Rare naked-eye comet now visible Viewers in US may be able to
see it with the naked eye A rare treat for sky watchers is
hovering overhead. Comet Pan-STARRS is now visible on the
western horizon in the Northern Hemisphere and viewers in the
United States may be able to see it with the naked eye. The
comet has been visible through telescopes in the Southern
Hemisphere for a while and amateur photographers are now posting
sightings online from the Northern Hemisphere. Scientists
estimate that naked-eye comets happen only once every five to 10
years, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. If you have a
clear view of the western horizon about 15 minutes after
twilight, you should be able to see the comet without using
binoculars or a telescope. It will look like a bright point of
light with its tail pointing nearly straight up from the
horizon, according to the laboratory. In a few days, the comet
may get lost in the sun's glare, but should be visible to the
naked eye again by March 12. This may be the best