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Coffee Break: The Comet (Neowise) Is Coming

Comet NEOWISE shines in the twilight sky above Lake Superior and Minnesota's North Shore on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, as seen from the mouth of the Middle River in Douglas County, WI.
Comet NEOWISE shines in the twilight sky above Lake Superior and Minnesota's North Shore on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, as seen from the mouth of the Middle River in Douglas County, WI.Andrew Krueger | MPR News

by Anna Weggel

July 17, 2020

Have you caught a glimpse of Comet Neowise yet? It's a hunk of ice currently hurtling by Earth that stretches 3.1 miles wide and will be easiest to see an hour to 80 minutes after sunset.

If you successfully escape enough light pollution this weekend and there aren't any clouds in your way, look up north-northwest and you should be able to see it with the naked eye. Binoculars or a telescope will get you the best view.

MPR Meteorologist Ron Trenda will join us at 9:15 today to give us all the hot comet goss, but here's a handy guide that shares some spots to catch a glimpse of the celestial wonder before it's gone.

If nothing else, it's a respite from our Earthly problems, right?

For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear in honor of Comet Neowise?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below. And - BONUS! - you can check out a Spotify playlist our coworkers put together on this topic to help spark inspiration.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs played

The Comet Is Coming - Summon the Fire
VHS or Beta - Bring On The Comets
Paul Simon - St. Judy's Comet
The Beatles - Across The Universe
Django Django - Hail Bop
Oasis - Champagne Supernova