C/2011 L4 Panstarrs


C/2011 L4 (Panstarrs) is a non-periodic comet discovered in June 2011 by the Pan-Starrs telescope. Before perihelion in 2013 March it put on a fine show in the western sky for Southern Hemisphere observers as it continued its journey north. It is believed to be very young and it is uncertain whether it will return to the inner solar system.

 

The comet seen in fading twilight in the constellation of Aquarius on the 2013 March 4 when it was around 1st magnitude. Grus in the conspicuous group of stars to the left, b Ceti is the bright star to the right and the stars of Sculptor are in the middle of the image. 
Imaged on the night of the above. A fine dust tail is visible.


Comet Home