Comet Lovejoy in the Night Sky!

By Dr. Lisa Will

Beginning January 6, Comet Lovejoy (C/2014 Q2) will be at its most visible in the night sky. The comet can be seen with the naked eye and is expected to brighten through mid-January.     The comet will be passing near the highly recognizable constellation, Orion. Sky and Telescope has the charts and instructions to make the comet easy to spot for yourself.    Comet Lovejoy is a long period comet, taking about 14,000 years to orbit the Sun. This will be your one chance to see it in your lifetime. It will fade from view completely by January 26.