The weather was perfect last night/early this morning, not a cloud in sight.
I was determined to try for a shot at the comet but was worried it would be too low from here at around 5 deg.
Got the scope setup but the moon was quite bright so I wasn't too sure how I'd go with the images.
It was an amazing sight although a bit dim in the viewfinder.
Processing it was a bit of a challenge as you can see, it's such a low object so atmospheric turbulence plays havoc with the light path.
This is a stack of 38 x 15 sec (9.5 min Total) exp, 800 ISO, Prime Focus 12" LX200, f/10.
Wow - 5°, now that is a LOW altitude! I’m astounded that atmospheric extinction did not obliterate the object. You have done a remarkable job in capturing and processing this diffuse object at such a low altitude. Well done Andrew!
That's a beauty Andrew, certainly is a different way of looking at Comets, I find it hard to understand really, without a tail, is it imaged head on or something like that.
Good work Andrew. I think that you to set two things and then the image will be great:
1) White balancing: using a level layer in PS and then balancing the 3 channels looking at the color histo;
2) Just resize down: 50%-75% is a good interval, because the image scale is very high at f/10.
Thanks everyone I appreciate your feedback and hope everyone has a chance to see it, David_P if you happen to be in the area you're welcome to drop in for a visit mate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis
Wow - 5°, now that is a LOW altitude! I’m astounded that atmospheric extinction did not obliterate the object. Dennis
Quote:
Originally Posted by fringe_dweller
woah! thats sure is a fine close-up RB! amazing considering altitude of comet, thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by h0ughy
Nice work Andrew. it looks slightly over processed but I am sure that is totally due to the latitude of the object. Awesome work mate!!!
As you've mentioned it's very low at 5 deg above horizon so it was very difficult indeed. Houghy you're right the processing is heavy and I suppose using the 20Da certainly altered the colour response but it is reflecting sunlight and being so low did make it quite yellow I suppose.
Quote:
Originally Posted by leon
That's a beauty Andrew, certainly is a different way of looking at Comets, I find it hard to understand really, without a tail, is it imaged head on or something like that.
leon
Yes exactly Leon, we are looking directly head-on at the comet, but there have been reports it is developing a small tail.
Only time will tell I guess.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anto
Good work Andrew. I think that you to set two things and then the image will be great:
1) White balancing: using a level layer in PS and then balancing the 3 channels looking at the color histo;
2) Just resize down: 50%-75% is a good interval, because the image scale is very high at f/10.
Regards, Antonello
Antonello thank you so much for your advice, I always enjoy your work.
I've had another go at adjusting the levels and resized the image.
In the original I thought the histogram looked balanced but the image was quite orange/yellow and I assumed it was because the comet was so low and I used a 20Da to image it.
If you would like to have a play with my image you're very welcome, I'd love to see it.
That's a beauty Andrew, certainly is a different way of looking at Comets, I find it hard to understand really, without a tail, is it imaged head on or something like that.
leon
leon it would be an amazing comet that had a significant tail to our eyes when it is 2.5 au from the sun!!!! its the proximity to the sun that gives you the better tails - think of mcnaught also it is 1.6 au or roughly around 230 million klms distant from us, so a tail isnt gonna poke ya in the eye from there
Up Close & Personal with Comet 17/P Holmes
![[1ponders]'s Avatar](../vbiis/customavatars/avatar45_9.gif){kind=avatar}
thats sure is a fine close-up RB! amazing considering altitude of comet, thanks!
also it is 1.6 au or roughly around 230 million klms distant from us, so a tail isnt gonna poke ya in the eye from there 
