Spectacular Comet and Moon View Wows Stargazers (Photos)

space.com ^ | 13 March 2013 Time: 06:17 PM ET | Tariq Malik, SPACE.com Managing Editor

[BenLurkin]

The Comet Pan-STARRS may be a challenge to spot in the evening sky, but it still dazzled stargazers around the world when it paired up with the moon Tuesday (March 12).

Comet Pan-STARRS is currently appearing low on the western horizon just after sunset, making it hard to pick out in the bright evening twilight for some observers. But on Tuesday evening, a slender crescent moon served as a celestial guide for those stargazers with clear, dark skies.

Just northwest of Rio Rancho, N.M., astrophotographer Josh Knutson and his 8-year-old daughter Aurora were amazed at the sight of Comet Pan-STARRS and the moon shining side by side.

While Knutson and his daughter had no problem spotting Comet Pan-STARRS, not every observer has been so lucky. While trying to snap images of the comet and moon over Las Vegas, photographer Tyler Leavitt learned the hard way how difficult separating Comet Pan-STARRS from the bright evening twilight could be.

"It was VERY difficult to find," Leavitt explained in an email. "I found it in binoculars first, then could barely see it with averted vision."

[BenLurkin]

[Conan the Librarian]

Too much hyperbole in the headlines. I have seen spectacular comets and this isn’t one. It’s very nice, but, it’s no Comet West or Hale Bopp.

[Bitsy]

I was driving with a friend on a dark country road when Haley Bopp occurred. We stopped, turned off the headlights and watched it for a long time. Truly spectacular event for us.

[FlingWingFlyer]

I agree. I’ve seen it the last two nights. It was only visible with binoculars. Cool but no big deal.

[jimbo123]

Comet West was the best. I’ll remember that one for my entire life.

[RandallFlagg]

It’s very nice, but, it’s no Comet West or Hale Bopp.

Ya shoulda seen Hyakutake over the Indian Ocean in the mid '90s.
Hyakutake

[skinkinthegrass]

wow! ;-)

[stayathomemom]

My sister was visiting in the Las Vegas, NM area and went out with friends to see the comet. She said the moon was spectacular Tuesday evening and she had never seen it as such a narrow crescent. Her friend tried to get a picture but didn't have his good camera and tripod with him. I will have to show them this photo. Thanks for the post!

[al baby]

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Last night in crystal clear skies, I could just barely see it in 7 x 50 binoculars, on Prospect Hill Road, in Harvard, MA. There was a guy there with a Meade LX200 10”, f/10 and it was quite easy to see in a 10” telescope. The sky was exceptionally clear last night in these parts.

[veracious]

Looks like an Aviv event.

[Conan the Librarian]

Hyakutake introduced me to my wife. Our club was doing a public event for the closest pass and she came out. http://home.comcast.net/~waccoo/walt3.jpg

[Conan the Librarian]

Dang, photo nor the link worked.

Cut and paste!

[RandallFlagg]

That’s pretty sweet.

[BenLurkin]

[Conan the Librarian]

Thanks!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks BenLurkin, and an extra ping to APoD members.

[rawcatslyentist]

It’s turning blue, must be potent stuff.

[Political Junkie Too]

Hyakutake was spectacular. I watched it approach, fly overhead, and depart over the course of the month.

-PJ

[SunkenCiv]

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