If the sky is clear this evening I might drive out just a little southeast of Oakland. It's nice and dark and there is a barn that I should be able to get into the foreground to make a better composition. I think we have another week or so. I think it will be closest to earth on the 22nd. Unfortunately the moon won't rise until later so light for the barn will be minimal but I have an idea for that.
About an hour past sunset under the Big Dipper. It's a lot harder to see than they make it seem. I found it by taking a picture of the sky. Then I could make it out with the naked eye.
The best days will be when the NW sky is clearest. From about 9:45 on you can find it with binoculars. For me no binoculars were needed after 10. By 11 it is getting a bit low, so your elevation and viewing conditions may limit how late you can see it. So far it has gotten a little more visible every day, when weather is favorable.
If you are talking about the one near Loveland, I'll be about 25 miles NE of there. Hilltops should have real good line of sight. Nearby buildings like the barn you spotted would be a bonus.
With a steady hand you could get something by carefully holding the phone up to the eyepiece. No guarantees though, since I don't know your phone, scope or eyepieces.
The one I am talking about is much closer to Moorhead than Loveland
Ah, okay. Murray Hill is also nearby. Those would be fantastic for comet viewing with the altitude over the valley to the west. I'll be limited to western Shelby County this weekend. Still some good options.
I live on the North edge of Cedar Rapids and saw it with the naked eye last night about 10:15. Walked to end of street near a cornfield to get away from as much light pollution at possible. It was easy to spot but would have been way cooler with spotting scope or binoculars.
Set my phone's camera to night vision and tried to take some pics but all I got was fireflies.
Minimum recommended gear/settings:
