Comet 2014 Lovejoy Q2

[Les]

Comet Lovejoy 2014 is just visible to the naked eye and capturing this blue visitor from the depths of the outer Solar System is not that difficult if using a DSLR.

This image was taken piggyback on a driven equatorial mount,but good results can be obtained with just a standard tripod if exposure times are kept below 3 seconds which will mean ramping up the ISO.

The final image of the comet itself will be quite small among the stars and a telephoto with the f rating set low is recommended but even a standard 50mm fl will still get results. The final cometary image can be enlarged using freeware such a Fastone.

The comet can be found to the west(right) of the Pleiades or Seven Sisters star cluster,though its moving higher as the days go on.Its precise location can be found on websites such as Heavens Above.

If you want to have a go first locate the comet using  binoculars ,it will appear a round fuzzy blueish white smudge then train the camera on that part of the sky,some of the stars visible around the comet seen with the binoculars may be visible through the viewfinder use them as guides but turn the camera off so as not to be dazzled by the screen.Use a high ISO and keep the exposure down to 3 seconds.

I hope you have a try because this comet wont be back for 8,000 years!

Also be very careful as working in the cold and dark with freezing fingers can sometimes mean damage with dropped and kicked over equipment.

 

The image was obtained with a Canon EOS 1100D on a driven mount 60sec exposure  at 800ISO

 

[ChrisLumix]

Did you Tinker around with that shot?

 

(Some people will understand that...   )

[Paul]

I have to find the Pleiades first, I'll be lucky to see Lovejoy!

 

Impressive photo.

 

Paul.

[Paul]

I know why I do macro, not stars.

 

I assume this is Pleiades & the comet? Probably wrong on both counts...

 

 

Paul.

[Phonantiphon]

Nice shot!

I am looking forward to the day that I have a lens with enough oomph for that sort of thing.