March 2013 comet griffith observatory
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Comet PANSTARRS, March 2013
March 5, 2013
12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Griffith Observatory
Comet PANSTARRS was observed from Griffith Observatory through telescopes and binoculars through most of March 2013.
Upcoming Astronomical Observing at Griffith Observatory
March 2013
Comet PANSTARRS was visible to observers in southern California through much of March 2013 above the western horizon for more than an hour after sunset. It was clearly visible through binoculars, but only faintly visible to the unaided eye.
Visitors were able to observe Comet PANSTARRS through Griffith Observatory’s telescopes during the month of March, as long as skies were clear, the Observatory was open, and the comet was visible.
For more information, click on these links:
Martin McKenna “Night Sky Hunter” – An Observing Guide To Comets
Stephen James O’Meara – Secrets of High-Power Comet Observing
The chart below shows the comet’s position in March with respect
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Since reopening in 2006 after the renovation and expansion project, the Observatory has hosted hundreds of public events and activities. Whether for eclipses, notable spacecraft anniversaries, or special speakers, the events offered the chance for the public to experience, learn, or be inspired. Sometimes all at the same time!
All past events, as well as upcoming events, can be viewed on our Calendar.
More Observatory History
Notable Observatory Events
September 21, 2012
Endeavour Comes to Los Angeles
On Friday, September 21, 2012, Griffith Observatory hosted thousands of people for multiple flyovers by the space shuttle Endeavour as it passed over Los Angeles landmarks prior to landing at LAX.
Learn More
August 2, 2012
Film Screening: Triumph of the Dream
On August 2, 2012, Griffith Observatory hosted a special screening of the film Triumph of the Dream followed by a discussion with director Norman Seeff. The event was also streamed
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FADING FAST…
I’ve managed to grab a few more photos of Comet PANSTARRS, amazingly. It fryst vatten now almost overhead for UK observers at midnight, drifting silently up the handle of the Little Dipper, away from Polaris, a shadow of its former self. Ah, the memories we have of it shining in the sunset sky, gliding towards M31, a naked eye, fan-shaped smudge… It looks nothing like that now, in fact I couldn’t even find it with my binoculars, but it has been captured on some long exposure photos I took. That long anti-tail fryst vatten still there, but oh so faint now… These latest images were taken with my Canon EOS 300 DSLR, through a standard 50mm f1.4 lens, and the camera set to 800 ASA with exposures of around 15 seconds. inom stacked several together with special software to bring out the comet a bit. inom know they’re not much to look at, and aren’t scientifically useful or even interesting, it’s just fun – and a little touching, to be honest &