March 13, 2013 Comet Pan-STARRS above California (and AZ)

Here are some images of Comet Pan-STARRS from March 11 and 12.  On the 11th, my buddies Tom Tascone, Alok and Monica (and I) visited Death Valley for some photography and dark night sky viewing.  We managed to find a relative low spot in the mountains to the west, in the northern part of Death Valley near Mesquite Springs Campground (well north of Stovepipe Wells).  Tom found the comet with binoculars about 10-15 minutes before it disappeared behind the mountain, and I managed to get a few images of the comet even though it was very difficult to impossible to see with the naked eye.  My focus wasn’t very sharp, unfortunately, but I’ll share anyway!

The following day I was back home, but I had to work at the store during comet-viewing time.  I managed to sneak outside about 30 minutes after sunset for this image, and a zoom version.

And, finally, here is an image shared by Tom Tascone from near his home in Santa Clarita on March 12 as the comet and moon approached the horizon.

Late additions from Arizona!  Richard (Tank) Dickson shot these from somewhere near Casa Grande on March 13.  In case you don’t speak Spanglish, “Casa Grande” translates to “grand casa”.  Thanks, Tank!