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Comet PanSTARRS Thursday, March 15 2013
The comet was visible naked eye from the Pungo area of Virginia Beach last night, although faint. It looked great in Mark Ost 80mm f/8 refractor and terrific in my 10" Dobsonian.
Canon 20Da DSLR 180mm f/2.8 Leica telephoto (a 40 year old lens) ISO 1600 4-second exposure Looking west Location: Across the street from the home of Mark Ost Here is one of the pictures I snapped: Kent Blackwell http://tinyurl.com/atcn2vs
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Re: Comet Panstars Thursday night.
bob414
Kathy is just a lady I met for the first time last night, and was a very good astrobuddy. I was looking too far to the north to see the comet. She correct that and we shared view of the comet on my 20X80 binoculars. She has a pair of binocular also, but after a while she showed up and shared her pictures on a nice SLR camera and lens setup. I asked if she would send them to me and you know the rest. She was very friendly and I hope we can shared skies together in the future.
Bob
From: backbayastro@... [mailto:backbayastro@...] On Behalf Of William McLean
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 2:51 PM To: backbayastro@... Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Comet Panstars Thursday night.
Bob who is Kathy?
She just set a camera on a tripod and opened the shutter for 3.5 sec and got pics like these?? Beautiful!!
Carpe Noctem From: bob414
Paul
Bird and I were there at Huntington park also, I was set up next to the end of the beach next to “The Crab Shack”. Bird showed up after I had setup, but did not see me until he was almost set up. We were about 75yd apart, were did you set up? Sorry we missed you. Did you see the pictures on my last email that Kathy took? Saw the comet again in binoculars and nekid eye, averted vision.
Bob
From: backbayastro@... [mailto:backbayastro@...] On Behalf Of Paul Tartabini
Thanks for sharing, Mark. I took care to notice the uneven brightening in the tail thanks to Kent's comment earlier today. Appreciate it, Kent! What a beauty of a night! The James River added to the allure. I followed the comet all the way down to the horizon. Afterwards we observed the Moon, which was an absolute stunner tonight as well. The view in my low power eyepiece got many exclamations from the crowd that gathered around my scope. They were amazed at how many features were visible on the "dark side" due to the abundant Earthshine. I pointed out M42, Jupiter, and the Pleiades. One man who has a scope of his own and is progressing in the hobby was excited to see the Double Cluster for the first time. I loved his comment when I showed him my cherished favorite, M35... "I couldn't count all those stars if I tried!" Amen brother!
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 11:30 PM, Mark Ost <jimcoble2000@...> wrote:
Kent, Stan, and I had a great time with the comet again. Kent was able to capture photos and the comet was easy naked eye. This has been the best in 15 years or so I think. Holmes was the most unique but a good old fashioned comets is nice to have. After that Kent and I continued to observe dim galaxies in Hydra, Leo and the upper Ursa Major. If you miss Panstars all you have to do is wait 106,000 years for the return trip.
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Re: Comet Panstars Thursday night.
Paul
I set up by the boat ramp. I am not that familiar with Huntington Beach and thought you could not get back by the beach after dark. Plus I saw a bunch of folks by the boat ramp. I really thought I'd see some VPAS folks, but none were by the boat ramp (although some of the folks had heard of us). Too bad it did not work out when you were there, Bill. I kind of went to HB as an afterthought. I had an appointment in Oyster Point until 730p, and brought my scope just in case. I went to the Lion's Bridge first, but no one was there (I mean no one) and I was afraid of getting kicked out in the middle of observing. So I kept going down Warwick to HB.
On Fri, Mar 15, 2013 at 2:46 PM, William McLean <preciousmyprecious@...> wrote:
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Comet observing report (Virginia Beach Thursday evening)
Nick Anderson
Sorry for the delay in my report (computer was under maintenance).
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I had another awesome observation of Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS) yesterday evening! Treated to clear skies (albeit some haziness on the horizon), it was an easy find in binoculars. I believe the tail was a tad bit longer (did anyone else have this impression?), stretching about 20 arcminutes to the ENE of the nucleus. The northern side of the tail had a more defined border whereas the southern one was diffuse. I think the view was better in the 10x50 binoculars than in the 8-inch scope. It was visible direct vision either way. 7:10 pm: sunset 7:33 pm: first possible glimpse of the comet in binoculars 7:37 pm: end of civil twilight 7:42 pm: first conclusive binocular sighting 7:54 pm: first naked eye sighting 8:07 pm: end of nautical twilight 8:15 pm: last naked eye sighting 8:19 pm: comet appeared to set over the distant houses 8:37 pm: end of astronomical twilight I stayed out until 10 pm and logged 14 more objects for the Urban Observing Program (12 open clusters in Cassiopeia, Perseus, Camelopardalis, and Taurus; 2 double stars). I also caught another feature for the Lunar Program. -Nick Anderson
--- In backbayastro@..., Nick Anderson <nranderson.deepskyobserver@...> wrote:
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Re: Comet Panstars Thursday night.
preciousmyprecious
Bob who is Kathy? She just set a camera on a tripod and opened the shutter for 3.5 sec and got pics like these?? Beautiful!! Carpe Noctem Bill McLean
From: bob414 To: backbayastro@... Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 1:22 AM Subject: RE: [backbayastro] Comet Panstars Thursday night. Paul Bird and I were there at Huntington park also, I was set up next to the end of the beach next to “The Crab Shack”. Bird showed up after I had setup, but did not see me until he was almost set up. We were about 75yd apart, were did you set up? Sorry we missed you. Did you see the pictures on my last email that Kathy took? Saw the comet again in binoculars and nekid eye, averted vision. Bob From: backbayastro@... [mailto:backbayastro@...] On Behalf Of Paul Tartabini Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 12:36 AM To: backbayastro@... Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Comet Panstars Thursday night. Thanks for sharing, Mark. I agree that PanStarrs was easy naked eye tonight. I had fun at Huntington Beach showing it to some of the folks who stopped by. Most of the people were able to see it with the unaided eye. It was still subtle, but unmistakable, making it easy to point the scope right to it. It was the first view I had of it in my 8" dob. I took care to notice the uneven brightening in the tail thanks to Kent's comment earlier today. Appreciate it, Kent! What a beauty of a night! The James River added to the allure. I followed the comet all the way down to the horizon. Afterwards we observed the Moon, which was an absolute stunner tonight as well. The view in my low power eyepiece got many exclamations from the crowd that gathered around my scope. They were
amazed at how many features were visible on the "dark side" due to the abundant Earthshine. I pointed out M42, Jupiter, and the Pleiades. One man who has a scope of his own and is progressing in the hobby was excited to see the Double Cluster for the first time. I loved his comment when I showed him my cherished favorite, M35... "I couldn't count all those stars if I tried!" Amen brother! On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 11:30 PM, Mark Ost <jimcoble2000@...> wrote: Kent, Stan, and I had a great time with the comet again. Kent was able to capture
photos and the comet was easy naked eye. This has been the best in 15 years or so I think. Holmes was the most unique but a good old fashioned comets is nice to have. After that Kent and I continued to observe dim galaxies in Hydra, Leo and the upper Ursa Major. If you miss Panstars all you have to do is wait 106,000 years for the return trip.
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Re: Comet Panstars Thursday night.
preciousmyprecious
That's funny, you were there but didn't know each other was there. I also see how you guys operate: the night I went no one else showed up. hmmm. More cookies, I guess. Carpe Noctem Bill McLean
From: bob414 To: backbayastro@... Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 1:22 AM Subject: RE: [backbayastro] Comet Panstars Thursday night. Paul Bird and I were there at Huntington park also, I was set up next to the end of the beach next to “The Crab Shack”. Bird showed up after I had setup, but did not see me until he was almost set up. We were about 75yd apart, were did you set up? Sorry we missed you. Did you see the pictures on my last email that Kathy took? Saw the comet again in binoculars and nekid eye, averted vision. Bob From: backbayastro@... [mailto:backbayastro@...] On Behalf Of Paul Tartabini Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 12:36 AM To: backbayastro@... Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Comet Panstars Thursday night. Thanks for sharing, Mark. I agree that PanStarrs was easy naked eye tonight. I had fun at Huntington Beach showing it to some of the folks who stopped by. Most of the people were able to see it with the unaided eye. It was still subtle, but unmistakable, making it easy to point the scope right to it. It was the first view I had of it in my 8" dob. I took care to notice the uneven brightening in the tail thanks to Kent's comment earlier today. Appreciate it, Kent! What a beauty of a night! The James River added to the allure. I followed the comet all the way down to the horizon. Afterwards we observed the Moon, which was an absolute stunner tonight as well. The view in my low power eyepiece got many exclamations from the crowd that gathered around my scope. They were
amazed at how many features were visible on the "dark side" due to the abundant Earthshine. I pointed out M42, Jupiter, and the Pleiades. One man who has a scope of his own and is progressing in the hobby was excited to see the Double Cluster for the first time. I loved his comment when I showed him my cherished favorite, M35... "I couldn't count all those stars if I tried!" Amen brother! On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 11:30 PM, Mark Ost <jimcoble2000@...> wrote: Kent, Stan, and I had a great time with the comet again. Kent was able to capture
photos and the comet was easy naked eye. This has been the best in 15 years or so I think. Holmes was the most unique but a good old fashioned comets is nice to have. After that Kent and I continued to observe dim galaxies in Hydra, Leo and the upper Ursa Major. If you miss Panstars all you have to do is wait 106,000 years for the return trip.
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PanSTARRS in the Morning?
Thomas Flatley
Tom
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Re: Comet Panstars Thursday night.
bob414
Paul
Bird and I were there at Huntington park also, I was set up next to the end of the beach next to “The Crab Shack”. Bird showed up after I had setup, but did not see me until he was almost set up. We were about 75yd apart, were did you set up? Sorry we missed you. Did you see the pictures on my last email that Kathy took? Saw the comet again in binoculars and nekid eye, averted vision.
Bob
From: backbayastro@... [mailto:backbayastro@...] On Behalf Of Paul Tartabini
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 12:36 AM To: backbayastro@... Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Comet Panstars Thursday night.
Thanks for sharing, Mark. I took care to notice the uneven brightening in the tail thanks to Kent's comment earlier today. Appreciate it, Kent! What a beauty of a night! The James River added to the allure. I followed the comet all the way down to the horizon. Afterwards we observed the Moon, which was an absolute stunner tonight as well. The view in my low power eyepiece got many exclamations from the crowd that gathered around my scope. They were amazed at how many features were visible on the "dark side" due to the abundant Earthshine. I pointed out M42, Jupiter, and the Pleiades. One man who has a scope of his own and is progressing in the hobby was excited to see the Double Cluster for the first time. I loved his comment when I showed him my cherished favorite, M35... "I couldn't count all those stars if I tried!" Amen brother!
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 11:30 PM, Mark Ost <jimcoble2000@...> wrote:
Kent, Stan, and I had a great time with the comet again. Kent was able to capture photos and the comet was easy naked eye. This has been the best in 15 years or so I think. Holmes was the most unique but a good old fashioned comets is nice to have. After that Kent and I continued to observe dim galaxies in Hydra, Leo and the upper Ursa Major. If you miss Panstars all you have to do is wait 106,000 years for the return trip.
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Re: PanStarrs
George Reynolds
I had to work until after 8 pm tonight, so I missed a chance to see it again. George George Reynolds "Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA) http://www.backbayastro.org
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Re: Comet Panstars Thursday night.
Paul
Thanks for sharing, Mark. I took care to notice the uneven brightening in the tail thanks to Kent's comment earlier today. Appreciate it, Kent!I agree that PanStarrs was easy naked eye tonight. I had fun at Huntington Beach showing it to some of the folks who stopped by. Most of the people were able to see it with the unaided eye. It was still subtle, but unmistakable, making it easy to point the scope right to it. It was the first view I had of it in my 8" dob.
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 11:30 PM, Mark Ost <jimcoble2000@...> wrote:
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Comet Panstars Thursday night.
jimcoble2000
Kent, Stan, and I had a great time with the comet again. Kent was able to capture photos and the comet was easy naked eye. This has been the best in 15 years or so I think. Holmes was the most unique but a good old fashioned comets is nice to have. After that Kent and I continued to observe dim galaxies in Hydra, Leo and the upper Ursa Major. If you miss Panstars all you have to do is wait 106,000 years for the return trip.
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Re: Comet observing report (Middle Peninsula Saturday evening)
jimcoble2000
Well, we all have to cancel that not naked eye as we both saw it tonight easily!
From: "kent@..." To: backbayastro@... Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 6:01 PM Subject: [backbayastro] Re: Comet observing report (Middle Peninsula Saturday evening) Comet PanSTARRS will be in the sky for the weeks ahead, but fading each night about .2/magnitude. It would be best to look for it as soon as possible since the waxing moon will further exacerbating the difficulty.
It's not all that low in the sky. At 8:00 PM EDT tonight (March 14, 2013) it should be about a fist distance above the western horizon. Tonight, look for the moon. Drop down two fist distance and one fist to the right to locate the general area. It is NOT visible naked eye but inexpensive handheld binoculars should show it well. Good luck, Kent Blackwell --- In backbayastro@..., Skip Morrow wrote: > > OK, are there any other recommendations for places in the South side to see > it? > > By the way, how much longer should it be visible up here? Will next > Friday's Star Party be an opportunity to see it? > > > . > > > On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 12:02 PM, Paul Tartabini wrote: > > > ** > > > > > > If that is the case, I'd recommend going somewhere where you could stay a > > bit longer. I thought the finest views didn't start until about 8p two > > nights ago, and last night I had trouble finding at a poor site that had > > lot of nearby bright lights to contend with until around 805p. > > > > Definitely at the moment it is a trade between altitude and darkness. > > > > > > On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 11:59 AM, Thomas Flatley wrote: > > > >> ** > >> > >> > >> I was up there last night and saw it fine but they kicked me off by 7:45. > >> > >> > >> > >> On Mar 14, 2013, at 9:26, "skipmorrow" wrote: > >> > >> > >> > >> What is the group's opinion on trying to spot it from the top of Mount > >> Trashmore? Would that get me high enough to see that low on the horizon? > >> > >> --- In backbayastro@..., "Stephen" wrote: > >> > > >> > I have not been able to see it yet, I tried Saturday with no joy, I am > >> hoping the weather cooperates for the next few nights. > >> > > >> > >> > > > > >
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Re: PanStarrs
jimcoble2000
It was an easy naked eye comet tonight. Kent was over making photos. I used the 80mm TMB to observe the comet.
From: "Doublestarjune@..." To: Back Bay Amateur Astronomers Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 8:44 PM Subject: [backbayastro] PanStarrs The comet was showing off again tonight! It appeared a little brighter to me and the tail appeared longer (especially with averted vision). No clouds tonight to deal with and Connor and Dwayne found it pretty easily with the binos.
What a GrEaT comet!! WhooooHooooo!
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Re: PanStarrs
Curt Lambert
I managed to see it tonite. My place faces the west, and starting at 7:30 I went out periodically to look thru the ‘gaps’ between the houses and trees across the street. I finally spotted it at 8:00 between my neighbors’ chimney and 2nd floor. I could clearly make out the tail, and once I had spotted it with binoculars I was able to see it naked eye – just barely. I’m glad I got this one under my belt and will be looking for it again in the days to come. I have to check my notes, but I believe this is my fifth comet. Thanks to Kent for his
directions!
Curt L
From: Georgie June
To: backbayastro Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 9:18 PM Subject: RE: [backbayastro] PanStarrs I've got my fingers crossed for clear skies tomorrow. You'll catch it then! :)
To: backbayastro@... Georgie,
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oh joy! Rapture!
preciousmyprecious
My neighbor's awning blew down in the last wind completely exposing a light bulb that knows of never being off. I asked him if he'd keep it off till 11 or midnight and he does. Now I can observe the north skies from my driveway without having to hide from the light. I was nearly in tears tonight observing! Carpe Noctem Bill McLean
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Re: PanStarrs
Georgie <doublestarjune@msn.com>
I've got my fingers crossed for clear skies tomorrow. You'll catch it then! :) To: backbayastro@... From: colvinclan5@... Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:05:37 -0400 Subject: Re: [backbayastro] PanStarrs
Georgie, I was not home tonight but Zachery saw it! Cheryl :)
-----Original Message----- From: Doublestarjune@... <doublestarjune@...> To: Back Bay Amateur Astronomers <backbayastro@...> Sent: Thu, Mar 14, 2013 8:37 pm Subject: [backbayastro] PanStarrs The comet was showing off again tonight! It appeared a little brighter to me and the tail appeared longer (especially with averted vision). No clouds tonight to deal with and Connor and Dwayne found it pretty easily with the binos. What a GrEaT comet!! WhooooHooooo!
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Re: PanStarrs
cme2scrap
Georgie,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I was not home tonight but Zachery saw it! Cheryl :)
-----Original Message-----
From: Doublestarjune@... <doublestarjune@...> To: Back Bay Amateur Astronomers <backbayastro@...> Sent: Thu, Mar 14, 2013 8:37 pm Subject: [backbayastro] PanStarrs The comet was showing off again tonight! It appeared a little brighter to me and the tail appeared longer (especially with averted vision). No clouds tonight to deal with and Connor and Dwayne found it pretty easily with the binos. What a GrEaT comet!! WhooooHooooo!
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Re: Comet observing report (Middle Peninsula Saturday evening)
cme2scrap
I was at a 4-H meeting with Hunter and Amber and Zachery called me on
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
the cell phone to tell me he saw it. Guess I will have to try tomorrow night. Cheryl :)
-----Original Message-----
From: Mat Snellings <newfie122@...> To: backbayastro <backbayastro@...> Cc: <backbayastro@...> <backbayastro@...> Sent: Thu, Mar 14, 2013 8:53 pm Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Re: Comet observing report (Middle Peninsula Saturday evening) I went over to the Flame of Hope tonight and was able to find the Comet with no problems. The guide from Sky week plus put me right on it. The tail is not quite straight up yet. Looked great in the binoculars. Would love to see it in my scope but am not pulling the mount out of the dome and I don't have a view that low in the west. Will be back out with the binoculars next chance I get. Mat Snellings ,_._,___
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Re: Comet observing report (Middle Peninsula Saturday evening)
matsnellings <newfie122@cox.net>
I went over to the Flame of Hope tonight and was able to find the Comet with no problems. The guide from Sky week plus put me right on it. The tail is not quite straight up yet. Looked great in the binoculars. Would love to see it in my scope but am not pulling the mount out of the dome and I don't have a view that low in the west. Will be back out with the binoculars next chance I get. Mat Snellings ,_._,___
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PanStarrs
Georgie <doublestarjune@msn.com>
The comet was showing off again tonight! It appeared a little brighter to me and the tail appeared longer (especially with averted vision). No clouds tonight to deal with and Connor and Dwayne found it pretty easily with the binos.
What a GrEaT comet!! WhooooHooooo!
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