My First Ever Comet Image

[SeedyF]

Please don't laugh

Comet Lovejoy C/2013 R1. This was my first dabble at any sort of long exposure with the ZWO ASI120MC. The comet was absolutely beautiful - so easy to spot and a great bright coma. I was picking out a little tail with averted vision and this image doesn't really do it justice. Despite the fact I got up at 4.45am to look at it and then left for work at 7am it was well worth the effort.

This was taken using the following:

ASI120MC camera

Skywatcher Flextube 250PX Goto Dob

7.5 sec exposure captured in Sharpcap

Processed for noise, lighting and contrast in Photoshop

I need to get some time playing with the camera to get more out of it.

[Beardy Bob]

That's dedication. I'd love to get me mages of comets this year, but they're all around at silly-o'clock in the morning! Good on you!

[starman1969]

Nice image there. Glad it was worth the effort for you.

I got up early myself to see if I could see it. I could not, but at least my camera picked up something so that made it worthwhile.

[Pete Presland]

congrats and nicely captured!

[stevetynant]

Nice image there. Glad it was worth the effort for you.

I got up early myself to see if I could see it. I could not, but at least my camera picked up something so that made it worthwhile.

If you can keep your eyes open long enough you don't need to get up so early for Lovejoy - I caught an excellent view at around midnight in the N East sky - admittedly lower on the horizon but if the 5am shift is still a bit daunting its definitely doable.

Great image by the way - explains why I couldn't see a tail