Comet gives an early morning show over Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Stargazers are being treated to something special as the Comet NEOWISE (also known as Comet C/2020 F3) whizzes by earth and giving a show this month that can be seen by the naked eye.

NEOWISE is brighter than Haley's Comet which was visible 34 years ago. Comet NEOWISE was just discovered heading to earth in March, and passed a test that many comets don't survive, a path by the sun.

South Lake Tahoe resident John Gomez woke up early Friday morning to catch a glimpse of NEOWISE and took the photos in this story.

"Well worthwhile to get up at 3:00 a.m. to capture the brightest comet in decades," said Gomez. "Definitely visible to the naked eye as the third photo (above) was taken with my Samsung camera phone."

There are two chances a day to catch this comet before it leaves.

At least through tomorrow, July, 11 you will be able to view NEOWISE in the morning at first light (about 1-2 hours before sunrise). As soon as the sun rises, the bright light of the sun will not allow the comet to be seen. Look to the northeast sky just above the horizon. It is best to view away from city/bright lights.

Evening viewing: Starting around July 12, Comet NEOWISE will start to be visible about an hour after sunset in the northwestern sky above the horizon. As the month goes on, it will get higher in the sky under the Big Dipper. Just as with morning viewing, it is best to view away from the city lights.

It may be easier to spot initially with binoculars or a telescope, but after that, one should be able to track with the naked eye. In Gomez's photo, as he said, he used a phone camera. If you do have the binoculars or telescope you'll be able to see more details of the comet.

Comet NEOWISE is closest to the earth on July 23 when it will be about 64 million miles away. At that date, if it's still holding its brightness (or possibly being even brighter), it will be a great show. It then dims and fades out by the end of July as it heads off deeper into space.

A reminder though, comets aren't always by the book and can decide to do things not expected so plan your viewing as soon as possible, just in case of an early exit.