A Hubble Shot

No! Comet ISON, discovered by a team of astronomers from the International  Scientific Optical Network, won't look this good in the upcoming weeks unless you own the Hubble Space Telescope.  For die-hard amateurs willing to pull out their telescopes it might be worth a shot (photographic, that is) by mounting a camera to its visual back. I prefer naked eye or binocular assist.

The last comet that flew by Earth, PANSTARRS, surprised. I was lucky, or should I say determined, enough to capture it twice in my binocular and see it naked  eye. I also shared it with family and neighbors, both of whom were awed to see their first comet. It looked very much like this wonderful photo by Michael in Australia.
 http://en.es-static.us/upl/2013/02/PANSTARRS_Michael_Goh_Perth_western_Australia_early_March_2013.jpeg

In the interest of  capturing another cool comet I crawled out this September morning in the pre-dawn hours to see if I could locate ISON, or at least Leo which will background it soon. Like all cloud bait, and with binoculars in hand, my mere thought of scanning the sky chased away clarity. The heavens was a murky mist. Not even Luna could cut through our California marine layer. Duh.

No matter, somehow in the next weeks we should catch a clear view as ISON rises higher above the horizon. Like many sun-grazers, it will rapidly fade out with the approaching dawn, but if you're up to it, get out there before the sun rises and look for Leo. The constellation is bright enough to find easily in a dark sky (stay away from street lights). October should present about a 10th magnitude appearance, not naked eye material, but within the range of small 4" telescopes. Late October will bring it into naked eye range, and it is only then when we can determine if the predictions of a grand display will materialize.
http://cs.astronomy.com/asy/b/daves-universe/archive/2013/08/26/comet-ison-the-real-story.aspx
With the onset of twilight the comet will be a high 30 degrees above the horizon. It stands above the eastern horizon, so look for a spot with a clear view to the east.
There are two other signposts, if you're not familiar with Leo the lion.
First, the bright red planet Mars will be just 2 degrees south of  ISON in early October. Look for Mars before it drops below the horizon. ISON will be just above it.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/23aug_marsison/
Second, both at the end of September and again at the end of October, the crescent moon will hang low in the east with Mars just 8 degrees to its upper left. ISON is in the same line of sight 2 degrees higher.

By the way, 8 degrees is about the width of a closed fist held at arms length. Play with that measurement against the sky before you hunt for the comet. It will turn you into a true astronomer as you get your bearings on sky distances.

If you prefer to hunt for a predictable comet search for Comet Encke. It too rides high above ISON in the pre-dawn hours during October. It will move faster, but it will brighten to naked eye visibility as well. Binoculars are encouraged. October's Astronomy Magazine publishes the star fields for both comets. You'll need the maps or a veteran astronomer if you are serious about catching your first comet. Here are some Encke stats.
http://www.fallofathousandsuns.com/comet-encke.html