Bright comet 'lighting sky' as it flies by EarthBy Rebecca Morelle

[Judi Lynn]

8 March 2013 Last updated at 02:24 ET
Bright comet 'lighting sky' as it flies by EarthBy Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC World Service

Stargazers could enjoy a rare spectacle as a bright comet swings into the Northern Hemisphere.

The icy mass, called C/2011 L4 Pan-Starrs, should be visible with binoculars or a telescope from 8 March.

But in the following days, it will become even brighter and could be seen with the naked eye.

Astronomers in the Southern Hemisphere have already been treated to a fly past, with reports that the body was as bright as stars in the Plough.

More:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21701641

[longship]

1. N.B. We call the "Plough" the "Big Dipper" nt

[reteachinwi]

2. NASA

A nice overview.
http://www.space.com/20123-comet-pan-starrs-brightest-weekend.html

[Brigid]

3. Read about this on CNN website.

I tried to see it tonight with binoculars, but couldn't. I'll try again when the comet gets brighter. Hopefully it will stay clear.