Here’s how to photograph comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS(Astronomy Magazine)
This month of October is a special moment because it allows us to see comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS either through a telescope, camera or even with the naked eye.
That depends on whether the comet survives perihelion from September 27, when it passed within 58.6 million kilometers of the Sun.
Assuming it survives, it will be visible after October 11, a comet visible in the darkening twilight.
Did you know that this comet is nominated to be the brightest comet of 2024. It will likely become brighter starting around October 10. You may be wondering how best to photograph them.
So from October 10 onwards, comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS will most likely be easily visible to observers in the Northern Hemisphere if the sky is clear.
Here we’ll look at the best way to photograph comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS. Here’s everything you need to know about how to observe and photograph this beautiful comet.
Perfect time to photograph Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS from October 10 will appear close to the horizon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere, after sunset. That’s the ideal time to catch it over buildings, mountains, and trees.
On October 12, this comet will reach its closest point to Earth, which is about 44 million miles (71 million km) from Earth.
The observation period lasted from October 10 to the end of the month. It is at this time that the comet will likely be at its brightest and possibly very bright.
The Right Time to Photograph Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
“I have looked at possible times that it could be seen in the coming weeks in the northern hemisphere closer to the equator, the comet might be visible at dawn in late September, however, this is very close to sunrise,” suggested astrophotographer Ollie Taylor in September .
Ollie believes the right time is mid-October when the comet will be visible in the western sky after astro twilight for a short time at an altitude of around 4-8 degrees, depending on where you are.
Tools Needed to Photograph Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
You’ll need more than just a smartphone to photograph comet A3 if it’s very bright. The best results will come from using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings (so you can control aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and focus) and interchangeable lenses.
A wide-angle lens is required for astro landscape shots featuring Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS behind an interesting foreground.
You’ll need a zoom lens to capture it closer for more technical astrophotography images. Many astrophotographers will use a manual camera attached to a small telescope.
Whatever your considerations, lighting will be very necessary when shooting. So always carry and use a tripod.
How to Get Photos of Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
Focusing on Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS is difficult because it looks like a blurry blob, but unless you get a very sharp image, the stars in the background will be blurred, and the image will look like an amateur image.
Here are four ways to do it:
- Use autofocus to accurately focus the camera on something in the distance during the day, then disable autofocus and don’t touch the lens (or tape it with tape so it doesn’t move).
- Focus on the stars. Using the moon is another way. Using live view on your camera, point the camera at the star/moon, create sharper focus, then point the camera back at the comet.
- Use artificial light, focus on a light source about 30-40 meters away, and use live view perhaps even with autofocus to get nice, tight focus. Sources of artificial light can be street lights or lights in houses some distance away.
- Using infinity, focus on your lens, which may or may not be accurate, depending on your lens. Look for the ∞ symbol on the dial.
Experimentation is the essence of manual astrophotography. As a rule of thumb, use a higher ISO and shorter exposure times the more you enlarge the image.
It is also important to realize that settings at dusk will be different from those at night and lighting will change rapidly as light levels change.
Here are some starting points for catching Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS.
Use an 18-55mm wide-angle lens at different focal lengths, with long exposures of around 10 to 20 seconds and ISO 1600.
- Use a zoom lens at 75mm and an exposure time of about six seconds at ISO 800-3200.
- Use a 300mm zoom lens and a short exposure of 3.2 seconds at ISO 1600
- Whatever you use, think about a composition with a comet on top, something interesting, like a building, a tree, or anything else that fits into the landscape.
How to Photograph Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS Using a Smartphone
It’s not easy, and you’ll likely get little from just this image of the comet. However, with flagship smartphone cameras getting better, you can still give it a try.
- Use a tripod and manual app to control ISO and shutter speed and take multiple-second exposures, but experiment.
- Focus on a bright star or moon.
- Use your smartphone’s “night mode” (or something similar), which can produce usable images. Either way, a tripod is essential. (Z-12)
Source: BBC, Forbes
Capturing the Comet: A Guide to Photographing C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
Gather ’round, stargazers and amateur astrophotographers! October is upon us, and with it comes a celestial treat for those of us who fancy ourselves a bit of the cosmic photography. Yes, I’m talking about none other than comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS. Such a name, you might say, sounds like a failed spell from a Harry Potter book—thankfully, it’s real and probably more stunning than any Hogwarts tree branch!
Now, before we delve into the nitty-gritty of photographing this astronomical wonder, let’s address the big elephant in the room—in case this cheeky comet doesn’t survive its tango with the Sun, you may need to have a little faith or, shall we say, a few astrophysics textbooks handy! With that aside, if all goes well, from October 11 onwards, you can crane your neck and put that phone camera to work. Just don’t blame me if your shots look like they’ve been taken through a periscope!
Perfect Time to Photograph Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
Mark those calendars, folks! Starting from October 10, our gleaming friend will be gracing the horizon just after sunset. So, if you’re visualizing the comet’s glorious plume against the backdrop of your cityscape or remote mountain (probably not much of a backdrop if you live in the UK), now is your chance to make it happen. I mean, who doesn’t want a picture of a comet looking dazzlingly bright near their local pub?
On October 12, the comet will be at its closest to Earth—44 million miles away, or as I like to call it, “a nice Sunday drive” in space terms. Let’s just pray your frames align perfectly!
The Right Time to Photograph Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
According to the ever-reliable Ollie Taylor, an astrophotographer who’s probably got a telescope bigger than my sense of humor, the optimal time to shoot is mid-October, especially as it makes its way into the western sky after astro twilight. Just be prepared for a brief window—like your chance at winning the lottery!
Tools Needed to Photograph Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
Let’s talk tools, shall we? It’s more than just pointing your smartphone at a dark patch of sky and hoping for the best. You’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings to take full control. After all, nobody wants their comet photo looking like it was taken by a cat on a sugar rush!
Here’s a fun party list of what you’ll need:
- A wide-angle lens for capturing the comet in all its cosmic glory alongside interesting foregrounds—or at the very least, a tree branch that looks slightly more photogenic than your neighbor’s dog.
- A zoom lens for those close-up shots that’ll make your followers think you’re besties with the comet. You might consider a telescope if you’re feeling particularly ambitious—or impatient.
- And of course, a sturdy tripod. Because nothing ruins a comet shot faster than a shaky hand!”
How to Get Photos of Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
So, you’ve got the gear ready, now how do you actually get that shot? This isn’t like capturing your cat mid-yawn—focusing on a comet is a game of patience and a bit of luck. The lass can look like a blurry blob if you’re not careful! Here are some fool-proof methods:
- Use autofocus on something far away during the day and then disable it—voila! Touch nothing and hope for the best!
- Focus on stars; a full moon can serve as a great guide, provided you don’t mind the occasional cosmic photobomb!
- Use artificial lighting! Seriously, street lights can help focus your camera more than your last awkward date.
- And if all else fails, focus on the infinity mark on your lens. Just pretend you’re signaling to a long-lost friend in the universe!
Photographer’s Tips for Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS
Let’s make sure you end up with pictures worthy of some hefty bragging rights:
- Start with an 18-55mm wide-angle lens, long exposures (10-20 sec), and ISO 1600. Because who needs to sleep when there’s a comet?
- Switch to a zoom lens at 75mm, six-second exposure at ISO 800-3200. Easy-peasy!
- Or try the 300mm at 3.2 seconds using ISO 1600, all while keeping your cool. No pressure!
How to Photograph with a Smartphone
Now, let’s say you’re like most of us who simply can’t resist the convenience of a smartphone. Here’s how to enhance your odds of snagging an image without it looking like you’ve taken a photo of a foggy sandwich:
- Invest in a tripod; think of it as buying yourself a couple of extra chances at a good shot.
- Use your phone’s “night mode”—these things work wonders, almost like magic, but definitely less fun than a night out!
So gear up, aim high, and hopefully, we’ll all have at least a blurry masterpiece (or something that slightly looks like a comet) to show off. After all, the universe owes us that much, right? Now, go forth and show C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS just how dazzling Earth can be!
