Chasing comet Lovejoy!

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jiahao1986
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Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by jiahao1986 »

Hi folks,

Really couldn't resist and purchased a ticket to Perth last minute, deciding to chase this comet during the Christmas long weekend.

Despite the extreme inconvenience during Christmas in the countryside that no hotels/motels/restauruants are open at all, I managed to survive for two days alone, sleeping in a rental car and eating only bread... [smilie=bleeding.gif]

With all the money and effort thrown into this chase, the comet didn't let me down. It hanged in the estern dawn sky with a brilliant tail up to 30deg long! Together with the awesome southern sky, the view was simply beyond any words to describe!

This one is my favorite photo of the trip:

Image
Last edited by jiahao1986 on Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:26 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Clear skies please...
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jiahao1986
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by jiahao1986 »

And here goes two wide angle shots!

Image

Image

2012.02.08 Update:

Photo below shows how the comet changed over only 24 hours, from Dec. 25 to 26. Tail length grew by 3 degrees with quite a bit of change in shape.

Image

Photo below shows the details around the comet's head on Dec. 26. Note the thin stream of brightening inside the coma stretching upwards for a few degrees. Which might have suggested the neuclus has broken apart.

Image
Last edited by jiahao1986 on Thu Feb 09, 2012 6:40 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Clear skies please...
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jiahao1986
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by jiahao1986 »

And here is a time lapse of the second night, please watch in 1080p for full resolution!

Clear skies please...
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jiahao1986
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by jiahao1986 »

Now that the comet has faded dramatically since Christmas, though the tail is still growing as it gets closer to earth. If anybody happens to be in Australia next week, don't forget to wake up early and give it a try!
Clear skies please...
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Gary
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by Gary »

Absolutely spectacular! You remind me of P.K. Chen!
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acc
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by acc »

Wow! Amazing passion and awesome photos! :) Thanks for sharing.
We do it in the dark...
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Bergkamp_
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by Bergkamp_ »

Your photos are lovely =)
Wee Ern aRmeD wiF Telescope reAdY tO taKe ovEr thE skY .. wIF jUst mY naKed eYEs .
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cataclysm
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by cataclysm »

Wow! Simply stunning!! Wish I was there.........
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Clifford60
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by Clifford60 »

Wow, superb [smilie=good-job.gif] [smilie=good-job.gif] [smilie=good-job.gif] I also wish I can be there. No more chance if miss it now.
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Airconvent
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Re: Chasing comet Lovejoy!

Post by Airconvent »

Awesome....have never seen any of the great comets. This one looks close to it!
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