Look at This: Comet Pan-STARRS Makes Northern Hemisphere Appearance

Discover Magazine photo by Ernie Mastroianni.

Comet Pan-STARRS has been hidden behind clouds for much of the U.S. in recent days, but last night made a dazzling appearance.

Here the comet is seen just over the tree line at Harrington Beach State Park in Lake Church, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. The crescent moon, bathed in earthshine, is visible above. About a dozen people, including some from local astronomy group Northern Cross Science Foundation, witnessed the comet through binoculars and telescopes. However, the comet was difficult to see with the naked eye, and it set before the end of twilight.