I Captured a Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
Whenever we have some cosmic object coming close by and is possible to spot, I am there to try to find and capture it. Usually, this object is a comet, what else there is that comes near us? I still haven't seen any aliens so that's that.
I was quite worried that I will miss the opportunity to photograph this comet because the window to take the picture is about a month in total and about a week when it makes its closest approach. I was worried due to our weather because very rarely do we have a clear sky and the possibility to see space. I was lucky that on the evening of 31st January, the model showed me two hours of clear sky and I took the chance. Fortunately, the sky was mostly clear for these couple of hours. This comet was its closest on 2nd February but I didn't get to choose the date so 31st Jan was my only chance.
I drove to a relatively dark area and began the finding process. I was hoping to see it with my naked eyes because it is possible but I didn't, it wasn't dark enough due to the full moon. Took me some time to find it in the sky but I did it.
A bright green spot with a dust trail is the comet. It's not some beautiful space photo, it's quite a bad shot actually but the idea is my goal. I always love to capture space/deep space objects. Anyone can watch pictures from google but getting to capture one myself is another thing and makes me feel good.
It is taken with my 200mm Tamron lens with ISO 2000, 10-sec shutter speed, and f2.8. Below is a shot with a lower iso, so it's a bit darker.
I am glad that I got it captured because you won't get another chance. The last time, this comet made a close approach to us was 50 thousand years ago, neanderthals were able to see it too then. I read something that it's quite possible that this is its last close approach because it gets shifted on its trajectory and this means it will pass us much farther away next time.
You are still able to see it with some good binoculars but by now it's farther away. You also need a dark place to spot it.
It was cool to see this comet but to be honest, the one I photographed back in 2020 looked much cooler with its long dust trail. If you want to, you can find it's post here. The name of this one is C/2020 F3 Neowise.
Have you ever tried to capture some space objects besides the moon and stars?
Don't forget to participate in my monthly weather guessing game here and you might win 10 HIVE. The game is open until the 17th of February.
I have always had an interest in space but have never tried to capture any celestial objects. Your passion for capturing these moments is inspiring.
I'll definitely have to try capturing some space objects soon 🔭
For sure worth trying! I wish u luck.
So cool! It’s so standout from the others. Do you use an app to locate it? I had taken pics of the sky before but it had too many noise and I wanna learn it someday.
I use Stellarium app to get an approximate location in the sky. Then I need to fully locate it manually if its not visible to naked eye. Doing a lot of test shots.
Yeah, dim objects in the sky need raised ISO levels, cant raise shutter speed too much also. Camera needs to tolerates higher iso readings, thats for sure. Fortunately my new one is really good at it.
Isn't so cool, right? I have always had fascination of heavenly bodies.. Never had one comet photo though..I've only seen them with my naked eye the least I expected it. Its appearance usually happens in seconds.
Definitely cool.
I think you are thinking that you have seen a meteorite, commonly known as falling star. Visible comet is quite a rare sight and hard to spot with naked eye if you dont know where to look. Comet also does not appear to be moving but stays stationary in the sky.