Comet Lovejoy from Adelaide (22/12/11)

swannies1983 (Dan) · #1 22-12-2011, 06:26 AM

Got up at 3.30 this morning and drove down the road to a better vantage point. I couldn't see the comet with the naked eye until about 3.45. It then gradually rose higher and was easier to see. Certainly looks like a beacon of light coming up over the horizon. Here are a few snaps.

Camera: Canon 400D
Exposure: 30secs (except the second one which was 10secs)
ISO800
All at about 50mm

Pics one and two are from an OK vantage point. Pity about the lights. A bit windy as well and I don't have a tripod. They were taken on the roof of my car. The third was from my backyard. Much less light pollution but horizon is obstructed.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #2 22-12-2011, 06:32 AM

Thats awesome! I really gotta get out to take pics of this one.... Will head out tomorrow morning I think. Dan those are some good shots, what F# was the lens?

swannies1983 (Dan) · #3 22-12-2011, 06:35 AM

Thanks Andrew. They were at F4.0. Not happy with the first shot as it's a bit soft. Either due to poor focus or wind given it was a 30sec exposure.

Check out Marcus' pics on the SA thread (weatherzone). Spanking! Best I have seen so far.

Outbackmanyep · #4 22-12-2011, 06:42 AM

Nice ones Swannies! Im getting used to early morning starts now!

swannies1983 (Dan) · #5 22-12-2011, 06:45 AM

Thanks. I have toddler so I'm used to early starts

. Mind you, I've only had about 8 hours sleep in the last two nights as I have been doing some imaging. First real chance for a while.

iceman (Mike) · #6 22-12-2011, 07:04 AM

Nice shots!

Quote:

Originally Posted by swannies1983

Check out Marcus' pics on the SA thread (weatherzone). Spanking! Best I have seen so far.

Can you post a link?

swannies1983 (Dan) · #7 22-12-2011, 07:07 AM

http://forum.weatherzone.com.au/ubbt...ai#Post1046679

iceman (Mike) · #8 22-12-2011, 07:12 AM

Yeh they're beautiful!

astronobob (Bob) · #9 22-12-2011, 07:13 AM

Top work considering your method and conditions, Id be happy with them, they show some great tail structure ! super !

Liz · #10 22-12-2011, 07:15 AM

Coupel of good ones thee Dan, yeah the first is a bit wobbly on the car!!

That tail looks loooong - anyone have a measure on it today???

swannies1983 (Dan) · #11 22-12-2011, 07:18 AM

Thanks all. Yeah, I'm a little disappointed with the first image as well Liz. The wind should be lighter tomorrow morning so I will try again. I might also reduce the exposure length and up the ISO. Not sure as it's all about experimenting.