How do I see the Neowise Comet? A once in a lifetime opportunity
ITV Anglia meteorologist Chris Page explains how to catch a glimpse of Comet Neowise
It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a comet in the sky and it's here throughout July.
It's currently 68 million miles away from Earth (around 400 times further away than the moon) but it's visible with the naked eye.
It remains relatively still, but will move through the night from the north-west towards the north-east.
Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) was discovered in late March by NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer - hence the name.
It has become brighter, as it reached its closest approach to the sun inside the orbit of Mercury, late last week.
The comet is around three miles across and is covered with sooty, dark particles leftover from its formation near the birth of our solar system 4.6 billion years ago.
When is the best time to see the Neowise Comet?
For us here in the UK your best bet is to view it between midnight and 3.30am.
As it's close to the horizon it can make it difficult to see at sunrise and sunset. Although it will be at its best around 80 minutes before sunrise.
Of course weather permitting with that pesky cloud cover - you can find your latest Anglia Weather forecast here.
Where is the Neowise Comet now?
Tonight the comet will be visible looking directly north but over the coming nights it will transfer westwards as it moves in its orbit.
The comet passes closest to Earth on the 23 July 2020, when it will be below and just to the right of star constellation "The Plough".
On the 25 July 2020, it will be directly under it, before continuing to move west and slightly upwards.
You do not need binoculars to see the comet, though they will enhance your viewing.
What is a Comet?
Comets are frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system composed primarily of dust, rock and ice.
They range from a few miles to tens of miles wide, but as they orbit closer to the sun, they heat up and release gases and dust into a glowing head that can be larger than a planet.
This material forms a tail that stretches millions of miles.
The best views - depending on the weather - could come on July 22-23, when it will make its closest pass to Earth.