Astronomers are watching a comet now in our early morning sky. You may see it starting this weekend and through the coming week. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was discovered back in January of 2023. Ever since, astronomers have gathered data and speculated on whether it will be bright enough for us to see without a telescope or binoculars.

If it is as bright as some optimists are hoping, you won't have any trouble finding it low in the east southeastern sky about an hour or less before sunrise.

On Monday morning, you will see the comet to the south of the thin crescent moon. Both are close to the horizon.

On Tuesday morning, the crescent moon will have advanced closer to the rising sun and be almost impossible to see. But the moon will be below and a short distance from the comet. Between those two mornings, the moon moves. The comet is pretty much in the same place.

A successful viewing of the comet will be no secret. The world media is ready to report a great comet sighting. The best approach for us is to look ahead to getting up early next week and going to your favorite spot where there are no obstructions in the east and southeastern sky. Ideally, you are looking for the comet to appear just above the horizon.