Comet Neowise in the High Desert
Comet Neowise Setup
Discovered on March 27, 2020 by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission, Comet Neowise (C/2020 F3) put on a dazzling display for skywatchers before it disappeared, not to be seen again for another 6,800 years.
The comet swept through our fair planet’s northern skies, coming closest to Earth on July 23, 2020. My images were recorded on the night of July 23, 2020 in the high desert of Central Oregon, overlooking the mountain landscape atop Paulina Peak. The sunset was absolutely stunning as it lent itself to a misty evening hue before the stars took on full display. The crescent moon began to set around 10:46 pm, lending me a sky with no moon. With the milky way rising behind me, the sun and moon setting in front of me, the big dipper, and the remnants of the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower ushered Comet Neowise to the stage in such an awesome display.