A dim Lulin. - Page 2

Analog6 (Odille) · #21 22-02-2009, 07:04 AM

No, I didn't see it either from here on the far north coast of NSW.

What exposure did you use, Liz. I am planning an excursion tonight with 20D and #)D. One will have a 500mm f8 mirror lens on (if I can find the adapter) and the other a 300mm. I thought f8/.f11, ISO 1600 (or would 800 do). ANy advice appreciated here. And what time does it start to be visible?

Liz · #22 22-02-2009, 08:33 AM

Hi Odille ... The constellation of Leo is/has risen by 9pm (even earlier) in the east, and Saturn is quite visibile. The comet is on its way toward Saturn and will be aside/top of it on Tues 24th. It is visible from about 10pm onwards, but getting earlier each night.
Thus the comet is visible nearly all night now,vas moving very quickly. Difficult to see naked eye, unless know where to look/look for, but scanning the area with binoculars will show you where it is.
At the moment its about halfway between Saturn and Spica, in Virgo.
Mmm, it is difficult with a big lens, unless you can hit the area, spot on, but you may be lucky

Obviously short exp times, and play with ISO, maybe 800, but others can add, as I dont normally use a big lens (find it frustrating)

Good luck!!

Rain has set in here!!

Chart below shows Leo (like a sickle/hook) and Saturn, with path of the comet.

you can download a great map of the sky from
skymaps.com (for southern hemishere)

Analog6 (Odille) · #23 23-02-2009, 05:20 PM

Thanks for that, I'll let you know how I get on. I might go to bed and read for a while and set off about 11pm then. But I'll check from home first (we can see stars, just not the real faint ones, and north is the Gold Coast airport and the southern GC lights) to make sure I know where Saturn is.