It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s…Comet NEOWISE?

That’s right — the comet discovered less than four months ago is now lighting up the northwest portion of the night sky. It will be visible to sky-watchers here on earth through mid-August. So where are the best places to observe it — and the millions of stars, planets, and outer space phenomena like NEOWISE and meteor showers? Fortunately for those of us who live in this region, most anywhere.

“Northern Michigan is a great place to view the stars, really anywhere north of Mt. Pleasant,” says Jerry Dobek. Dobek is a science and math instructor at Northwestern Michigan College, including astronomy courses. Of course, it’s not always easy to see them, particularly in areas with lighted signs, traffic signals, office buildings and other sources of light pollution. “Up here it’s a pretty good sky if you get away from Traverse City,” says Bob Moler. Moler is a fixture on Interlochen Public Radio with his daily “Ephemeris” program, on which he shares on sunrise, sunset and astronomical insights.

In this week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, Dobek, Moler, and other area experts share their recommendations for the best viewing spots in northern Michigan to catch NEOWISE and generally enjoy summer stargazing. The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy at one of nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.

*Photo captured by Sarah Goodwin, SG Captures