CometWatch
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Find Comet ISON in the night sky with free Comet Watch app
Comet ISON has a split personality. Originally it was predicted by some astronomers that it might get bright enough to see during the day, but other astronomers have been saying it might not be spectacular and just run of the mill. Latest observations of the comet are encouraging for a good sky show. ISON is expected to be visible toward the end of November and into next year, and our friends behind the great astronomy app Distant Suns have come up with a free app to help you find ISON in your own local skies. Comet Watch uses augmented reality and the compass and gyro of your iDevice to help you orient yourself to where the comet is, and make it easy to find it using your naked eye or binoculars. The app is integrated with the NASA Night Sky Network (US only) to alert you to astronomy related talks and other events in your area, and the app also presents you with a sky view to show you a snapshot of the evening sky. ISON was discovered in September of last year. The comet is now visible in the early morning hours before dawn. It's closest to the Sun on November 28th, and then should be visible in our night sky for several months after. On December 26th, it is predicted to make its closest approach to earth, but it isn't a danger as it is expected to be about 40 million miles away. Comet Watch is a universal app and requires iOS 6 or later.
