Comet Panstarrs Over The Uk This Week

[belrec]

Comet visible over the next few days in the UK.

So why not take advantage of the cold clear nights and get an eyefull of something awesome?


http://uk.news.yahoo.com/how-to-see-comet-panstarrs-over-the-uk-this-week-122839829.html

[belrec]

Ho hum, well we looked but unfortunately it was cloudy. What are the chances of that in England :-).

it is possible to see the comet until Monday tho so will keep trying.

[askyourgran]

I'll look out for that belrec, although its a bit overcast tonight I'll keep looking. thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

Chucking it down out there this morning. Not holding much hope of clouds clearing anytime soon. Thanks for sharing anyway.

[237SJ]

I haven`t read up on it at all but do you think it will still be visable on Monday evening? I should have a good chance to see it then, if it is still about.

[belrec]

Hi all,
Thanks for your answers. I think by Monday it will be very low down on the horizon and you will need a really uncluttered western view to spot it. Plus the best time is only about an hour after sunset, so its tricky.

However, we have been having some lovely views of Orion and his neighbours with the crescent moon this week about the time the kids go to bed 7.30 - 8 ish so why not enjoy that instead of you can't spot the comet?

If you have some binocs the moon looks awesome with craters and lumps and bumps on the terminator line.

Keep watching - clear skies.

[237SJ]

I`m landing at 1935 on Monday so I should get a perfect spot on view from the flight deck with my binoculars. I`m just wondering how I can get hold of a camera with a 500m lens by Monday :-)

[Teddio]

Should one use sunglasses or a neutral density filter on the telescope to protect the eyes when observing this "awesome celestial sight" ?
Once again the newspapers have hyped up this comet which will disappoint all but the serious amateur astronomer or magazine astrologer.
From a clear western horizon in rural Oxfordshire, using 7 X 50 binoculars, I just managed to see it yesterday evening, courtesy of a break in the clouds.

[belrec]

Teddio glad you got a glimpse of it. Unfortunately us amateur astronomers have to be thankful for all the publicity we can get :-)

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Comet Pan-Starrs will be visible until the end of March, not on Monday. It's just beginning to dim, that's all. Binoculars will catch it.
I have managed to image it, but very badly I'm afraid. Still, at least I got it. :)

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Teddio wait until the sun is fully down before looking for it in the twilight. NEVER point an eyepiece at the sky when the sun is above the horizon. Not even a little bit.
You don't need any filters.
It is awesome Teddio. It might not have sparked your imagination but it is awesome.

[LazyGun]

I read this as Comet PornStars - must have been a freudian slip or something :)

[belrec]

Mojo jojo many thanks for the extra info.

On an unrelated note I think your username is ace :-)

[belrec]

Lazygun watch it :-)

[Teddio]

Thanks Mo Jo and Bel. I'll be using my digital slr camera on a tripod, using a 20 second exposure. It's much more impressive than the last appearance of Halley's Comet! Good observing everyone, I hope we get some clear skies.

[Peter Pedant]

So it is one fist's width on an outstretched arm below the crescent moon,
and just around sunset without bins

and just after sunset with bins

or is that wrong. ?

Many thanks Belrec this is one of the reasons I lairk on AB

[Anngel]

Thanks for that belrec. I will try and take a look

[Frank97]

Was going to have a look last night but it was pouring down, hopefully it will be clearer tonight.

[Bravehearted]

Forget PanStarrs look forward to Comet Ison 28th November a sure thing!, unless you live in CLOUD Cuckoo land!.

[belrec]

Still not managed a cloud free western horizon yet :-(. However, have a look at this pic. (OK it was taken in USA so that is not fair) It will give you a good idea of what to look out for.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130318.html

Bravehearted - yes thanks for that hopefully we will get some clear skies in November.