Amateur astronomers are very excited because there's a reasonably bright comet in the sky. Unfortunately, for non-astronomers, spotting Comet Catalina is quite a challenge. First, it is only visible for a couple of hours before dawn, quite low in the eastern sky. Secondly, what astronomers call "reasonably bright" means "incredibly faint" for everyone else, so you'll actually need binoculars or a small telescope to see it.
If you want to give it a go, be outside at around 6am, facing the east, where Venus will be blazing bright. Helpfully, Comet Catalina is in the same part of the sky as this beautiful planet. Scan the sky to the the upper left of Venus with your binoculars, and if you spot a small, misty smudge, that's the comet. It will actually be easier to find in the New Year so we'll come back to it then.
Stuart Atkinson
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here