the upcoming comet

[stargazerkelly]

Hi there, just wondered will i be able to see the upcoming comet. comet pann stars i think.

any help would be amazing

Kelly

[McMoon]

It should be on your western horizon after sunset. Was hoping to get a sneaky peak tonight but we just have thick could full of sleet and snow. Hopeing the skies clear for me soon but the forecast doesnt look great!

I think tues/wed will be the better nights to see it...subject to cloud of course.

[Keiran]

Comet Pan-Starrs, will probably be rather hard to see. It will be visible low in the south-west/ west at sunset. You need good weather no murk low down, and be very careful as you will be looking right towards the sun as it sets.

[PDW]

I just read that on Tuesday 12 March it will be just to the left of the crescent moon, but only for a short time after sunset - so a good evening to go comet hunting.

[RichieP]

A nice article on the BBC News website here, together with a map of where is is likely to be.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21701641

[colesmat]

Its a shame, there was talk that it could be as clear as hale-bopp but to be honest that would take some beating.

[jimmyjamjoejoe]

I'm still holding out for ISON.

[ScottT]

I just read that on Tuesday 12 March it will be just to the left of the crescent moon, but only for a short time after sunset - so a good evening to go comet hunting.

[ScottT]

If you add the comet to stellarium it does indeed show it to the left of the moon just after sunset on the 12th

[CSM]

You are going to need a clear western horizon for Pan-Starrs and ISON looks to be too faint at mag 14-15. And of course there are the clouds!

[Stargazer Jack]

I believe they are talking about ISON later on in the year when it could be very bright.

[badgerchap]

Some estimates put C/2012 S1 Ison at well into negative magnitudes. We in the northern hemisphere should get to see it both on its approach and its departure from the Sun, so it has the potential to be a genuine Great Comet. Having said that comets are notoriously unpredictable brightness-wise, so it could always just be a damp squib.

[peem]

how do you add the comet to stellarium ? thanks

[badgerchap]

You need the latest copy of Stellarium. In the configuration window (left sidebar) go to Plugins > Solar System Editor > Solar System. Click the Comets option and select MPC list of Observable comets (or similar) from the drop down list, and then click on the bottom button in the window. This opens a new window where you search for the comet. You must either use the full designation (C/2011 L4 PanSTARRS), or click 'Mark all' which gets you most of the currently known comets. Click download and you're away!

[peem]

Thanks for your help badger . Got it now after loading the latest stellarium prog exelent

[v8er66]

Just done this with Stellarium, thanks Badger. Great stuff

[RichieP]

Just done this myself. Looks like I won't get to see it without a clear view of the western horizon. Might take a trip out to Box Hill.

[badgerchap]

I would wait a day or two otherwise I reckon you'll have a wasted journey - she's still pretty close to the Sun :/

[stargazerkelly]

can you still see the comet?? i have a really clear night here.

[redneon]

We caught it last night just after 7pm low in the west. My friend managed to take a shot of it but didn't realise it until he got home. I'm hoping the clouds clear a bit so I can get a shot tonight.