Naylor Observatory

Mars will be just above the Moon tonight (Sept 5). Moonrise is about 9:30pm. Easy way to spot the red planet. Currently close to Earth, closest on October 19th, so it will keep getting brighter night after night.

Jupiter and Saturn are well placed for viewing. Look to the south, the brightest star is Jupiter, with Saturn just to the left. Tonight they are just to the right of the Moon, making them easy to spot.

Here is tonight's (July 26) finder chart for Comet NEOWISE. This is the last one we will be providing. The comet is becoming quite dim, and as the days go on the Moon will be getting brighter in the sky. The moonlight will be making the sky brighter, so it will be harder and harder to see the comet, even as it gets higher in the sky. The comet is now moving away from both the Sun and the Earth, so it will continue to grow smaller and dimmer.

Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak, we have been unable to host public events this year. This has limited our ability to obtain funding to support and maintain the observatory. One way you can assist us is to sign up for the Amazon Smile program. Each time you order something from Amazon through the Smile program, they donate a small percentage of the transaction to your selected non-profit organization. Just sign up, select "Astronomical Society of Harrisburg" location "Lewisberry, PA" as your supported organization. Then, each time you make a purchase, use the smile.amazon.com page. We would appreciate the support.

Here is tonight's (July 25) finder chart for Comet NEOWISE. Have included a bit more information, such as how to find the bright star Arcturus and Polaris, the North Star. The weather forecast is unsettled, but there is a good chance of clear sky. As the days go on, the comet will get dimmer and the Moon brighter, so it will be harder and harder to see the comet, even as it gets higher in the sky.

We may get clear sky in some areas tonight, so here is an updated finder chart for Comet NEOWISE. It is getting higher in the sky, a little over 2 bowl depths from the bottom of the Big Dipper. The Moon has returned to the sky, which doesn't help since it makes the sky brighter. The comet is moving away and getting dimmer, so take a look if you can. The forecast is better for tomorrow night, but the Moon will also be brighter.

Here is today's (July 21) finder for Comet NEOWISE. Getting a bit higher. Now just to the right of the back paw of the great bear. It will be getting higher but dimmer as the days go on as the comet is moving away from the sun. It is unlikely to be clear tonight or the next few days. We will post finder charts again when the weather improves.

Here is today's (July 20) finder for Comet NEOWISE. Getting a bit higher. Now about halfway between the paws of the great bear. Again, we have included the mountain line for those viewing with the ridge to the north. It will be getting higher but dimmer as the days go on as the comet is moving away from the sun.

Tonight, July 19, Comet NEOWISE will be a bit higher, closer to the bowl of the big Dipper. We added a mountain top line to the image to give you some perspective if you are viewing with the ridge to the north.

Tonight, July 18, Comet NEOWISE will be a bit higher in the evening sky. Find the Big Dipper in the north west sky. The comet will be below the bowl of the dipper, about 2 bowl lengths straight down. It will be just above the two stars that make the Great Bear's front foot. Take a look about 9:30-10:30pm. As the evening goes on, the sky will darken but the comet will be lower in the sky.

Where Comet NEOWISE is tonight (Friday 17)... At 10:00, Go straight down from the bowl of the big dipper and to the left a little bit. If you hold your arm straight out, it will be about one and a half to two "fists" up from your eyes.

You may have seen news about Comet NEOWISE. Right now, it is visible right before dawn, but in a few days will be moving into the evening skies. It is best seen with a pair of binoculars.

Tomorrow morning before dawn, the Moon will be lining up with Mars(left), Saturn and Jupiter(right) again. If it is clear, take a look about 5am on Wednesday, April 15th.

Moon - Jupiter - Mars conjunction will be visible Wednesday morning before dawn. Check it out about 6am on Wednesday, March 18th. Not only will Jupiter and Mars be visible just above the Moon, but just to the left will be Saturn, too. Get up early Wednesday morning and check it out!