Comet Pan-STARRS Viewing Tips From Ames Area Astronomers

Updated 4:08 p.m. March 5

Look down low on the western horizon to see Comet Panstarrs also called Comet Pan-STARRS, a glob of ice and dust.

Panstarrs will be visible in the northern hemisphere throughout the month of March but will probably pop into view March 7, according to an expert at Iowa State University.

The Ames Area Amateur Astronomers club said to look for the comet near the crescent moon on March 12 through March 14, and have posted more information on the Ames Patch Facebook page.

It should be best seen on a clear night, low on the horizon just after sunset. And according to the latest forecasts a clear night might not be seen in Ames for quite some time.

A photo of its peak can be seen at NASA.Com.

Ames Area Astronomers said that the comet will move northward each evening “from being in front of the constellation Pisces to being in front of the constellations Pegasus and Andromeda.”

Its bright dust tail might even be visible to the naked eye, though some have suggested using binoculars (but only after sunset so not to injure the eyes) to see it. If you miss the early mid-March sightings, Ames Area Astronomers say that the comet “swings above the star Algenib on March 17 -18, and above the star Alpheratz on March 25-26.”

Find additional tips for viewing on Space.Com .

The comet was discovered in June 2011 and is named Pan-STARRS for the telescope the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, that was used in its discovery.

Another date to spot the comet might be March 10 when the comet will be closest to the sun, according to Space.com.

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