REMINDER: Two naked-eye comets in 2013, first one in March!

[Chicxulub]

I just wanted to post a reminder to all of you MFKers that Comet PANSTARRS, the first comet of 2013, will begin to be visible to the naked eye in about two weeks! It is already starting to show a tail that is visible with binoculars or a small telescope if you are viewing from the southern hemisphere.

Info on Comet PANSTARRS


Computer simulation of Comet PANSTARRS on April 6

The second comet that will be visible in 2013 will be Comet Ison, which is expected to become a Great Comet, one of the greatest comets of our lifetime. Comet Ison is thought to be making its first trip through the inner solar system in 4.6 billion years and will be a 'sun grazer' which means it could become very bright, possibly as bright as the full moon! That would mean that it would actually be visible in broad daylight.

Info on Comet Ison


Computer simulation of Comet Ison on December 18

 

[dragonfish]

http://www.universetoday.com/100169/comet-panstarrs-how-to-see-it-in-march-2013/
http://www.space.com/19656-comet-ison-nasa-spacecraft-photos.html

 

[tomomothy]

It would be really cool if Ison was visible during the day, but November is so far away

 

[dragonfish]

For those interested in looking for it.

http://www.space.com/19672-how-to-spot-comet-pan-starrs-in-march-2013-video.html?cmpid=514630

 

[ska_kid]

So what's going to impact mars

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[TheHolyArachnid]

Very interesting.

 

[dragonfish]

Heading out to try and see it tonight, get some pics if possible. If not I'll just have to wait for the next pass.


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[dragonfish]

Didn't see the comet but still got a light show.

 

[Chicxulub]

Airplanes? And maybe an iridium flare? Great shots though!

Looks like you weren't out quite late enough. The comet should be right next to the new moon and will become visible just as the sky turns dark. It's not very bright. :/

 

[dragonfish]

We stayed out til 9. The local guy said between 8 and 830 when the moon was just above the horizon but it was still fairly high. Was too windy and cold for me so will try again another night. Not sure what those were. The ones going down were visible first, then what looked like a jet on an intercept course which then turned back. People on the beach thought it was a meteor shower.