The anticipation has been building for many months as observers in the northern Hemisphere have waited for their first view of Comet C/2011 L4 PanSTARRS (Wikipedia; EarthSky). The comet has been visible to observers in the southern hemisphere for quite some time and the photographs have been impressive.

The comet made its closest approach to the sun today (10 March 2013) and has been visible in the northern hemisphere for the past day or two (or three) but has been so close to the sun that it was difficult to see. Today there was enough separation between the comet and the sun that it could be seen about 30 minutes after sunset when the sky had darkened enough. But because it is still so close to the sun it set shortly after that so there was only a short viewing period. This should get better over the next few days and weeks as its orbit back out into the solar system takes it farther from the sun.

The next best photo opportunity will be on 12 March 2013 when the crescent moon will pass close to the comet.