It has been three weeks since Comet PANSTARRS reached perihelion, the point in its orbit closest to the Sun. Now, as the comet recedes from the Sun's immense heat and gets farther away from Earth at the same time, astronomers are reporting that the comet, while still visible, is starting to fade from view.
According to spaceweather.com, astronomers are reporting that the comet is shining around +3 magnitude, about as bright as the stars in the Northern Cross. While dim by no means, this is nearly 20 times dimmer than PANSTARRS was a few weeks ago at perihelion, when many were estimating brightness to be about 0 magnitude, give or take a few tenths.
The good news: as Comet PANSTARRS moves away from the Sun, it is getting higher, thus negating, to an extent, its falling brightness thanks to a darker background sky. Another plus: no need for such an extremely low Western horizon at the time of perihelion. However, its days as a naked eye object are rapidly dwindling, so make it a point to get out and see it now.
As for the comet itself, PANSTARRS was at perihelion, which is a fancy way of saying that it was at the point in its orbit closest to the Sun, three weekends ago. So, with the comet being so close to the Sun it will be exposed to the greatest amount of heat, which will cause the icy comet to melt, brighten, and grow the distinctive cometary tail. Result: the comet is a sight to behold.
So, how does one go about seeing the comet?
Since Daylight Savings Time has returned, the best time to look for Comet PANSTARRS is between 8:00 and 8:30pm, which is the narrow window if time where the sky is dark enough to see the comet before it sets. To find the comet, go outside and look due West about 5-10 degrees above the horizon. For a comparison, hold three fingers out at arm's length to simulate 5 angular degrees. Another tip: if you have binoculars, use them to scan the sky and pick up the comet, then try and spot it with the naked eye. This is becoming a better suggestion by the day thanks to the comet's dropping brightness.
Needless to say, if it is clear tonight, go see Comet PANSTARRS before it's too late!
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