Community Corner
Look to Sky Tonight as Comet Makes Appearance in Northern Hemisphere
After months appearing in the Southern Hemisphere night sky, the first of two bright comets predicted for 2013, Comet Pan-STARRS, will be visible to Sonoma County residents.
More brilliant than any comet seen in recent years, Comet Pan-STARRS will make its Northern Hemisphere debut tonight after months of visibility to skygazers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Fox News reports the comet will be visible to the unaided eye. To see the comet, look for it in the west, just to the left of the point on your horizon where the sun sets, shortly after sunset over the next few days. Comet Pan-STARRS will be at its brightest Sunday, March 10, when it makes its closest approach to the sun.
Local weather in the Rohnert Park-Cotati area calls for possible cloud cover tonight, but clear skies through the weekend.
Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatifor free with the latest updates from Patch.
SPACE.com will provide up-to-date information on sighting opportunities for the comet.
Fox News reports that two comet-watching dates to prepare for will be next Tuesday and Wednesday, March 12 and 13. On those evenings, the thin crescent moon will be close to the comet in the sky, and depending on the size and direction of the comet's tail, the moon may actually be silhouetted against the tail March 13.
Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatifor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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