- L9 minutes (3 frames)
Comet C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS) is located in the constellation Cygnus, at a distance of 723,156,514.4 kilometers from Earth. Its current coordinates are: right ascension 21h 40m 39s and declination +31° 04’ 46” (according to visible data). The comet’s last recorded magnitude was 16.3 (according to COBS data).
The comet will be visible in the morning sky and is predicted to reach magnitude eight, suitable for observation with binoculars, during March 2024.
It is part of a group of bright comets of 2024 that are worthy of attention and observation.
Comet Path for March 2024
In March, comet C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS) will pass through the region of the sky usually associated with summer, heading northeast through the constellations Ophiuchus, Aquila, Sagitta and finally into Vulpecula.
Of particular interest is its passage through the asterism **Collinder 399, also known as Brocchi's Cluster. Despite its name, this is not a true star cluster, but a visual asterism.
Convenient dates for observing
- March 1: Before the onset of astronomical twilight at 05:00 UT, the comet will be at an altitude of about 22° above the horizon (for central Great Britain). - By the end of the month, on March 31, its altitude will increase to 40°, when it will cross Coathanger.
Key nights for observing:
- March 3/4: The comet is close to the star Eta (η) Ophiuchi with a magnitude of +3.2.
- March 7: It is moving near the star 59 Ophiuchi (magnitude +5.2).
- March 14/15: It is located 3.3° northwest of Theta (θ) Ophiuchi (magnitude +4.6).
- March 22: The comet passes near the star Zeta (ζ) Aquila (magnitude +3.0).
Moon Influence
The Moon will begin to interfere with observations of C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS) from March 18 and will continue to do so until the end of the month.
- During the first half of this period, the Moon will be on the opposite side of the sky, without having a significant influence.
- During the last days of the month, it is recommended to observe the comet immediately after it appears above the horizon to minimize the influence of moonlight.
Why is C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS) interesting?
This comet is well located for observation, and its brightness and movement through known areas of the sky make it accessible even to amateur astronomers. The Coathanger crossing is a rare and spectacular moment that cannot be missed. Make sure your binoculars or telescope are set up to enjoy this impressive cosmic event.
Visibility chart of Comet C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS) throughout the day
| Date | Moon Phase | Exposure | CCD Temperature | Gain | Offset | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- 2023ixf•
- 40 Eri•
- Abell 74•
- Artemis A868 SA•
- a Canis Minoris•
- C 2020 R4 ATLAS•
- C 2020 T2 Palomar•
- C 2021 S3 (PANSTARRS)•
- Haumea (2003 EL61)•
- HCG 68•
- HCG 92•
- IC 1318B•
- IC 1396•
- IC 1795•
- IC 1805•
- IC 1848•
- IC 1871•
- IC 3322A•
- IC 342•
- IC 4015•
- IC 405•
- IC 417•
- IC 434•
- IC 443•
- IC 4703•
- IC 5070•
- IC 5146•
- IC 63•
- M 1•
- M 101•
- M 103•
- M 109•
- M 13•
- M 15•
- M 27•
- M 3•
- M 33•
- M 42•
- M 45•
- M 5•
- M 51•
- M 57•
- M 63•
- M 64•
- M 74•
- M 76•
- M 81•
- M 82•
- M 86•
- M 87•
- M 94•
- M 97•
- NGC 147•
- NGC 1491•
- NGC 1499•
- NGC 1579•
- NGC 1961•
- NGC 2146•
- NGC 2239•
- NGC 2403•
- NGC 281•
- NGC 4236•
- NGC 4565•
- NGC 4631•
- NGC 507•
- NGC 508•
- NGC 5866•
- NGC 5907•
- NGC 6503•
- NGC 6823•
- NGC 6888•
- NGC 6946•
- NGC 6992•
- NGC 6995•
- NGC 7000•
- NGC 7023•
- NGC 7129•
- NGC 7217•
- NGC 7331•
- NGC 7380•
- NGC 7538•
- NGC 7635•
- NGC 7640•
- NGC 7822•
- NGC 891•
- NGC 896•
- NGC 925•
- PGC 54559•
- Sh2-155•
- Sh2-168•
- Sh2 103•
- Sh2 109•
- Sh2 132•
- T CrB•
- UGC 6930•
- V1405 Cas•
- Vesta A807 FA•