3/8/2013
By Amanda Barnett, CNN http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/08/rare-naked-eye-comet-now-visible/
"A rare treat for sky watchers is hovering overhead. Comet Pan-STARRS is now visible on the western horizon in the Northern Hemisphere and viewers in the United States may be able to see it with the naked eye.The comet has been visible through telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere for a while and amateur photographers are now posting sightings online from the Northern Hemisphere.
Scientists estimate that naked-eye comets happen only once every five to 10 years, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. If you have a clear view of the western horizon about 15 minutes after twilight, you should be able to see the comet without using binoculars or a telescope. It will look like a bright point of light with its tail pointing nearly straight up from the horizon, according to the laboratory.
In a few days, the comet may get lost in the sun’s glare, but should be visible to the naked eye again by March 12. This may be the best time to look for Pan-STARRS; it should emerge in the western sunset sky not far from the crescent moon.The comet will slowly fade from view and be hard to see by the end of the month, even using binoculars or small telescopes."
Oops I meant to post in the natural sciences forum. If someone wants to move it, I'm good with that.
By Amanda Barnett, CNN http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/08/rare-naked-eye-comet-now-visible/
"A rare treat for sky watchers is hovering overhead. Comet Pan-STARRS is now visible on the western horizon in the Northern Hemisphere and viewers in the United States may be able to see it with the naked eye.The comet has been visible through telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere for a while and amateur photographers are now posting sightings online from the Northern Hemisphere.
Scientists estimate that naked-eye comets happen only once every five to 10 years, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. If you have a clear view of the western horizon about 15 minutes after twilight, you should be able to see the comet without using binoculars or a telescope. It will look like a bright point of light with its tail pointing nearly straight up from the horizon, according to the laboratory.
In a few days, the comet may get lost in the sun’s glare, but should be visible to the naked eye again by March 12. This may be the best time to look for Pan-STARRS; it should emerge in the western sunset sky not far from the crescent moon.The comet will slowly fade from view and be hard to see by the end of the month, even using binoculars or small telescopes."
Oops I meant to post in the natural sciences forum. If someone wants to move it, I'm good with that.
