The Memorable Experience Chasing Comet C/2012 F6 Lemmon

Finally I managed to get picture of the comet . WOW , is the feeling !!! 

During my observation on January 20th 2013, the comet lies in between the Southern Cross and it is actually moving fast towards the south . So before I loss the sight of it, I wanted to capture it .

Here, from latitude 5deg North, the Southern Cross would only go up to the maximum of 20deg from the horizon . So with the light pollution around the residential area and the lower target in the sky stopping me to take fine images unless I have moved to a rural area . 

I have started the scope setup at 3.30am today, January 20, 2013 . It was cloudy sky all the way until I see myself a better hope at 6.20am. When I see a fuzzy object in the sky (just below or southern to heart of Southern Cross) with 32 mm eyepiece (at magnification x31.25), I was excited . Yes, really excited for the first encounter with the comet .   

Very quickly and carefully mounted my camera on and started to snap . I could only go up to 20 seconds of exposure at ISO3200 because I do not want to gain more grain or noise in the frame .

Also I thought it would be interesting to do an animation to show the drastic movement of the Comet compared to the background stars . I have prepared 2 such animation . One with negative mode and the other with the original comet picture .The frames showing good movement of the Comet.  

I couldn’t do more photography as the twilight reaches and stars were fading its brilliancy against it . 

In overall, the comet made my day brighter . :-)

In negative mode.

3 frames. Total 5min. First at 6.36am and the last at 6.41am, January 20th, 2013

(interval between each frame - 0.50sec)

In its original color mode.

5 frames. Total 8min. First at 6.36am and the last at 6.44am, January 20th, 2013

(interval between each frame - 0.35sec)

Comet C/2012 F6 Lemmon

Report by

Veerayen M.

January 20th , 2013

Visit The Lick Observatory

One my first trip to US (San Jose) I've opportunity visit Lick Observatory . The Lick Observatory is situated on the summit of Mount Hamilton, of San Jose, California US . This is an astronomical observatory, Owned and operated by the University of California .

   

36" of Refractor type of telescope constructed for James Lick  still keep for public view and education. Founded on 1888 and there is many pictures has been preserved on wall for public view, on success story of early astronomical researcher using this telescope .

Me in front of Lick Observatory Main Building

36" Refractor Type Telescope in Main Building

View of Mount Hamilton during Winter