Images are beginning to surface online of Comet Pan-STARRS, one of at least two that will light up the skies this year. The images were taken over the last few days by stargazers getting a shot of the comet as it made its approach to the sun.
The comet will go pass around the sun inside Mercury's orbit before heading back our way. The nice thing about this is we will get a view of the comet on its trip toward the outer solar system, and another nifty attribute.
The best viewing times for the comet will be just after sunset March 12th and 13th. If you look to the west along the horizon on the 12th and a little higher on the 13th, the comet will be around the same brightness as stars in the Big Dipper.
The cool aspect of the comet is that the tail will be traveling in relatively the same direction as the comet. The vaporizing ice and debris of the comet points away from the sun, meaning that when a comet is leaving the inner solar system, the tail is somewhat leading the comet.
There is a mix of sun and clouds in the forecast for both days, so there is a possibility you won't be able to see it. If you do, submit your photo and we'll try to get it on air.
The comet will go pass around the sun inside Mercury's orbit before heading back our way. The nice thing about this is we will get a view of the comet on its trip toward the outer solar system, and another nifty attribute.
The best viewing times for the comet will be just after sunset March 12th and 13th. If you look to the west along the horizon on the 12th and a little higher on the 13th, the comet will be around the same brightness as stars in the Big Dipper.
(Images Courtesy SpaceWeather.com)
The cool aspect of the comet is that the tail will be traveling in relatively the same direction as the comet. The vaporizing ice and debris of the comet points away from the sun, meaning that when a comet is leaving the inner solar system, the tail is somewhat leading the comet.
There is a mix of sun and clouds in the forecast for both days, so there is a possibility you won't be able to see it. If you do, submit your photo and we'll try to get it on air.
