My DREADFUL attempt at C/2022 ZTF!!

[wesdon1]

Hi all, I wasn't going to post this, because I'm so ashamed of how awful it is, but I decided I might as well, because although awful, it was my first ever attempt at a comet, plus I'm still new to astrophotography, and still struggling to use editing software like Siril, Gimp etc etc. It also represents progress, because just 1 month ago, I couldn't polar align properly, I couldn't even use Deep Sky Stacker properly! LOL. So it is indeed progress! ( Please be gentle! LOL. ) 

Camera - Canon EOS DSLR *unmodified

Telescope - ALTAIR ED 66/400 APO

Mount - Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro

Filter - Optolong L-Pro 1.25"

15 x 60sec LIGHTS

ISO - 1600

Unguided

Processed in Deep Sky Stacker, GIMP.

*For reference, the bright Star to the lower left of image is Capella, in the Constellation Auriga. C/2022 ZTF was easy to find on 5/6 Feb. due to being so close to Capella.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 9, 2023 by wesdon1
had to crop image due to awful vignetting!

[PeterCPC]

That's not dreadful. At least you got it.

[callisto]

It's more than I've got... well done 

 

Mark.

[UKDiver]

Weather and my timing has been terrible here. I've not even seen it!

[tomato]

You are being way too hard on yourself. You have framed the comet with a bright star, and you have a registered comet and fixed stars in the background.

Imaging fast moving comets is like on page 986 of the Astrophotography manual.👍

[maw lod qan]

I'd would have a dislocated shoulder from patting myself on the back!

Well done!

[Paul M]

I actually like it. Capella adds something to the image.

You could, if you really needed to, claim this as an image of Capella and , oh, look at that, I got some random comet in there too!:)

[orion25]

Not a bad image at all! 👍

[RobertI]

Nice capture, and I agree that having Capella in the same frame provides a really nice contrast.  

[wesdon1]

On 09/02/2023 at 14:10, tomato said:

You are being way too hard on yourself. You have framed the comet with a bright star, and you have a registered comet and fixed stars in the background.

Imaging fast moving comets is like on page 986 of the Astrophotography manual.👍

@tomato Aww wow, that's so kind of you to say! Thanks! I am getting better with every session outside, and my only regret is I didn't pursue this decades old ambition of getting into astronomy/astrophotography. I have loved astronomy since primary school, but my parents could never afford to buy me a telescope. Then in my late teens and 20's, I was too busy chasing woman and partying after work at weekends. It wasn't until my early 30's that I settled down, stopped partying, and FINALLY invested in  a decent telescope. I wouldn't swap this incredible hobby for anything now! Thanks again for such kind comments!

[wesdon1]

On 09/02/2023 at 18:19, Paul M said:

I actually like it. Capella adds something to the image.

You could, if you really needed to, claim this as an image of Capella and , oh, look at that, I got some random comet in there too!:)

@Paul M hahah that's a great idea Paul! Thank You so much for commenting and such kind comments Paul.

[wesdon1]

On 09/02/2023 at 17:57, maw lod qan said:

I'd would have a dislocated shoulder from patting myself on the back!

Well done!

@maw lod qan Aww wow thanks for such kind comments Maw Lod Qan! 

[Scooot]

No Star trails in a Comet image is a great result.  

[PESKYWAABBIT]

Lovely photo mate. Keep these up. You've probably learnt loads ready for the next comet!

[wesdon1]

20 hours ago, Scooot said:

No Star trails in a Comet image is a great result.  

@Scooot My goodness, I never even thought of that! Thank You for pointing that out to me my friend! Thanks so much! Means the world!