The anticipation is building for Comet ISON's potentially dazzling night sky show this month and a new mobile app promises to help skywatchers spot the comet with telescopes, binoculars and their own eyes.
Called Comet Watch, the free app is available for the iPhone or iPad. Updated by the minute, the app promises to point users in the direction of Comet ISON, whose location can change quickly. The comet is already visible to the naked eye and is on track for a planned close encounter with the sun on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28).
In addition to identifying Comet ISON, Comet Watch also provides the details on how to identify the locations of constellations, individual stars, galaxies, nebulas and even SETI research targets are in relation to the comet, the app's makers say. An astronomy app company called Distant Suns released the program in partnership with Astronomy magazine. You can download Comet Watch at the iTunes store.
