JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

This image was taken tonight, July 17, at about 9:30PM, to allow me to find the comet. As you can see, I didn't find the comet. But I know where it was hiding. See that tree sticking up at the bottom of the image just right of center. Behind that tree is where the comet is hiding. I need it to move to the left and to get a little bit higher.

And over the next few nights, it is going to be climbing diagonally so that by the 23rd, its closest approach to earth, it will be found directly beneath the bowl of the Big Dipper.

The second image is the StarryNight simulation of where the comet will be on July 23 at 9:30PM. And it will clear the trees that I have to contend with. Notice how the one neighbor tries to help me see what I'm doing at night by shining those lights up into the tree branches. Leaves that light on all night, every night.

As we approach the end of the month, the comet is going to be competing with the moon.

(Download)


(Download)

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Jim, if you have some binoculars, that's how I find it.
By the time it is bright enough (dark enough), it is sinking behind some foothills here.

But I've had my best luck with 10 x 50 mm binoculars. (Except I'm shaky enough they aren't much fun.)
Then I start hunting with my telescope and DSLR.
But I'm staying at lower powers with my lens.

One of my worst problems is the condo-land behind me and their obnoxious lighting. It's lit up like a prison.
We've been remodeling out backyard because our patio cover was about to collapse from dry rot.
I'm taking down the overgrown ivy stuff I was using as a barricade, and plan to put a topper on the block wall to barricade the problem.
Fortunately for us, there is a drainage ditch to give me some gap.

I can't really see through my DSLR. What I see is a very faint light from the comet, so I try and aim at that.
I might have to use a drape to try and help. (Like a dark towel)
I can find it around 9:45 PM. and it sets for me around 12:41 AM

If you have a geared tripod head, I think that is best. Makes the fine adjustments easier. For me, it's N/W. Bunch of overhead power lines .

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

You could try using the web version of Stellarium. http://stellarium-web.org/
You type in NEOWISE in the search line (Top center). And it you click on the clock/date window (lower right), you can manipulate the time to see approximately how high/low in your sky you can expect to see it.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Using StarryNights, I can see that the placement of the comet last night was directly behind that tree that I pointed out. I do have 10 x 50 binoculars, but they cannot see through that tree. I positioned myself into a corner of my yard to even see what I was able to see.

But using StarryNights, I can see, night by night, the comet is moving to the left and upward and will soon be visible. I just hope the clear nights continue.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I hope so, too, Jim.

I've mounted my DSLR onto a Vixen bar so I can try using my mount to guide it.
I've been trying it wide field. But need help when zooming in.

As far, my biggest obstacles have been the overhead wires along our back property line.

I'm running out of time though. Going to be out of town for a couple of weeks starting next Wednesday.

Hoping you can catch it without traveling.

drobvit Loc: Southern NV

Localized it last night with binoculars. Was surprised how well it could be seen through the Las Vegas Valley light dome. Shots were affected though. I'm SE of the valley so direct interference. I will be going to the northern part of Lake Mead this evening or tomorrow to get some shots...cloud cover permitting.

OneShot1 Loc: Wichita, KS, USA

The app "Comet Book" shows the location at any date/time. I have iPhone. Don't know if there's an Android version.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

There is indeed an Android app. And a great find! Thanks for sharing that!