Update on Comet Panstarrs

 Well the time has come for stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere to check out Comet Panstarrs. Unfortunately the comet has not quite reached the brightness estimates predicted by scientists. Originally forecast to reach magnitude 0 or brighter, it is now hovering in the range of +1.5 and +2. While this is bright enough to make it a naked eye object, it's position in the sky has made this comet rather difficult to find with the unaided eye. Because of it's low altitude and proximity to the Sun, the sky glow at dusk is drowning out most of the details and making it difficult to pick out from the sky. The view should improve as the comet climbs higher in sky each passing day, but it was also slowly dim as it moves away from the Sun.
 If you want to try and take a peek at this long awaited snowball, your best bet is to pick an area with an unobstructed view of the western horizon. Start searching for the comet after sunset, and to improve your chances of finding it try using binoculars. On March 12 you will be able to get some help from a very young Moon...the waxing crescent Luna will be right next to the comet. Find the Moon and then scan to the left of it to spot the comet. Should make for an awesome photographic opportunity if you've got a camera on hand.
 If your not able to find it just yet, your chances will improve greatly by the end of the month. While it probably wont be a naked eye object then, a pair of binoculars or a small telescope will be able to find it easily in the darkened sky.