Comet Catalina In The Sky This Week: How To See It

This week will give skywatchers a chance to see something a little different. (No, it’s not a supermoon or meteor shower.)

Comet Catalina is becoming brighter and brighter in the sky as it approaches Earth and the inner solar system.

“Some observers are reporting that the comet is becoming visible in binoculars,” EarthSky reports. “If you have not seen Comet Catalina, the mornings ahead should provide a good opportunity to have a first glimpse at this celestial visitor.”

Here’s what you need to know.

So, what am I looking at?

Comet Catalina was only recently discovered — 2013, according to NASA.

The comet is approaching the inner solar system, slowly but surely making it brighter in the sky.

How do I see it?

It’s not quite bright enough to be seen by the naked eye in most places, according to EarthSky. But a pair of binoculars or a simple telescope will do the trick.

Comet Catalina will be visible just before sunrise in the Eastern sky. EarthSky has some handy diagrams for exactly where to look.

And again, you’ll need to use some sort of magnification, like a basic set of binoculars or small telescope to really see it.

But since the brightness of comets in the sky is fairly unpredictable, EarthSky says that after you’ve found it through binoculars or a telescope, try using your naked eye to see if it’s visible.

What am I looking for?

If you’re expecting a giant flaming boulder hurtling across your field of view, you’ll probably be disappointed. But the comet is still a pretty cool sight.

Instead, it’ll look like a fuzzball with two — yes, two — tails coming off of it.

EarthSky explains:

Most comets do show two tails, by the way: a dust tail and a plasma tail of ionized gas. These tails point away from the sun and are usually not related to the direction of travel. Instead, the tails are related to how the gases and dust react to solar heat.

When can I see another comet?

Scientists are discovering new comets (like Comet Catalina) fairly frequently. So there’s always the possibility of a newcomer showing up.

But for now, the next comet that you can see with your naked eye won’t come around until December 2018, according to EarthSky.

And as for Catalina? After its closest approach, it’s expected to sling back out of the solar system and never be seen by us again.

Image via Ian Sharp, used with permission