How to Find Comet Pan-STARRS in the Sky

Comet fans, things are looking up. (Pun intended.)

There are still several days—now until March 24—the Comet Pan-STARRS will pass within view, NASA says... but it might take binoculars, clear skies, and an unobstructed view of the horizon.

For a little more than an hour after sundown, experts say to look for the comet to the upper right of the sunset point on the horizon.

EarthSky.org, has a Pan-STARRS viewing guide to help you find it and the best way to view it.

To see it, you'll have to look to the western horizon just after sunset, away from streetlights and other sources of light. Coastsiders, you have an advantage here. In Cupertino, get as high up as you can. Ridgelines would be best.

It will climb higher and be visible longer later in the month.

The comet gets its name from who discovered it, in this case, the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, operated by the University of Hawaii on Mount Haleakala on the island of Maui. 

In February, the comet was visible to those in the southern hemisphere. Sky and Telescope published these comments and photos from observers in Buenos Aires about their observations by naked eye, telescope and camera lens.

If you can't catch this comet, there's something to look forward to, come November, when the even brighter Comet ISON is expected.