Sunday, October 13, 2024

C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS First evening photograph, how to film and where to look East Coast USA 2024

 

C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS


Chesapeake Bay

C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) First evening photograph, how to film and where to look East Coast USA

"The Comet I could Not See!"

Well, this was a tuff one. Had read many of the articles and planned on filming the first possible evening sighting of the comet Atlas on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, at Kiptopeake. This was a great advantage because of the very clear horizon line across the Chesapeake Bay looking west.

The filming window was short, starting at 7:15 pm Saturday night October 12th, three of us started peering at was supposed to be the exact location of the comet about 12 degrees above the horizon at 260 degrees west. This would put it visually about an inch south of the sunset viewing with the naked eye which equates to approximately 24mm. I will list the camera gear below and settings, nothing dramatic at all.

Here is the rub, the window was only 15 to 20 minutes or so to see Comet A3, that was it. So naturally in my normal “Fear” of setting up the camera gear correctly, I went ahead and set focus at 200mm on an abject across the Bay (The Chamberlin Hotel). I was set up at Kiptopeake, and focousing on a building across the Bay in Hampton Virginia. I figured this would be the best focus I could get for the comet considering I may not be able to see the comet to focus correctly. Good thing I took this step, because I never saw the comet with the naked eye!

So 7:15 pm came, and went. No comet. Ok, been down this road before, give it a little more time and we will see if it shows its ARSE. The problem is, there was little time. The comet was only a hair above the atmosphere visually, so it was going to be lost pretty quick. As hard as all three of us looked, we never saw the comet. So what to do?

I had the camera on the tripod and set the position to 260 west, 12 degreed above the horizon. Nothing. Next, I cranked the ISO a bit but not to much as to blow out any details. Took a “blank” exposure meaning there was nothing visual in the scene except the horizon.

Once the exposure was complete, hit the review button, zoomed in as far as the preview monitor could and scanned the image. It really did not take much review because the comet was dead ahead just where it was supposed to be, but not visible to the naked eye. Next, zoom the lens in taking a few test exposures to make sure I was keeping the comet in frame. Once fully at 200mm the comet almost filled the screen.

Now I started cranking out the exposures because we only had maybe 10 minutes left before the comet would vanish below the horizon.

So the scene with the foreground with the concrete ship worked, everything was where it was supposed to be, however, had to take a leap of faith at first that something would be there even if we could not see it. Sorta like life in general, I guess.

This night was only after 48 hours of filming the Northern Lights here in Virginia Beach, something never had seen before. What a weekend!

Camera was an SL2, Tamron 18 to 200mm shot mostly at 200 / 320 Equivalent. Shutter ranged from 10 to 15 seconds, Iso 800 to 1600. The comet was not enlarged in the photo and there was very little post processing. For the most part, that is what it looked like RAW out of camera. The foreground was shot on the same rig at 70mm

On every astro shoot my knowledge base of photography has been expanded. Tonight was no exception.

The Comet ATLAS will be easier to see over the next 10 days because it will be rising higher in the sky each night. I wanted this first shot to be close to the horizon just after sun set, the colors are amazing. Risky way to shoot, but it worked this time.

Take this opportunity to get out and see the comet ATLAS! You will be glad you did.

Look Up!!

Jim Baugh

Jim Baugh Outdoors TV

jbotv@outlook.com

(804)240-7577 USA


Comet Atlas / 260 degrees west / 12 degrees above the horizon Oct 12th 7:15pm-7:45

Gear / Cannon SL2, Tamron 18-200 on a tripod, F4, shutter 10 to 15 sec exposures, ISO 800-1600

Filming Location / Eastern Shore of Virginia, Kiptopeake.

The Northern Lights Filmed 48hrs prior Chics Beach, Virginia BEach VA.


Thursday, October 10, 2024

New Nightscape!! : "Northern Lights over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel."

 New Nightscape!! : "Northern Lights over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel."

Not lying, this was a first for me! Totally awesome experiance filming down on Chics Beach to witness the Northern Lights for the first time. Nice crowd of folks enjoying the astro scenery.
Now get out there and get yourself some!
Heading to the Eastern Shore for the weekend filming the comet, great time for Astrophotography!
Godspeed,
JIm B







Photo Info:
Cannon SL2, exposure 8 seconds, 1600 ISO, Tokina F2.6 11mm