Comet Panstarrs C/2011 L4

[MikeOxon]

Nothing much to do with butterflies but I know many forum members take a wide interest in the natural world ...

Yesterday evening (13th March), I went to the top of Boars Hill, just outside Oxford, for fine views of the comet Panstarrs. It was only just visible to the naked eye but the tail showed well in binoculars. Given a few more clear skies, it should be visible over the next few evenings in the western sky, about half an hour after sunset, low down below the new Moon.

Panstarrs C/2011 L4 from Oxford - 13th March 2013
Nikon D300s with 70-300VR @210mm - 1/4s@f/5.3 ISO400

Panstarrs C/2011 L4 from Oxford - 13th March 2013
Nikon D300s with 70-300VR @80mm - 1/10s@f/4.8 ISO400

Panstarrs C/2011 L4 from Oxford - 13th March 2013
Nikon D300s with 70-300VR @300mm - 1/10s@f/5.6 ISO400

We can hope that it is an omen for a good butterfly season

Mike

[Padfield]

That's brilliant, Mike!

We haven't had a clear western horizon here for about two weeks of evenings so not a glimpse for me. It snowed most of today and when the sun shines, cloud bubbles up everywhere. But your piccies give me some hope! It has obviously reached a reasonable magnitude.

Guy

[David M]

Thanks for the pics, Mike. Above and beyond and all that...

Sadly, as is often the case, cloud has been in far too abundant supply here in Swansea, which is a shame, because right now, my daily commute (6.50am) seems to coincide with when this comet is visible.

[legless2007]

Great pics, thanks for sharing. Its been cloudy every possible evening here.

[MikeOxon]

Thanks for the comments - it makes standing in a freezing field worthwhile! I nearly didn't post as I thought it was, perhaps, a bit off-topic even for this site

[David M]

Not at all, Mike. I wish I could have done justice to it myself. Sadly, south Wales is far cloudier than most of the rest of the country so opportunities have been limited.