Comet Lovejoy 3-1-12

[Lester]

Hi all,

I went to bed last night with thick cloud cover, so did not set the alarm. Woke up at 3:30 a.m to clear skies and a naked eye visible comet. The tail appeared very long, and was clearer to the naked eye than in 7x50 binoculars.

This image is a 4 minute exposure with 24mm lens at F2 and 20Da at ISO 800

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Comet%20images/38649ce2.jpg

This is the same image, but I tried a gradient removal in photoshop that has darkened the image. I think the first image may show the extent of the tail better.

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Comet%20images/43f33fcf.jpg

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Hi, Lester.

Nice images.

Iv'e been up since 2.00 am, imaged Eta Carina, but clouded out just in time for the comet.

Cheers,

Justin

[glenc]

Thanks again Lester. Your images are excellent.
It looks like the tail is nearly 30 degrees long but very faint.

[Lester]

Thanks Justin and Glen for your comments.

Justin the cloud we had last night had moved to the east and over your direction. I was surprised to have it so clear this morning.

Yes Glen the tail is very faint but extended over a hand span to my naked eye.

[Matt Wastell]

Hi Lester
The comet is looking better (albeit fainter) as it moves away from the glare of the Milky Way! Great pics - glad you woke to clear skies!

[CometGuy]

Wow Lester. I suspect the tail reaches the top of the field of view to the south of NGC3114 for a total length in excess of 40 degrees!

Terry

[Lester]

Hi Matt and Terry thanks for your comments. Terry I did take a second overlapping FOV in case the tail does extend out of this FOV. I will try a photostich and put it on here.

[Lester]

Took be a few goes, but I think this result is prity good, using Photostich. Images were 2 minute exposures at F1.4 with 24mm lens using 20Da at ISO 800.

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Comet%20images/33b1d6bc.jpg

[Shiraz]

great images Lester. Regards Ray

[jjjnettie]

You've inspired me to get out and have another go. :)
great shots

[Lester]

Thanks Ray and Jj. Here is another 2 photostiched, this time with 24mm lens at F2 and 4 minute exposure. This is better IMO.

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Comet%20images/aa2cafb6.jpg

[tornado33]

Great pics, very long tail. I had a play with Iris and came up with this. Its a nice deep image you have.
Scott

[Lester]

Thanks Scott, you have transformed my image. Still having problems with Iris, so applied for Pixinsight, but still waiting for a email code.