As our Observatory Director, Dan Marcus likes to say “It’s all about having fun”. For about the last week, BAA members have been doing just that, having fun with a bright comet. It’s been way too long since northern hemisphere stargazers have had a decent comet as most of the fun of late has been in the southern hemisphere. After several promising comets fizzled out earlier this year, Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) is putting on a show in the predawn sky.
Starting around July 2nd reports started to show up on online stargazing sites, that the Comet was visible and bright. The comet could be found very low in the northeastern horizon immediately prior to sunrise (click here to find and observe the comet). Several members started to get up very early (well before sunrise) to observe and capture the comet, sharing their plans and results on the Member Forum. Members really love to share their experiences with other members and the public. Members have taken to various platforms (social Media, BAA Member Forum, Zoom etc…) to share their experience virtually with their fellow members, friends, and families.
Here are just a few of the images captured this week by our members (click on the images to view a larger version of the image).
Image of Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) captured by Patrick Crants on July 7, 2020. Pat captured this image through his Sky-Watcher 120 ED telescope and ZWO ASI170 camera.
Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) photobombed by the ISS. Image captured by Patrick Crants on July 7, 2020 with Canon 1DX and a Tamron 150-600 mm lens (@ 150 mm).
Image of Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) captured by Phil Newman on July 8th. Phil used a Canon T4i and his Canon 70-200 F/2.8 lens @ 200 mm.
Image of Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) captured by Patrick Crants on July 1oth. Patrick used his Canon 1DX and Tamron 150-600 mm lens @ 150 mm.
Image of comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) captured by Dan Marcus on July 12th. Dan used a Canon T3i and 200 mm lens.on July 10th
Image of comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) captured by Dan Marcus on July 12th. Dan used a Canon T3i with 55 mm lens.
Image of comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) captured by Ernie Jacobs on July 12th. Ernie used a Canon T6i and Canon 50 mm f/1.8 lens.
How to Find, Observe and Photograph Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE)
For the next few days, early (before sunrise) is the only option. you will need a good view to the NE horizon. The comet is about one fist held out at arms length below the bright star Capella (located in the constellation Auriga). Dark Skies help (especially to see the comet without optical aid), but the good view of the horizon is a must. Try to be out to your observing location by 4 AM. So far this week the “sweet spot” has been between 4:15 am and 4:45 am. The comet is visible to the naked eye, but it is best to find it in binoculars first, then try to locate it without optical aid. A small telescope, like a spotting scope or birding scope will work well too.
Path of Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) before sunrise for the next several days.
Around July 12 – 15, the comet will appear early in the evening sky very close to the NW horizon, well below the bowl of the Big Dipper. The comet will continue to rise after that and start to approach the Big Dipper.
Path of Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) in the evening sky after July 12th. Image made using Sky Safari 6 Pro for Mac.
How to photograph the Comet:
Want to try to capture a picture of the comet? Have a DSLR and a tripod? Observatory Director Dan Marcus offers some advice for finding and photographing the comet. According to Dan, the same advice hold true for when you look for it in the morning or evening sky. You will need a LOW horizon to see it and a compass to help you get the right bearing. Use a 50 mm lens and put it where you think the comet should be located. If you are in morning or evening twilight (sky not fully dark), start by using you the camera’s automatic setting mode and reduce the exposure until the camera says it is too dark. You’ll want to under expose the image so the sky is a dark blue and not washed out. If the sky is dark you will need to use the camera’s manual settings. Regardless if you use the camera’s automatic or manual settings, don’t overexpose the image as overexposing the image will cause the sky and the comet to appear washed out.
Also, most smartphones have really impressive low light capability. You can snap an image through the eyepiece of binoculars or a telescope. Also, you may be able to capture the comet in a wide-field shot. Having the phone on a tripod or leaning on something stable will help with getting a sharper image. Learn how to manipulate exposure, focus, and zoom controls on your phone to get the best results.
