Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

 

The Oort Cloud comet, called C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, was discovered in 2023, approaching the inner solar system on its highly elliptical orbit for the first time in documented human history. It was identified by observers at China’s Tsuchinshan – or “Purple Mountain” – Observatory and an ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in South Africa. The comet was officially named in honor of both observatories. New photos of comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS appear to show a faint "anti-tail" pointing away in the wrong direction. The puzzling extra limb is the result of a rare illusion that is only possible when our planet is in a certain position.

Imaging Lens: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L 

Tripod: Digipod A 2541P Tripod, Manfrotto 496 RC2 Ball Head

Camera: Canon EOS 450d

Date: 15 Oct 2024 

Location: Agios Stefanos, Attiki, Greece

Exposure Time: 

6x4 sec ISO 400 

Processing: Pixinsight, Photoshop

Imaging Telescope: Vixen VC200L f/6.4

Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Synscan Pro (belt mod)

Camera: QHY 533M

Guiding camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini (mono)

Guidescope: SkyWatcher EvoGuide 50ED

Filters: LRGB

Date: October 25, 2024

Location: Korinthos - Greece - Albireo Observatory 1

Exposure Time:

L: 6x30 sec (gain: 50.00, offset: 60.00) 0°C bin 1×1 

R: 6x30 sec (gain: 50.00, offset: 60.00) 0°C bin 1×1 

G: 6x30 sec (gain: 50.00, offset: 60.00) 0°C bin 1×1 

B: 6x30 sec (gain: 50.00, offset: 60.00) 0°C bin 1×1 

Calibration Frames: Darks, Flats, Dark Flats

Acquisition: N.I.N.A

Processing: Pixinsight, Photoshop