articles

How to See Comet PANSTARRS

View a comet without a telescope this March!

By Laura Miller March 18, 2013
The comet PANSTARRS (C/2011 L4) came closest to the sun on the 10th, but should be visible to the naked eye on clear nights for the rest of the month, and with binoculars into April, if conditions are right where you live. 

Look to the west, low on the horizon about 30 minutes after sunset. You will need to find a place without any buildings or trees, etc blocking your view of the horizon. On the 12th and 13th, the comet will pass near the crescent moon. As the days go by, the comet will move north, so viewers further north will have more time to catch the show.

For more information on PANSTARRS, updates on it's progress, or to see pictures of the comet, visit http://www.nasa.gov/.

The next chance to see a comet without viewing equipment will be in November 2013 when Comet ISON comes by. 

If you see PANSTARRS, let us know where and when