My humble (not Hubble) Lovejoy

[Matt Wastell]

Hi all
I have been itching to attempt some images of this great comet - weather has been an issue. I got up at 2am on Christmas day without any real success - and then again this morning (already feels like last week!).
Nikon D3100, 15mm, ISO 800 0r 1600?, exp 30 secs - I must admit I am pleased with the efforts albeit basic compared to some of the excellent images going around - it is my first attempt at this type of object.
Thanks for looking

[supernova1965]

Nice ones Matt:thumbsup:

[m@s]

First attempt or not, these are nice pics, Matt :)
Well done.
But, please, could you explain what those strange foreground "trees" are?

[Dennis]

Good on you Matt for making the effort. I love the views you have provided – thanks!

Where did you shoot these from?

Cheers

Dennis

[Matt Wastell]

Hi Marc

Those trees are some arty thing at Lota (Brisbane). I think they are anchors and sea stuff!?

Thanks for looking!

[Matt Wastell]

Hi Dennis

Lota (near Manly) just opposite the Lota Takeaway shop!

Have a great day!

[renormalised]

Nice shots, Matt:)

I was wondering about the thingies too....one looks like a demented sextant!!!:):P

Some added interest to the piccie:)

[Quark]

Well done Matt, certainly has made Christmas 2011 most memorable.

Regards
Trevor

[supernova1965]

My old stomping ground's when I was a teenager OH the memories:D

[jjjnettie]

Nicely done.
You NEED to get out to a dark site though, you won't regret it.

[Matt Wastell]

Yes I know but I am tired and I am not sure a drive will suit me???
Any cheeky places around Brisbane? Ideally within 1 hour.[

QUOTE=jjjnettie;802705]Nicely done.
You NEED to get out to a dark site though, you won't regret it.[/QUOTE]

[naskies]

Nice work, Matt. I agree that a dark site is key... I drove 13 hours roundtrip in one day just to escape the clouds and capture it on Christmas morning - totally worth it (results here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=84659)).

You can cross reference a light pollution map with Google Earth as per these instructions:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-404-0-0-1-0.html

Also worth cross referencing with SkippySky to check the cloud forecast:

http://www.skippysky.com.au/Australia/

[Matt Wastell]

Yes I saw your great images. I do not have the time to do the extended road trip - I will not use a tracking mount either so dark skies close to home will be the best I achieve tomorrow morning!

Thanks for the other details too!

[naskies]

The scenic rim area (Moogerah, Rathdowney, etc) is a reasonably close drive and is pretty dark - there are some great shots on here taken from Rathdowney.

[Matt Wastell]

Hi Dave

Rathdowney it is - I will let you know how it goes!