Three comets in one night

[lukebl]

Hi all,

I managed to capture three current comets this evening. I would have done a couple more if my obs had a better view to the north.

Only B/W, I'm afraid, taken with a Starlight Xpress SXVF-H9 on my Skywatcher f/4.7 250mm Newt. All were 20 x 2 minute exposures.

First up is C/2009 P1 Garradd, looking great in Hercules. This is now so bright that I found it really easily even during twilight, about magnitude 6.

Unfortunately, the next two aren't so impressive! Here is Comet 78P/Gehrels, which is currently about magnitude 12.5 and in the constellation of Pisces.

And this one is Comet 213P Van Ness, about magnitude 13.5 and only a few degrees from Gehrels in Pegasus.

Anyway, it was nice to see three in one night, as I'd never attempted that before! And here's an animation of the 20 images of Garradd, showing the movement over 40 minutes, interrupted by a satellite trail:

[Demonperformer]

Excellent going. I particularly like the animation - really shows how fast these things are travelling.

[JamesF]

Indeed. Nicely done.

James

[Pavel]

I think that centrepiece is an animation and this one is fine. Nevertheless, b/w has a special charm.