Comets C/2011 L4 and C/2012 F6

[CometGuy]

Here are 2 images obtained this morning (January 7.75 UT approx) showing:

1. Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS) against the Milkyway. Log processing used to reveal the comet better. Image made with C8 Hyperstar + QHY9, 32 x 20 second exposures. I could not see the comet visually in binoculars, but that is not suprising because of its low altitude and moonlight. It is around mag 8 however.

2. Comet C/2012 F6 (Lemmon). Again C8 Hyperstar + QHY9, 19 x 40 second exposures. I could see the comet visually in binoculars and estimated it at mag 7.7.

In both case the full field of view (2.4 x 1.8 degrees) is shown.

Terry

[blink138 (Pat)]

ow wow they are great terry.... what a field! (of view)
pat

[StephenM (Stephen)]

Nicely captured Terry! I'll have to have a go at these myself over the next week or two.

Cheers,
Stephen

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

Originally Posted by CometGuy

1. Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS) against the Milkyway. Log processing used to reveal the comet better. Image made with C8 Hyperstar + QHY9, 32 x 20 second exposures. I could not see the comet visually in binoculars, but that is not suprising because of its low altitude and moonlight. It is around mag 8 however.

Terry

Great images Terry. Thank you.

I had my first chance to visually observe Panstarrs C/2011 L4 from the dark skies of Mt Mee early this morning. I was using a 12" Dob and kept tabs on it from 3:30am through to 4:15am EST before the morning twilight washed out the sky. I could not see the comet through mounted 7 x 50 binoculars.

Out of the three comets that I was chasing (Lemmon, Linear and Panstarrs), this was the hardest to pick up. It does have a short tail but the fainter comets were easier to locate. I hope it puts on a good show.

Stu.