The big stargazing news this spring is Comet ATLAS (it's in all caps because it's named for the acronym-titled instrument which discovered it, not the ancient Greek Titan). It's been getting some attention in the skywatching and pop-science press because it has been brightening much faster than expected as it has approached the Sun. Right now it's crossing the Earth's orbit, but don't be alarmed since its orbit is tilted and it's not getting anywhere near our planet.
Anyway, I took advantage of a rare clear night to go out and have a look. I used my binoculars, and paid careful attention to where to look . . . but I couldn't see anything comet-like. I'll try again in a week or two as ATLAS nears the Sun and warms up.
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