The comet should be visible before sunrise near the horizon in the northeast. As April goes on, SWAN will appear very slightly lower in the sky and be harder to spot — though it may also get brighter at the same time — until eventually, in late April, it begins to appear during evening hours. The waning Moon, which is set to become a new Moon the night of April 27, may help make observing the comet easier during this time.
By early May, comet SWAN will no longer be visible from most of the Northern Hemisphere. But from the Southern Hemisphere, it will become easier and easier to see the comet just after sunset above the horizon, and every day, the comet will start the evening higher in the sky. Depending on changes to its brightness, this may be the best time for observers in the Southern Hemisphere to spot comet SWAN.
Where can I watch comet SWAN?
Comet SWAN is visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, though the best time to check it out will depend on where you are and how the comet may change over time. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere may have the best opportunity to see the comet in May, while those in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to spot it best in April.
At its current brightness, a small (or larger) telescope with a wide field of view is your best bet for seeing comet SWAN. Be sure to go somewhere with a good view out to the horizon, since the comet will not appear very high up in the sky. If you live somewhere with intense light pollution, like the heart of a major city, you will have better odds of spotting the comet if you travel to a darker location farther from lights.
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