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. :)
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.
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.
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 :-)
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
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.