The only comet visible to the naked eye this month is Comet C/2004 Q2, now named Macholz. It is only “naked eye” if viewed from a dark location. Near city lights, binoculars are necessary. Take time to get dark adjusted (about 20 minutes is recommended) before trying to locate the comet. Look north to the upper right of the constellation Cassiopeia (the Queen) that has a wide “M” shape. The comet is heading toward the Polaris (the North Star). It will look like a fuzzy ball with tails. The tails of the comet should be distinguishable from each other. The blue tail of ionized gas should be blowing straight out from the solar wind. The yellow-white tail of ejected motes of dust should be arcing in the path of the comet’s orbit.
