Comet 2020 R4 (ATLAS) remotely imaged from Australia on 9 March as 18:47 UT. The comet is located in north-western Capricornus; the brightest star in the field is magnitude +5.7 HIP 101345. Image: Martin Mobberley. Long-period comet 2020 R4 (ATLAS) is gracing our predawn skies this week and is well-worth a look through a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. It is the best cometary prospect visible from mid-northern latitudes right now and is all set to end the hiatus in relatively bright icy visitors since we were all thrilled by comet 2020 F3 (NEOWISE) last summer. Although 2020 R4 (ATLAS) is not predicted to put on anything like such a spectacular show as that great comet, it’ll be well-worth a look through a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. Experience has shown that where comets are concerned, one has to gratefully accept what’s on offer while awaiting the next big one!