The past three days were all hazy to overcast -- finally caught a glimpse of the comet tonight, just minutes before it set. High cirrus clouds kept sweeping in front of it up to that point.

that was cool.

I had gone out Tuesday night to look, but I didn't see it. After seeing your post, I tried again last night (Thursday). I found it. I'm in northern Virginia, 38.8 degrees north latitude. I could almost make the comet out with the naked eye, but not quite. With binoculars though, there was no doubt. Local sunset on Thursday was 7: 14 or so. I was able to see it from 7:30 on. I do not have an unobstructed view in any direction, so once the comet was in the trees, it was gone. But for them, I would have been able to follow it longer. The tail is much more vertical in appearance now.

http://vimeo.com/61783393

http://vimeo.com/dffinnerty

Explanation: Have you seen the comet? As Comet PANSTARRS fades, careful observers -- even with unaided eyes -- should still be able to find the shedding ice ball on the western horizon just after sunset. Pictured above, Comet PANSTARRS (C/2011 L4) was pointed out from a hilltop last week on First Encounter Beach in Massachusetts, USA. The comet was discovered by -- and is named for -- the Pan-STARRS astronomical sky survey that discovered it. As the comet now recedes from both the Earth and the Sun, it will remain visible further into the night, although binoculars or a small telescope will soon to be needed to find it.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130318.html