Look for Comet Pan-STARRS Near Waxing Crescent Moon

Tonight is the first night, one should be able to easily spot Comet Pan-STARRS near the waxing crescent moon.

However that could prove difficult here in Ames, where there will be cloudy skies for the rest of the week, according to the latest forecasts.

One should look low in the western sky just after sunset.

National Geographic has some photos of the comet as seen from the southern hemisphere before it moved to our half of the world on March 10.

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. Early in the week it should be to the left of the moon, according to Earthsky.com. NBC.News said viewing the comet might be easier online.

SEE MORE ON PATCH

• Comet Pan-STARRS Viewing Tips From Ames Area Astronomers

Ames Newsletter/Ames Patch Facebook page/Twitter: @AmesPatch