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The brightest comet in thirty years may be able to be seen by the naked eye tonight. Comet McNaught is plunging toward the sun, and the heat is causing it to brighten dramatically. A few days ago, it was barely visible in evening twilight, but now it pops into view while the sky is still glowing blue. Only Venus is brighter.

Comet McNaught: Brightest Comet in 30 Years On Display Tonight

BBS News is reporting that Comet McNaught has continued to brighten as it approaches the sun and it is now the brightest comet in 30 years.

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For observers in the northern Hemisphere, tonight is probably the best time to see it: Go outside this evening and face the sunset. A clear view of the western horizon is essential, because the comet hangs very low.

As the twilight fades to black, it should become visible to the naked eye. Observers say it's a fantastic sight through binoculars.

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Spaceweather.com notes that if you have trouble finding the comet (because of clouds or glare) you should scan the horizon with binoculars.

"What a beautiful sight! Last night, comet McNaught was easily visible to the naked eye and even more stunning in 10x50 binoculars," reports Chris Cook of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, according to the website. "The star-like nucleus glowed with a golden hue as a broad elegant tail extended more than one degree: image."

More info at Spacewather.Com