How to Spot the Burning Green Comet Lovejoy in Night Skies This Week

Want to see the burning, green Comet Lovejoy? Then you'll want to look to the skies this week. The new comet should glow at 4^th magnitude in the second and third weeks of January, when it will be nicely placed high in the moonless sky for either your binoculars or telescope.

The comet itself is known as C/2014 Q2. It was first discovered by Australian amateur astronomer Terry Lovejoy in 2007, according to the America Herald. Since then, it's hurtled toward the sun, and is now set to make a spectacular appearance in the night skies.

The comet receives its stunning green appearance from molecules of diatomic carbon (C2) that are fluorescing in ultraviolet sunlight in space, according to Sky and Telescope. In contrast, the comet's tail is tinted blue, which comes from fluorescing carbon monoxide ions.

So how and when can you see the comet? Lovejoy will technically be brightest on Jan. 7, since it will be its closest to Earth at just 43.6 million miles away. That said, there are other factors to take into account when looking for Lovejoy, including the moon. If you have trouble seeing Lovejoy on Jan. 7, then you may have better luck once the moon wanes a bit more later in the month.

It's actually possible to see Lovejoy with the naked eye in North America. If you're interested in spotting the comet for yourself, Sky and Telescope has actually created an online chart that shows the path of the comet. Generally, though, you should be able to see the comet as it crosses northernmost Eridanus west of Orion. Try using binoculars or a telescope to get a better view, and remember to keep away from bright, city lights.

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