Deep Comet Lovejoy

[dvj (John)]

Ditto

what everyone else has said

and the numerous short exposures is a great idea

[tornado33]

Hi again.
I wish Id taken in the mount on previous days, it made a great difference. Sadly, today it was not good conditions, a lot of cloud intruding, but I went ahead regardless, this time tracking by using my 1986 vintage "Sampson" GEM mount, and increasing to 30 second exposures. I didnt use in camera N/R to save time and get more exposures in. Was a lot of cloud in each sub but as it was moving it only shows up badly in the bottom part of final image

Image is 69x30 secs ISO800, 50mm f1.8@ f2.8. I just set camera on multiexposure, 30 secs locked down shutter release remote switch and let it go, occasionally interrupting proceedings to check how it was going. The thick cloud near horizon caused some alingment problems with the stars (as there werent any) hence the distortions near the bottom of image.

Larger sized version here

Scott

[swannies1983 (Dan)]

Nice work. How's it looking naked eye? Noticed much of a drop off in brightness?

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Great shots Scott, some fine work there, it looks so bright

Good to see the Samson still doing its thing decades after its construction.

Mike

[tornado33]

Thanks all.
Yep still holding its brightness well even though some cloud and haze could see it easily.

The ol sampson mount is going well. Easy to transport when only using camera and small lenses no counterweights needed as shaft heavy enough on its own. Drive
corrector runs off car battery or 240v
Scott

[naskies (Dave)]

Great job - probably one of the best close up shots I've seen of the comet yet. I like the colours in your first image - it just looks so majestic the way it streaks. You've inspired me to aim for something similar tonight... clouds permitting!