Have you heard the news? A new comet was discovered recently, and we’re lucky enough that it’s survived a close brush with the sun to come through our skies and give us the chance to lay eyes on it ourselves. Come learn about the newly-discovered Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) and how you can see it as it makes its way across the sky.

See that comet soaring by? That's C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, spotted on March 27, 2020. NEOWISE is the name of our space telescope that's always on the lookout for objects near us.
NASA Johnson/Flickr
This retrograde comet approached the sun back on July 3, and will head back out of our solar system by mid-August. In between those dates, we expect to watch it pass us by or burn out from the sheer heat.
Jeremie Bellion-jourdan/Flickr
But how do you see this sky beauty from Kansas? Well, it's visible around 4-5 a.m., just before sunrise, until July 11th.
Hypatia Alexandria/Flickr

Related Stories

Did You Know Kansas Is Home To The World's Largest Ball Of Twine?

Did You Know Kansas Is Home To The World's Largest Ball Of Twine?

 This Speakeasy Hidden In The Basement Of An Old Theater In Kansas Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In The Basement Of An Old Theater In Kansas Is Perfect For A Date Night

 There's A Zen-Themed Vrbo In Kansas And It's Just Like Spending The Night At The Beach

There's A Zen-Themed Vrbo In Kansas And It's Just Like Spending The Night At The Beach
After the 11th, however, there's still another chance to see it in Kansas skies. During the week of the 13th, you can spot it at or around sunset, low in the NNW horizon below the big dipper.
Glenn Marsch/Flickr
The comet passes closest to earth on July 22nd, but we may not get the chance to see it if it breaks up or burns out by then. If it keeps going, we'll keep our eyes out! Those twin tails are too cool to miss.
Hypatia Alexandria/Flickr
Thankfully you can see this beauty with the naked eye, but a pair of binoculars makes it a lot easier for us. It also allows you to see more details, including its split tail.
David DeHetre/Flickr
If you have a telescope or a way to photograph C/2020 F3, make sure you get out to a dark area in preparation to see this sky event before it breaks up or passes our view.
David DeHetre/Flickr

For those of us who know the perfect spot to stargaze and plan on using it, feel free to nominate it if it’s part of a state park or landmark! We stargaze often, and would love to spend extra time at our favorite places if they are dark enough at night.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Kansas, USA