Seeking NEOWISE

We went on the hunt tonight for comet, NEOWISE. Wow! What a spectacular view! We arrived in the clearing in the woods near the airport radar station just before sunset. We watched as the stars and planets popped one by one. After about 45 minutes, I spotted the comet on the horizon with binoculars. The tail was absolutely spectacular and the view was better and better as it got darker. It was amazing to see the comet (which will not be back again for over 6000 years) with binoculars and the naked eye. Not only did we enjoy the comet, but we had spectacular views of constellations and the Milky Way. What a fantastic evening! (Oh yes, great views of our beloved mountains and monsoon clouds too!) 

Ashton checking out Jupiter which was easily spotted first after sunset. 

Twilight mountains! 

I actually got a picture of the comet with my phone before it got too dark (circled in red). You can see the brighter spot that is the head of the comet and the tail extends at a 45 degree angle behind. It did look much better in person and through binoculars. We enjoyed the sights for about an hour and a half. Did I mention that I LOVE living in a dark sky city? It is too bad that Lowell Observatory is closed due to virus. It would be wonderful to observe the comet through their fancy telescopes. 

This is a picture that a friend from Oklahoma took of the comet at sunrise. Just gorgeous!