This week, you’ll want to pay special attention to the sky over Oklahoma. A new comet was recently discovered and will be making its way over our state from July 14-23. You don’t want to miss it because the next time it will be viewable is 7,000 years from now.

The NEOWISE, officially known as the C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, is a rare comet that is currently visible from earth. It made its closest approach to the sun on July 3 and will make its way back out of the solar system in August.

CEBImagery/Flickr

From far away it doesn’t look that big but it’s actually three-miles wide and is lighting up the skies as it makes its way across the earth.

NASAJohnson/Flickr

In Oklahoma, the comet will be visible from July 14-23 about one hour after sunset. You’ll want to look northwest just below the Big Dipper to catch a glimpse of it.

Šime Barešić/Flickr

You can see this majestic event without a telescope but if you have a pair of binoculars, it’s recommended to use them to get a better view.

Glass_House/Flickr

It’s very rare to see a comet with the naked eye, so be sure to catch this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

NASA/JPL-Caltech/Wikipedia

If you can’t catch a glimpse of it this year, be sure to set a reminder in your phone for about 7,000 years from now. If you would like to read more about the comet, please click here.

CEBImagery/Flickr

NASAJohnson/Flickr

Šime Barešić/Flickr

Glass_House/Flickr

NASA/JPL-Caltech/Wikipedia

During hot summer days when you’re looking for something to do, a museum makes a perfect day trip destination. And if you’re interested in science and space, The Science Museum Oklahoma not only offers air conditioning but it has plenty of interactive exhibits and displays that are fun and entertaining…and you might even learn a thing or two! Click here to learn more out about this fantastic museum.

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Address: Oklahoma, USA