Comet C/2011 L4 Pan-Starrs

Posted by: Mike-B on 08 March 2013

C/2011 L4 Pan-Starrs, should be visible with binoculars from 8 March.

In the following days it will become brighter and could/should be seen with the naked eye. Reports from the Southern Hemisphere indicate the body will be as bright as the easily visible stars, visibility of the tail will vary depending on your local light pollution levels.

It can be seen in the low western sky starting at dusk on 8 March & later in the evening as the month progresses. 12 and 13 March could provide the best viewing opportunity as it will be close to the thin crescent Moon. Throughout the month it will move further from the Sun but will become easier to spot in the later evening night sky.

Posted on: 12 March 2013 by Mike-B

I got a quick peep last night thru a few holes in the clouds. Its was a howling gale & my thermometer was clearly lying thu its chattering teeth showing a balmy -2'C.

It was just - only just - visible once spotted with bino's & fighting light pollution off the clouds.

Met peeps say it will cloudy at first dark in middle south UK tonite, getting clear later but most likely after comet has ducked below horizon.