Comet Lovejoy (C/2011 W3) has turned out to be a magnificent comet. Discovered by Terry Lovejoy, an amateur astronomer and comet hunter from Queensland, it had a close encounter with the Sun and wasn’t expected to survive.
But survive it did – and in a major way. It’s now formed a tail that’s over 10deg long and is visible naked eye in the pre-dawn Eastern sky.
These images were taken this morning, 22nd December using my Canon 40D’s with a 17-70mm and 24-105mm lens.
Comet Lovejoy from Terrigal
The clouds were rather annoying, blocking most of the tail, but it could’ve been much worse. A few degrees to the left and I wouldn’t have seen anything.
Here’s a short timelapse showing the comet rising. Shows how lucky I was with the clouds! Best to watch in HD on YouTube!
Comet Lovejoy from Terrigal
The exposures were between 40-70 seconds @ f/2.8 and f/4.0. I need a faster lens!
Comet Lovejoy from Terrigal
I hope the conditions are better tomorrow morning – it’s going to rise higher and get brighter over the next few days.
Comet Lovejoy from Terrigal
Thanks for looking.
Mike,
Great work, as usual, you have found some stunning vista to line it up with.
Your lens look fine to me
All fogged out where I was this morning, should get some nice photos tomorrow.
Peter
Thanks very much, Peter
I just want a faster lens, and a more sensitive camera. I don’t ask for much 
Good luck for you tomorrow!
While less cloudy views like http://users.tpg.com.au/vtabur/2011w3/2011w3.htm have more astronomical value, your images here are far more artistic – would make great posters, actually …
Many thanks Daniel – the tracked images really show some great tail structure. I might have to try for a slightly longer focal length tomorrow, if this rain clears.
The clouds definitely add some depth – makes the image look more 3 dimensional.
Thanks again!