Rare comet Neowise to be visible from Western Australia this weekend

West Australians will have their best chance to spot a rare comet this weekend as it makes a pass over earth on its 7000-year lap around the sun.

Comet Neowise has been wowing skygazers in the northern hemisphere for the past month and on Sunday night will possibly be visible to the naked eye after sunset in the southern hemisphere.

Perth Observatory tour administrator Matt Woods said regional WA offered prime viewing because of a lack of light pollution.

“Comets, think of them as giant dirty snowballs and when they come into the inner solar system the sun heats them up and allows gas to escape and that is where you get these brilliant tails,” he said.

“This one actually has two tails — there is the ice and dust tail which is white and in some of the long exposure shots you can actually see a blue tail which is the gas coming off it.

“It is very reminiscent of a 1997 comet called Hale-Bopp.”

In perhaps an ominous warning given 2020’s track record, Mr Wood said comets were historically seen as “doom bringers”.

“There have been a few kings who have lost their reign because of Halley’s Comet and other comets,” he said.

“So it is interesting this one happens while we are going through COVID.”

The best time to spot the comet is between 5.30pm and 7pm on Sunday, with 6.30pm prime for most optimal viewing.

It’s best to find an elevated spot away from light pollution with a clear horizon to the north-west.