C/2023 A3. Comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS - October 1st

[OzEclipse (Joe Cali)]

C/2023 A3 - Comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS
[20240930.77 UT]
148E, 34S
After a few days of cloud, I was very pleased to see the comets tail naked eye, sticking out of the horizon this morning before the head had even risen. The comet and tail is now easy naked eye.

The first few degrees of tail are easily visible. I could faintly see out to 9 degrees of tail with my naked [unaided] eye.

Visual magnitude estimate 10x42ED binoculars OUT OUT method - Estimate: Mv 3.2-3.3.
Comparison/ reference stars Mu Hyd [Mv3.81] Nu Hyd [Mv 3.09].

More than 10 degrees of tail visible in 15x70 binoculars.

When I saw the length of tail, I first concentrated on getting shots with the 135mmED lens. I think the tail is longer than 10 deg but it disappeared into the lens vignetting.


Later I started a short sequence using my 8" Vixen VC200L cassegrain astrograph, concentrating on the nucleus, coma and inner tail.


cheers

Joe Cali

[Derek Klepp]

Thanks for the pics Joe .Clouded here early but was visible out the kitchen window over the Optus tower at 4.25.I even woke up the better half for a view and a brief look with 8x42 binos.It is looking promising.