Looking up

One thing I have been trying to do during pandemic time is move around more. A lot of walking, even a little jogging. So when I read about the comet that's showing off in the night sky, I thought I'd take a walk just after sunset and go look for it. Neowise, it's called.

I remember seeing the Hale-Bopp comet in the late '90s from the front porch down in the Buckman neighborhood. There was no missing that one.

So in search of Neowise I went. Perfectly clear skies, a classic Portland summer night. I got to the best vantage point for a northwest view within walking distance from the house. I looked and looked, but to no avail. The comet is low in the sky, and I think there were too many trees and houses in the way. There was also a lot of light pollution from the city around me, but I don't think that was the problem.

It wasn't a wasted trip, though, as there was one unexpected sight. When I idly looked straight up, there was the space station going over. I had purposely gone out and seen it less than 24 hours before, and here it was in view again, without my even expecting it. A freebie.

Anyway, the quest to see the comet continues. Does anyone know of a good viewing spot in Northeast or North Portland – one that an old guy could go to at 10:30 at night and not be hassled? Rocky Butte might provide the right viewing angle, but is that somewhere I want to go at that hour?

I don't want to miss it, because the next chance will be in 6800 years.