Ace of Spades HQ

March 11, 2013

SMOD Update: Finding Comet PANSTARRS
— CAC

Nailed it. Gif, video and awful CAC graphic below.

PANSTARRS as captured by STEREO-B's HI-Camera (Credit NASA/STEREO/NRL)

With help from a friend and my wife, we caught it last night in Llano, in a setting perhaps more appropriate for the Hills Have Eyes. It was barely visible to the naked eye, and that lasted all of about five minutes before it set below the horizon. Gold-white in color with a bright coma and spawning a fanned tail, it made for a great sight in the telescope at low power and our cheap binoculars. Sadly, no photos, as I have a horrid blackberry and no camera. Here's some video of it setting near Santa Fe, New Mexico yesterday:

Video by Michael Zeiler
For those of you further north and with less-than-ideal seeing conditions, take heart: you still have a good shot at finding it tomorrow night. Yes you could try to guestimate and scan around for it this evening, but tomorrow brings a thin crescent moon which makes the hunt a helluva lot easier.

So tomorrow night, about a half-hour after sunset, walk out with some binoculars and find due west. Not kinda west, not south by south west, due west. Find the moon. Put your hand out at arms' length, hold up three fingers as shown in the diagram below, and then aim your binoculars for the poorly-drawn comet. At lower latitudes the comet will appear higher, while those of you in the frozen north may just barely sneak a peak.

Posted by: CAC at 05:34 PM | Comments (83)
Post contains 261 words, total size 2 kb.

1 First

Posted by: grease monkey at March 11, 2013 05:36 PM (VSWPU)

2 Fist

Posted by: Lena Dunham's FUPA aint no fannypack worn backwards at March 11, 2013 05:36 PM (XvrTA)

3 So will those researchers be able to determine on Facebook who likes astronomy with all the PonFarr comments?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 11, 2013 05:38 PM (kXwK3)

4 Three fingers? That won't do.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 11, 2013 05:39 PM (lsEKO)

5 The sun is raping that comet and all you people can do is stare.

Posted by: Ashley Judd at March 11, 2013 05:40 PM (j3uk1)

6 Good evening CAC: http://i48.tinypic.com/2ngtn3l.gif Here is some mood music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1aQ50iqJN4

Posted by: Psycadelicat at March 11, 2013 05:40 PM (Vk2pI)

7 I haven't seen it yet. Saturday was as clear as it ever gets around here, but I wasn't exactly sure where I should try to observe from. I drove to three different sites nearby. The third one was definitely best, but I got there too late. On Sunday, discombobulated by the time change, I took a nap in the afternoon and overslept. Today was cloudy and more of the same is expected for tomorrow.

Posted by: rickl at March 11, 2013 05:41 PM (sdi6R)

8 I might be able to see the damned comet if that idiot would get his hand out of the way!

Posted by: kbdabear at March 11, 2013 05:42 PM (mCvL4)

9 The moon and a comet? Big deal. I'm going to be freaked out by those three giant misshapen fingers floating in the heavens.

Posted by: Grumpy Cat at March 11, 2013 05:42 PM (j3uk1)

10 And CAC gets an "A" for this semester's science project.

Okay, pass the weed.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 11, 2013 05:42 PM (4Mv1T)

11 Way too much light pollution in this shithole.

Posted by: USS Diversity at March 11, 2013 05:42 PM (+bZOu)

12 Is that 7:30 EST EDT ect

Posted by: Dontheflyer at March 11, 2013 05:42 PM (AsbsG)

13 That last picture looks familiar...

Posted by: Alister Crowley at March 11, 2013 05:44 PM (Vk2pI)

14
I wanted to major in assstronomy, but changed my major to law.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 11, 2013 05:45 PM (ndqJC)

15
Celestial images always look flat to me.

Posted by: Rachel Corrie at March 11, 2013 05:46 PM (ndqJC)

16 PANSTARRS as captured by STEREO-B's HI-Camera (Credit NASA/STEREO/NRL)

----------

If you'd gotten that together with STEREO-A and some red and blue crayons, we could've had 3D.

Posted by: Assault Citizen Anachronda at March 11, 2013 05:47 PM (1c58W)

17 Oh my God what are those alien appendages growing out of the Earth?

Posted by: JohnW at March 11, 2013 05:47 PM (0vtx1)

18 The moon and a comet? Big deal. I'm going to be freaked out by those three giant misshapen fingers floating in the heavens. Posted by: Grumpy Cat at March 11, 2013 09:42 PM (j3uk1) Just be glad that it is not just one finger raised at you...

Posted by: יהוה at March 11, 2013 05:47 PM (Vk2pI)

19
I see the planet where the American astronaut planted the flag.

Posted by: Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Moonbattery at March 11, 2013 05:47 PM (ndqJC)

20 The sky! The sky! Better than bread and circus, for you Northeastern jaded power elite. I mean, no one made that, right? You have to be like, connected, to even look. No one has chores outside these days b/c government doesn't want you to acknowledge your Creator....

Posted by: Thorvald at March 11, 2013 05:47 PM (1V6Pv)

21 >>>I wanted to major in assstronomy

Asssteroids, Hemorrhoids, Polaroids. What the hell difference does it make now??

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 11, 2013 05:47 PM (4Mv1T)

22 Comet Pawnstars? That's how I read it.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 11, 2013 05:47 PM (piMMO)

23 Soon, my pretties. Soon.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Totes waiting until after March Madness. at March 11, 2013 05:49 PM (Gk3SS)

24 Why has nobody stomped on this post, yet?

Posted by: garrett at March 11, 2013 05:50 PM (lsEKO)

25 >>>Soon, my pretties. Soon.

And your little dog, too!

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 11, 2013 05:51 PM (4Mv1T)

26 I love the animated gif and how the left and right fingers fold down if you watch it long enough.

Posted by: Mama AJ at March 11, 2013 05:51 PM (SUKHu)

27 Three Fingers, isn't that a brand of tequila?

Posted by: ghostofhallelujah at March 11, 2013 05:51 PM (XvrTA)

>>Comet Pawnstars?

Right. Not "por....". Nope...

Posted by: Mama AJ at March 11, 2013 05:52 PM (SUKHu)

29 Mama AJ. Dat's a photo. Dem fingers? Day ain't be movin'.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 11, 2013 05:53 PM (4Mv1T)

30 Oh. Now I gets it.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 11, 2013 05:54 PM (4Mv1T)

31 22 Comet Pawnstars? That's how I read it. Chumlee takes a bet from Big Hoss that he can pull the comet's tail.

Posted by: Grumpy Cat at March 11, 2013 05:54 PM (j3uk1)

32 I'm kind of indifferent if it hits.

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at March 11, 2013 05:55 PM (AC0lD)

33 There is one thing I have learned about comets, when I was following Halley around the sky back in 85 & 86. They don't like being taken for granted. If I went out to watch it for two nights in a row, then said, "I don't feel like going out tonight. I'll check it out tomorrow", you are absolutely guaranteed a full week of overcast.

Posted by: rickl at March 11, 2013 05:55 PM (sdi6R)

34 Great idea. Sunset is 7:28 PM DST in Charlotte. Don't think that dog is going to hunt.

Posted by: Billy Bob, the guy who drinks in SC at March 11, 2013 05:56 PM (wR+pz)

35 >>>I'm kind of indifferent if it hits.

Wife would be thrilled. She'd say, "See? I told you to forget buying all those damn guns and bullets. Damn fool."

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 11, 2013 05:57 PM (4Mv1T)

36 Can't see the comet in your area? Sequestration. That, or rape.

Posted by: Grumpy Cat at March 11, 2013 05:57 PM (j3uk1)

37 Oh my God what are those alien appendages growing out of the Earth? Posted by: JohnW at March 11, 2013 09:47 PM (0vtx1) Why, hello there!

Posted by: Galactus at March 11, 2013 05:58 PM (Vk2pI)

38 Where is everyone? Watching the Bible? I find it a little melodramatic. Samson was Black? Who knew.

Posted by: Billy Bob, the guy who drinks in SC at March 11, 2013 05:58 PM (wR+pz)

39 Just roped a comet in Texas.Start your bids.

Posted by: Craig Poe at March 11, 2013 05:58 PM (BVkEs)

40 Why aren't we dead yet? Who's aiming these things?

Posted by: Guido at March 11, 2013 05:59 PM (NQq8e)

41 Tried the past couple of nights to see it, now it's overcast.

Posted by: Oaty-Oaty Bars!...Not Mandatory! at March 11, 2013 05:59 PM (LkyQ7)

42 It will make a better senator than Lindsay Graham.

Posted by: Grumpy Cat at March 11, 2013 05:59 PM (j3uk1)

43 It's getting a little too close for comfort here!

Posted by: Helion Prime at March 11, 2013 06:00 PM (6gk77)

Science!

You people can't be real conservatives. Real conservatives are ascared of ....and deny....science! Well.......at least, that's what we tell our captive audiences on a daily basis..... heheheh

Posted by: The Media! at March 11, 2013 06:00 PM (LoejD)

45 Those fingers? That hangnail must be the size of Delaware.

Posted by: Grumpy Cat at March 11, 2013 06:04 PM (j3uk1)

Samson was Black? Who knew.

When he shaves his fro...I'm not embarassed to admit that I cried a little.

Posted by: garrett at March 11, 2013 06:05 PM (lsEKO)

47 34 Great idea. Sunset is 7:28 PM DST in Charlotte. Don't think that dog is going to hunt. Posted by: Billy Bob, the guy who drinks in SC at March 11, 2013 09:56 PM (wR+pz) On Tuesday night in Charlotte the Sun sets at 7:29 and the comet at 8:40, so you should have a good shot at it if the weather is clear.

Posted by: rickl at March 11, 2013 06:05 PM (sdi6R)

48 But was Samson authentically black?

Posted by: Grumpy Cat at March 11, 2013 06:06 PM (j3uk1)

49 I'd borrow from the stars Pay a comet for, a late night ride I'd beg the sun to wait, a while to shine And I'd, buy for you the moon

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:07 PM (BfZ1r)

50 It's Tyrael coming to Sanctuary!

Posted by: Mystical Prophet at March 11, 2013 06:07 PM (jlTjT)

51 Or its PrawnStarr

Do not press the blue button!

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 11, 2013 06:08 PM (kXwK3)

52 >>authentically black?

Can't help myself. This is a test, right? Like, "legitimate rape".

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 11, 2013 06:09 PM (4Mv1T)

53 Hey I was watching the Bible too! Yeah, Sampson was black? I didn't know that either. Garrett, I thought you were a heathen! teej, what's those lyrics too? That sounds awfully familiar.

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:10 PM (0PiQ4)

54 4 Three fingers? That won't do. Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 11, 2013 09:39 PM (lsEKO) You know you love it, two in the pink, one in the stink!

Posted by: Injuin at March 11, 2013 06:11 PM (wR+pz)

Best viewed by those with Ass-ugly fingers and hairy knuckles?

Posted by: Modgi at March 11, 2013 06:11 PM (mVLAl)

Watching Top Gear.

The Toto is killing me.

Posted by: garrett at March 11, 2013 06:11 PM (lsEKO)

57 Don't use this stuff on your glass stovetop.

Posted by: EROWMER at March 11, 2013 06:12 PM (kxlCQ)

58 Another tease.

Posted by: steevy at March 11, 2013 06:12 PM (9XBK2)

Three fingers? That won't do.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 11, 2013 09:39 PM (lsEKO)

I was a little surprised when I could actually clap my hands....

Posted by: Sandra Flukes latest at March 11, 2013 06:13 PM (AC0lD)

60 On Tuesday night in Charlotte the Sun sets at 7:29 and the comet at 8:40, so you should have a good shot at it if the weather is clear. Posted by: rickl at March 11, 2013 10:05 PM (sdi6R) So his time posted was local, aka Mt time. It is suppose to be clear after rain tonight, thanks.

Posted by: Billy Bob, the guy who drinks in SC at March 11, 2013 06:13 PM (wR+pz)

61 I was a little surprised when I could actually clap my hands.... Posted by: Sandra Flukes latest at March 11, 2013 10:13 PM (AC0lD) Well, get the truck keys and we'll drive home. ( I know old)

Posted by: Billy Bob, the guy who drinks in SC at March 11, 2013 06:14 PM (wR+pz)

Posted by: Billy Bob, the guy who drinks in SC at March 11, 2013 10:14 PM (wR+pz)

You found my truck!?

Posted by: garrett at March 11, 2013 06:16 PM (lsEKO)

63 Hey CAC, if you're still here, I have some ideas for music posts. How do I send them to you? Can I use the AoS email address and address it to you in the subject line?

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:16 PM (0PiQ4)

64 Dave in Texas created a comment tease post up above. I got directed to Facebook.

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at March 11, 2013 06:17 PM (AC0lD)

65 Hi L, elle From the song Buy for You the Moon. Dimestore Hemingway cd Give ya three guesses on the group.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:18 PM (BfZ1r)

66 Haven't they already outlawed near earth objects and using three fingers in New York?

Posted by: AES at March 11, 2013 06:18 PM (UP6tB)

67 ONT is late. Hurry the hell up.

Posted by: jewells45 at March 11, 2013 06:20 PM (u25eL)

68 I'm behind on the homework you've given me, but True North? Do you get together for your practice session on Sunday? Did you make good music with your musician friends? If youre here, for a bit, oh gosh on In Color. Is the singer Jamey Johnson? Did I find the right song?

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:24 PM (0PiQ4)

69 True North. Yep. And yes, Jamey Johnson on In Color. You are a prize pupil young lady.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:31 PM (d4o2E)

70 Sunday was a first get together and the base player didn't show. It was a feeling out process that went okay.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:35 PM (d4o2E)

71 I'm here. Typing kind of a long one for ya, then gonna hit the sack.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:38 PM (d4o2E)

72 Tried for the comet tonight about 240 miles SSE of Santa Fe but at best, caught a faint glimmer at one point.

That's the problem with comet watching is that you never know if the damned thing's going to flare up brightly at any given point in time or not.

Maybe try again tomorrow night...

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent at March 11, 2013 06:42 PM (opLk0)

73 hi I'm here! so I guess you're working on the long one. I'll try to write up what I wanted to say about In Color too

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:42 PM (0PiQ4)

74 Haha. Figures it was the bass player!

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:43 PM (0PiQ4)

75 You brought up a few days ago something about learning how to pray again. I didn't know if you meant just getting yourself to pray or not knowing how to do it. If it's the latter just talk to him. Hi dad, it's me L, elle... then tell Him what's on your mind. Thankful for something? Let Him know. Need help with something? He's not too busy for ya. You are His child. He loves you. I thank Him for your faith and you fun spirit. Have a great evening kid. Good night.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:45 PM (ma+gB)

76 Okay, sticking around for your post.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:47 PM (ma+gB)

77 So In Color, I listened to that all day on Sunday. I know all the words now and can sing along off key! If I was a sentimental person that one would have brought tears to my eyes. I can't remember the last song I heard that was completely carried by vocals and lyrics. really great, strong voice. thank you for that song, teej. It's a keeper. Still working my way through the Dimestore cd and haven't gotten to Gary Pucket yet. Have patience, you got me stuck on Jamey Johnson. Your fault, teacher!

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:49 PM (0PiQ4)

78 Well young lady, I'm a sentimental guy. On DH there is a song called Old Martin and a Mandolin. It's about Gary's father who I knew some. Last verse really chokes me up when I sing it.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:53 PM (ma+gB)

79 Thanks for that lost one, teej. No I had a great prayer life until the miserable hell of election night. I haven't been able to pray since then that's how I know Obama is the anti-Christ :-). I have been really depressed about the future of our country and God has seemed absent to me for the last few months. But, don't worry, He's back in my life. Goodnight, Kansas man. Sweet dreams. Sleep tight.

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:53 PM (0PiQ4)

80 Did you get that last one? Just say goodnight if you did.

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 06:55 PM (0PiQ4)

81 Goodnight Colorado Lady. And we'll have to talk about this antichrist thing sometime.

Posted by: teej at March 11, 2013 06:55 PM (ma+gB)

82 good we finally closed up right.

Posted by: L, elle at March 11, 2013 07:00 PM (0PiQ4)

83 Damn clouds in FL. Looks like sunset today is going to be a washout.

Posted by: pawn at March 12, 2013 06:46 AM (iMsF6)

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