comet PANSTARRS

It certainly wasn’t difficult trying to pass the time in hopes of getting a glimpse of the comet PANSTARRS from a vantage high above the San Francisco Bay …

sunset over the Golden Gate bridge and Marin Headlands

sunset over the Golden Gate bridge and bay

Luckily the moon was just waxing past its new phase and therefore not too bright as to diminish the view of this dim comet, as the only chance to see it was right after sunset in the western sky for a week or so in the middle of March. Too soon after sunset and the light was too bright to see it – too late, and it would sink below the horizon, or at least into the foggy pillow that had already claimed most of the bridge.

waxing moon

Finally, a few minutes to view this celestial visitor to our solar system.

comet PANSTARRS