Howdy Gents,,
Im surprised I have not seen any post of this comet that Ive seen on the web over a week or so ago,, Im also out-of-touch with orbital elements ect, apparently this comet nears Leo in a few days soo, I must check Stellarium.
So just thought to put this out-there if any comet imagers are unaware.
The comet is an northern hemisphere object as it approaches the Sun, basically below the horizon for us, at either sunset or sunrise. North America and Europe and Asia are getting all the fun of this one. https://spaceweathergallery2.com/index.php?title=comet
The comet is an northern hemisphere object as it approaches the Sun, basically below the horizon for us, at either sunset or sunrise. North America and Europe and Asia are getting all the fun of this one. https://spaceweathergallery2.com/index.php?title=comet
Thnx for clarifying Jeff, some nice images there also. Maybe visable Down-Under after rounds the sun
There was a lady on the ABC claiming it can be seen in Australia, if you can find Venus in morning, it will be just below it. Visually a big ask but if your setup for (EEA) enhanced imaging, using Sharpcap frame alignment and stacking, you should be able to get a keeper photo. Would help alot to be from Brisbane north to get the elevation you need. Come on folks. It won't be around long. I have the gear and experience but I believe i am too far south.
Our best chance to see it in AU will be next week when it appears in the western sky at sunset, just below Mars. It will only be 5 deg above the horizon as it gets dark, so a good view to the western horizon will be needed.
The best evenings look to be 22/23 and 24th of September. The tail should be point straight up on the 23rd so that might still be visible after the head has set.
I have my location picked and the weather is looking clear up here in Mackay.
I am keen to try with a clear sky coming tomorrow evening. Alas, I am far too far south with a much longer twilight to contend with. Shall just enjoy the experience.
I'm going to have a crack tonight (Newcastle) with 10 x 50 binos. Have a clear elevated view to horizon.
Edit: Follow up - no comet sighted. Had Spica and Mars by 1820 local time, had surrounding stars (to Spica then Mars) by 1840 but nothing close enough to horizon due to light before comet set at 1854. More research to come.
Last edited by Bortle6; 24-09-2023 at 08:21 PM.
Reason: Follow up
I’ve managed to image it the last two nights but it’s a very difficult get. Not visible visually and I’ve just pointed the camera at what I hoped was the approximate location. Last night (23rd) I fluked a faint trace of the tail
Cool posts and good work on them images Joe & Rob-K.
It seems it travelled a fair way behind the sun and away from us for decent views but good to see how it went ,,,
cheers
Location: '34 South' Young Hilltops LGA, Australia
Posts: 1,328
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob_K
I’ve managed to image it the last two nights but it’s a very difficult get. Not visible visually and I’ve just pointed the camera at what I hoped was the approximate location. Last night (23rd) I fluked a faint trace of the tail
Thanks Dennis and Bob.
Great stuff getting that tail Rob. I was at a retirement & birthday party that night, was having a good time and decided to stay at the party to the evening.
Thanks guys! I managed to image the comet in evening skies until 28 September (montage of my best shots each night is attached) and now it's in morning skies for us. Still a very difficult target as it has faded off considerably.
I've imaged it (roughly!!!) the last two mornings and this morning's effort is attached. Not much to see after the show it put on in dark skies in the NHem!
