Comet NEOWISE Returns to Italian Skies in Dramatic Time-Lapse
A new time-lapse video captures Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) rising over the Adriatic Sea in Italy, marking its return to visibility more than four years after its 2020 peak. The footage, compiled from over 240 images taken in 30 minutes, shows the comet emerging above bright noctilucent clouds and distant stars. This inner-Solar System intruder, known as the Great Comet of 2020, remains notable for its sustained brightness and a nucleus approximately five kilometers wide. The image is featured on NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, which is transitioning to a new domain.
Key points
- Comet NEOWISE was photographed rising over the Adriatic Sea in Italy on July 8, 2026.
- The time-lapse video combines over 240 images captured over a 30-minute period.
- The comet appeared above bright, undulating noctilucent clouds and a background of stars.
- The comet’s nucleus is estimated to be about five kilometers across.
- NASA’s APOD service is moving from apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod.
Background
Comet NEOWISE gained global attention in 2020 as one of the few comets visible to the unaided eye that century. It remained unexpectedly bright for over a month during its initial apparition. Recent archive entries from September 2026 highlight other celestial events, including a Sun-Mars conjunction and Mercury-Neptune opposition, but this specific return of NEOWISE marks a distinct astronomical observation for sky enthusiasts.
Why it matters
The reappearance of Comet NEOWISE offers a rare opportunity for public observation of a notable inner-Solar System object. The high-quality time-lapse documentation by photographer Paolo Girotti provides valuable visual data on the comet’s current trajectory and brightness relative to atmospheric phenomena like noctilucent clouds. Additionally, the transition of NASA’s APOD platform to a new domain signals a structural update for one of the most widely accessed astronomy resources.
What to watch
Astronomers and enthusiasts may continue to track Comet NEOWISE as it moves through the sky, potentially offering further viewing opportunities depending on its orbital path. The broader astronomical community will also monitor the new APOD platform at science.nasa.gov for updated daily features and educational content.
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