Look up for Comet Pan-STARRS this month
March 8, 2013
The Comet Pan-STARRS has brightened dramatically over this past week, putting it back on back on track for a potentially spectacular night sky display this month.
The comet is now seemingly very close to early predictions of its brightness in the March sky, and it could conceivably be as bright as, or brighter, than a first-magnitude star when it makes its closest approach to the sun (called perihelion) on Sunday, March 10. That would make it clearly visible to the naked eye.
However, the best dates to look may be March 12 and 13 when Pan-STARRS emerge in the western sunset sky not far from the crescent Moon. A comet and the Moon, together, framed by twilight-blue is a rare sight.
Comet Pan-STARRS, known officially as comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS), was discovered in June 2011 by astronomers using the Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System, or Pan-STARRS telescope, in Hawaii. Comet Pan-STARRS should not be confused with another, even better comet coming later this year. In November, Comet ISON could shine as brightly as a full Moon in broad daylight when it passes through the atmosphere of the sun.
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board
