Kip’s Comments - October 17, 2024 — LadagePhotography.com

Photographing What I Cannot See - Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) - Step-by-Step Instructions

Again tonight I photographed Comet A3 in the western sky. To my unaided eye the comet was not visible. All indications are the comet should be visible (perhaps with assistance) for some time yet. I did eventually find and photograph what I could not see in tonight’s night sky.

Since there may be others wanting to photograph the comet, I thought I would share my process for finding and photographing it. There may be other techniques… this is what I did.

Determine when the comet will be visible using Internet sources.
Set up camera(s) and tripod with clear view of the sky.
Using the phone app “Night Sky” I get a pretty good idea where to point my camera. I rest my phone on my camera for some aiming accuracy.
I then shoot a time lapse photo using my wide angle lens to take in as large of view of sky as possible. Camera is set for largest aperture, 10-15 second exposure, higher ISO as needed. I do not worry about white balance or composition at this time. Image quality is irrelevant. I am only trying to find my subject.
Study that image using the magnifier on your screen. Hopefully you see the comet somewhere on that frame. The comet may be anywhere in the frame. If the comet is not visible, then move your camera slightly to where the app indicated the comet should be. Remember, a minute movement on the top of your tripod will equal millions of miles of movement in deep space. It is very easy to lose sight of the comet with small camera adjustments.
If you see the comet in your first exploratory image, then realign your camera so the comet is where you want it in the frame. Again, take your time and move only slightly so you do not lose the comet.
Once you have your tripod aimed at the comet, then adjust your zoom lens or switch to a longer lens. Do NOT move the tripod head or camera!
Set your exposure (ISO (likely high), aperture (wide open), and shutter speed. You will want your shutter speed to be as fast as possible to minimize streaking of the comet and stars visible in the frame. (All bodies in the sky are constantly moving. You WILL record that movement, especially with a longer shutter speed and longer lens (think magnification).) This is the time to make the necessary exposure adjustments for acceptable images.
Adjust your white balance to accurately reflect sky colors. This may be in the 4000-4500-Kelvin range.
Fine focus your lens. I use “Live View” and adjust focus for as pin point as possible on nearby stars. To assure the sharpest focus, I will zoom in on my screen and use reading glasses for extra magnification.
Use your self-timer on your camera to open the shutter. I use a 2-second timer. You could also use a remote trigger if you wish.
Assuming you have recorded an acceptable image of the comet, you will now move to your computer to finesse the image.
Edit your image as you normally would. Expect to have to reduce noise due to using a high ISO for the image capture.
Share the image if you wish.
Reset your camera settings: Mode, ISO, and white balance so you are ready for daytime photography!