BOSTON- Comet Atlas flirted with Massachusetts. It started very low on the eastern horizon a few weeks ago and has now reappeared in the west in the evening.

However, here in the Northeast, there hasn't really been an ideal evening for viewing yet. Astronomically speaking, the last few nights would have been good, but clouds ruined the show.

This is how you see the comet atlas

Well, maybe your time has come! The next few nights will probably be our best chance to see Comet Atlas before it is out of sight.

About 45 minutes after sunset on Tuesday (which is now at 6:01 p.m.) you will need a clear view of the western horizon. I would suggest finding Venus first, the brightest and most visible object in that direction.

Look up to the right, about two fists (extend your arm and put two fists together), and you should be able to see the comet and its extended tail.

There will be some cloudiness Tuesday afternoon, some of which may last until sunset. Therefore, we cannot promise that everyone in southern New England will have a clear view. If you miss it, you'll get a few more chances this week.

Each night after sunset the comet will be slightly higher in the west. The downside is that the brightness becomes dimmer with each subsequent night as it gets further away from Earth.

It should be pretty easy to see with the naked eye over the next few nights, but later this week and this weekend you might want to grab some binoculars.

Brightest supermoon of 2024

The coming Hunter's Supermoon will add another layer of intrigue. Unfortunately, it will rise just before sunset later this week.

This brightens the night sky significantly and makes the comet a little more difficult to see.

Then again, this will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2024, so you're getting two for one on Thursday night!

This is called a full perigee moon when it is closest to Earth in its orbit, just over 222,000 miles away. It appears 30% brighter and 15% larger than a typical full moon.

Supermoon floods

Another thing to consider: The supermoon will also cause our tides to reach their highest level in 2024. Luckily, there are no storms heading our way later this week that would worsen the situation, but we are still likely to see some minor coastal flooding Thursday and continuing for a few more days.

As always, we would love to see and share your images! You can send them to [email protected]. Good luck and enjoy watching!