From Sky and Telescope . . . .
Skywatchers have been anticipating Comet PanSTARRS for nearly two years. It has just passed its closest by Earth and is now being lit its most brilliantly by the Sun. In the past couple weeks it decorated the twilight sky for folks in the Southern Hemisphere. Now people in the world's mid-northern latitudes have their turn.
"Our good views should begin around March 12th and 13th, when the crescent Moon is there to point the way," says Alan MacRobert, a senior editor at Sky & Telescope magazine. "Before that the comet is too near the horizon. It will start fading later this week, so if the sky is clear, don't miss your chance." By March 20th it may be only half as bright as it was seven days before.
The best time to look is about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. This narrow window of viewing time is when twilight fades enough for the comet to show through at least a bit, but before it sinks too low and sets.
On Tuesday March 12th, look for the very thin crescent Moon very low due west. The comet will be just to its left, by two or three finger-widths at arm's length.
On Wednesday March 13th, you'll see a less-thin crescent Moon higher up. Look below it by about the width of your fist at arm's length.
On Thursday the 14th, look two fists below the Moon and perhaps a little to the right.
After that, the comet will gradually move to the right from one evening to the next as it begins to fade.
Look for a fuzzy star with a short upward tail. Binoculars will give a much better view. And if you have a telescope, now's the time to bring it out!
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Enjoy
CH
