March 18, 2013
You were born on a tiny world orbiting an ordinary star in an unremarkable galaxy — and yet, the fact that you exist at all is the most...
Comet PANSTARRS Just After Sunset
Birthday · March 18, 2013
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APOD published March 18, 2013. Credit: Chris Cook. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
Have you seen the comet? As Comet PANSTARRS fades, careful observers -- even with unaided eyes -- should still be able to find the shedding ice ball on the western horizon just after sunset. Pictured above, Comet PANSTARRS (C/2011 L4) was pointed out from a hilltop last week on First Encounter Beach in Massachusetts, USA. The comet was discovered by -- and is named for -- the Pan-STARRS astronomical sky survey that discovered it. As the comet now recedes from both the Earth and the Sun, it will remain visible further into the night, although binoculars or a small telescope will soon to be needed to find it. Growing Gallery: Comet PanSTARRS at Sunset
Image credit: Chris Cook