A new Comet Lovejoy, C/2014 Q2, is heading our way. It may brighten to 5th magnitude from late December through much of January as it climbs into excellent viewing position for the Northern Hemisphere, high in the dark winter sky.

Thanks to a generous bequest, each year amateur astronomers earn a beautiful plaque and a cash prize for discovering one or more comets.

Although large, bright comets are infrequent visitors to our skies, faint comets appear on a regular basis. Here are some observing hints that will make your comet-watching more enjoyable.

So you think youve found a comet? Here are some steps to follow in verifying your find.

Comets are notorious for not following predictions, but even judging the magnitude of a bright comet that's right in front of you is not straightforward.

Ever wonder how somebody actually finds a comet, and what happens when he does? Here's one astronomer's story.

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Comets | Facts and Information on Visible Comets