BajaNomad

Get ready for comet PANSTARRS!

astrobaja - 3-3-2013 at 09:35 AM

Starting either the 6th or 7th if you have a clear western horizon just after sunset you might see this comet naked-eye. Its already naked eye to southern hemisphere observers. A pair of binoculars will be the best way to view it. (or a spotting scope)

This comet is just a prelude to comet ISON which may turn out to be the greatest comet ever seen, it could be visible during the day, and at night sport a 100 degree long tail! (or it could be a huge dud!)

http://earthsky.org/space/comet-panstarrs-possibly-visible-t...

astrobaja - 3-3-2013 at 09:40 AM

Heres another good link on how to observe it, although its for Englands latitude so we stand a far better chance for a good view:

http://www.astro-sharp.com/2013/03/01/how-to-see-comet-panst...

[Edited on 3-3-2013 by astrobaja]

elgatoloco - 3-3-2013 at 11:49 AM

Thanks for the heads up (pun intended) on that. We will make sure to keep our heads up when we head south soon. ;D

woody with a view - 3-3-2013 at 12:21 PM

can't wait!

David K - 3-3-2013 at 12:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by astrobaja
Starting either the 6th or 7th if you have a clear western horizon just after sunset you might see this comet naked-eye. Its already naked eye to southern hemisphere observers. A pair of binoculars will be the best way to view it. (or a spotting scope)

This comet is just a prelude to comet ISON which may turn out to be the greatest comet ever seen, it could be visible during the day, and at night sport a 100 degree long tail! (or it could be a huge dud!)

http://earthsky.org/space/comet-panstarrs-possibly-visible-t...


Awesome link! Thanks Mike!!

astrobaja - 3-3-2013 at 02:04 PM

In Oct 2014 there is a chance that Mars will be hit by a comet! The resulting crater would be approx 500km in diameter, the impact could easily be seen telescopically! An event like this on Earth would be a planetary life-ender!

http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-pick/50km-wide-comet-may-h...

mtgoat666 - 3-3-2013 at 02:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by astrobaja
In Oct 2014 there is a chance that Mars will be hit by a comet! The resulting crater would be approx 500km in diameter, the impact could easily be seen telescopically! An event like this on Earth would be a planetary life-ender!

http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-pick/50km-wide-comet-may-h...


They life-ender is coming to earth someday too. Don't yet know when, but history shows us it will happen.

This year should be exciting year for comet watching!

mulegemichael - 3-3-2013 at 03:37 PM

oh, there for a second i thought you said, "pornstars"...i started looking up immediately...

David K - 3-10-2013 at 07:37 PM

Look starting March 12, just after sundown... to the west...

Ateo - 3-10-2013 at 07:48 PM

So cool we live in a time we can become aware of these destructive and incredible objects ahead of time. Now we just need to prepare for one that can end our lives.

astrobaja - 3-10-2013 at 08:50 PM

It was a naked eye object to southern hemisphere observers just a few days ago, but right now it VERY low and not visible naked eye anymore. Tried to see it from Ensenada today but no luck, maybe if it flares again on the 12th it might be better, but I have my money on ISON in november.

elgatoloco - 3-10-2013 at 09:19 PM

ISON "comet of the century"? Can hardly wait.

http://www.space.com/20147-comet-pan-starrs-sunset-viewing.h...

Here's hoping for clear skies!

:dudette:

elgatoloco - 3-23-2013 at 10:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by astrobaja
It was a naked eye object to southern hemisphere observers just a few days ago, but right now it VERY low and not visible naked eye anymore. Tried to see it from Ensenada today but no luck, maybe if it flares again on the 12th it might be better, but I have my money on ISON in november.


Tuesday night the 12th we were camped in Cataviņa and we saw the comet naked eye and had a great view of the tail with binos. The remainder of the trip we were in clear sky areas but never again saw it. It seemed to be washed out by the growing moon. Glad we got a look. Planning a trip to clear skies for ISON for sure.