Comet C/2011 L4 Panstarrs - Heads Up

[Double Kick Drum]

I downloaded an app for my iPhone which has shown a brightness factor of 0.2 each day for the last week. Today it is +1.2 mag so fingers crossed for this time next week heading toward -1.00 if this app is correct and comet behaves itself!

I think mag. -1 may be a bit hopeful but I am happy to be proven wrong.

Astrobits posted a visual magnitude graph with both prediction and actual observations plotted. I think it is likely to peak at about +1, which is still quite impressive and close to Cartes du Ciel's original prediction which I listed at the top of this forum.

Not long now until we get our first peek at the thing (clear skies and low Western horizon permitting!)

Let's hope it doesn't dissappoint.

[keeplookingup]

I haven't seen a comet since hale/bopp. that was what started it all for me. well it solidified my curiousity.

I am at 39.09 degrees north. Would it be much different than that in the UK? I have to go up north a bit because i want to get out of the city and above it as well. Beijing has some hills in the west that would block my views.

someone posted some cal sky charts. I think I need that for my own positioning.

Hope its a good one. And ISON!

[keeplookingup]

thanks again for the idea of calsky. I didn't try stellarium yet. a plug in exists?

[keeplookingup]

thanks again for the idea of calsky. I didn't try stellarium yet. a plug in exists?

no, its just a configuration in the solar system section... peace

[SHUTTLE ATLANTIS]

first comet i saw was 1996 heading west smashing site to see my son was one then not sure of comet name though

but this time around ill drag him away from his x box thing & get him and wifey out in fresh air to see it.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

first comet i saw was 1996 heading west smashing site to see my son was one then not sure of comet name though

but this time around ill drag him away from his x box thing & get him and wifey out in fresh air to see it.

The comet you spotted in 1996 will have been Hale Bopp. PanStarrs will not be anything near as bright

[SHUTTLE ATLANTIS]

hi michael

many thanks for that reply, i know panstarrs wont be so good but with the bins they can look and ill use dobby hopefully

[keeplookingup]

hi all.

39 degrees north seems that it will be starting to show its head over the western horizon at sunset about another week or so. Anyone got anything to add to this?

thanks

[ScottT]

this will be my first Comet , just to clarify , will it be visible by the naked eye ? , in which case a 25mm to 32mm EP would show it up nicely?

[Astrobits]

Here's the latest magnitude graph from http://www.aerith.net/comet/weekly/current.html

You can get a star plot of it's path there as well.

Nigel

[keeplookingup]

cool thanks a bunch. wow almost 2nd mag? wish I were in the south.

I hope to get out on this weekend each night up into the mountains.

clear skies everyone!!!!!!

great, great pictures

[Photosbykev]

interesting timelapse on vimeo with Panstarr and Lemmon

[Neil_F]

no, its just a configuration in the solar system section... peace

I have Stellarium, where will I find this control?

[keeplookingup]

@ Neil - somewhere in this thread is the steps to get it.

config- solar system - get msc(or sth like that) files. its a quick download and setup. search the thread.

[JB80]

You can also see here.

[keeplookingup]

Northerners! Any views yet of Panstarrs?

I'd like to know where you are, what you saw and what time it was.

Getting ready to head out this weekend... Please let it be clear!!!

[Scubapauly]

Hi guys,

I'm really new to observing, based in the desert in Oman. Beautiful clear skies with only a small amount of light pollution. How do I find out the best time and position for viewing?

[Rhys Hardwick]

Try calsky.com . There are sections for viewing just about anything on there. Heavens above website is also good

[Scubapauly]

Try calsky.com . There are sections for viewing just about anything on there. Heavens above website is also good

Thanks. Just found that Sky Safari on the iPhone will show location too. Really hoping to see and get some images

[Rhys Hardwick]

Good luck! We have to wait a few more days to see it yet!

[yesteryeargames]

Is it likely to be viewable with the naked eye ?

they say around 30 minutes after sunset, from then on how much time would you have to view it in an evening before it goes out of site ?

[yesteryeargames]

sight !

i hate my iphone :S

[Scubapauly]

For me, looking at SkySafari I would say about 20 minutes after sunset will be all I'll get.

[Double Kick Drum]

Initially there will be little time to observe it each evening but as March rolls on into April, Panstarrs will set later and later due to its increasing declination. It eventually becomes circumpolar but will only be possible in binoculars by then.

A lot will depend on cloud cover (obviously) and having a good low horizon. While at its brightest, you will only be able to observe it in twighlight. It may be touch and go depending on how its magnitude holds (or otherwise) with regards to seeing it unaided.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

It might be naked eye looking at the magnitude, but shortly after sunset bins will likely still be needed.