Comet Lulin that is now approaching the inner solar system will brighten into naked-eye range in the southeast sky this month. It will be brightest on Feb 24 and will be easily spotted by people as it will appear close to planet Saturn. If you go out to look for planet Saturn on Feb 23rd, the comet will be just about 2 degrees away from it. Though the two celestial objects may appear close, they are not. Comet Lulin is very much nearer to us than Saturn is. However Saturn is very much brighter than the Comet Lulin.

With binoculars you might observe its tail. If you also check Saturn, this planet's magnificent rings will look thinner than what you might have observed before; the rings might completely disappear by September! But not to panic, its only because of the two planet's different orbital planes that we are going to view its rings from sideways. The rings are so thin that when observed from sideways they completely disappear form the view.

Amateur astronomers are taking pictures of Comet Lulin. Check them out at spaceweather.com