Comet C/2011 L4 PANSTARRS

[Torin]

Just been reading about comet PanStarrs.

http://www.universet...-up-the-volume/

Hopefully getting my first telescope (Heritage 130p), and am really hoping I can get some good views. Anyone have any suggestions on making the most of it (lenses / filters etc)?

[steveb1977]

You'll want to use an eyepiece that give you a wide field of view I would imagine for this comet. Hopefully will be a good one.

[ScottT]

Im hoping to see this too , I also have a heritage , do you think a 50degree fov would be enough ?

[steveb1977]

When I say wide field of view I mean the actual field of view in the sky. 50 for the eyepice is fine, I think that is about average. You need a long focal length eyepiece to give you the wider field of view. The longer (at most 7 time the telescopes focal ratio) the lower the magnification and in general wider the field.

[John]

In the Heritage 130P a 32mm plossl would be an ideal comet eyepiece

[Torin]

Thanks for the suggestions - not got the scope yet, kinda hoping I do before it arrives!

[yesteryeargames]

would an 18mm or 25 be ok ? on a 200p dob

where can i find the exact details for the uk ? i dont want to miss a chance as i know the weather will be cloudy 90% of march

[ScottT]

This thread has a link to an excel file that lists Uk date/times - http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/175522-comet-c2011-l4-panstarrs-heads-up/

Thanks to the author for posting.

[lukebl]

I think you'll need binoculars, rather than the scope. The field of view will be too narrow otherwise.