C/2019 Y4 (Atlas) 2020-04-08 2204 EDT (Reprocessed 2020-04-10)
Restacking note: This image uses DSS's comet mode, which compensates for the comet's motion relative to the background star field by 'freezing' the comet and allow the stars to drift, thus producing a sharper image of the comet.
I have been following this comet for several weeks, greatly anticipating its projected brightening to unaided eye visibility in May. Upon hearing that it is breaking up, several cloudy nights passed before this opportunity occurred.
The elongated coma visible in this photo is consistent with a comet that is breaking up. The current light curves show the comet dimming from its maximum about a week ago.
Still much to learn about shooting and processing cometary images, so I am certain that I can produce a better image than this. I will work on this skill, and I will re-image with a monochrome sensor and LRGB filters on the next clear evening.
Qty 8 frames (100 sec, ISO 1600) in Deep Sky Stacker (Comet mode)
Meade LX850 (12" f/8)/Canon EOS 60Da
C/2019 Y4 (Atlas) 2020-04-08 2204 EDT (Reprocessed 2020-04-10)
Restacking note: This image uses DSS's comet mode, which compensates for the comet's motion relative to the background star field by 'freezing' the comet and allow the stars to drift, thus producing a sharper image of the comet.
I have been following this comet for several weeks, greatly anticipating its projected brightening to unaided eye visibility in May. Upon hearing that it is breaking up, several cloudy nights passed before this opportunity occurred.
The elongated coma visible in this photo is consistent with a comet that is breaking up. The current light curves show the comet dimming from its maximum about a week ago.
Still much to learn about shooting and processing cometary images, so I am certain that I can produce a better image than this. I will work on this skill, and I will re-image with a monochrome sensor and LRGB filters on the next clear evening.
Qty 8 frames (100 sec, ISO 1600) in Deep Sky Stacker (Comet mode)
Meade LX850 (12" f/8)/Canon EOS 60Da