will gradually get farther away from Earth and the comet will become less visible, even on clear nights. Where NEOWISE is visible until early in the morning at the end of July, the duration in which the comet is visible also decreases in August. For example, on August 5, NEOWISE can only be seen between 22:00 and 1:00, provided it is clear. In September, the distance to Earth has become so great that we can no longer see NEOWISE. We then have to wait for the next comet to visit our solar system. Until February 2022, only comets that are not visible to the naked eye will occur.

Tips to see comet NEOWISE

• The best time to see NEOWISE is at the end of the evening and at the beginning of the night, when the sun is down. Then look west to north.
• The comet can be seen with the naked eye, but it is very weak. With binoculars, telescope or good camera you have the best result and you can fully enjoy the spectacle.
• Find a dark place, preferably outside the city. As with shooting stars, the light from a comet is relatively dim and therefore less visible in artificial light.
• The light from the full moon is also disruptive, so you can see the comet less well. So nights with new moon are the best. These days we are going to new moon, so now is a good time to watch.
• Let your eyes get used to the dark for about 15 minutes, then your eyes will perceive more. So do not look at your smartphone with bright light.
• Take a break regularly, because the gaze tends to tire your eyes pretty quickly.
• Make sure you are fit and eat and drink enough. Your eyes need this energy to see properly.
• Dress warmly. Even now in the summer, if you are outside for a long time at night, you will get cold quickly.

Main photo: Corné Ouwehand

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