In the sky we can observe a comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Although it is a bright comet, it is not easy to observe for several reasons. The first of them is light smog, which complicates the observation of the starry sky in general, especially in larger cities, and the second is the moon, which is now close to full moon. But to observe the comet, we need as much darkness and a cloudless sky as possible. But it is possible to observe and photograph the comet, even in the vicinity of a large city. How to do it and how can a mobile phone help us?
For successful observation you need to know where and when the comet will be. This is relatively simple in the case of comet Tchusinchan-ATLAS. It is located relatively low over the western horizon and see them shortly after sunset. I watched her around 20:00. For example, you can use the compass in the Maps application to determine the sides of the world. Detailed information can be found, for example, at website of the Brno observatory.
A comet is visible to the eye as inconspicuous cloud. During my observation there was a slight haze and slight cloudiness, so I could not see it with my eyes at all. My daughter did, but only after I found her using my cell phone. This brings us to the answer to the question: how can mobile help us?
While photographing the aurora borealis, which was another amazing astronomical phenomenon that nature blessed us with this year, you could observe that the aurora borealis is more colorful and intense in the photographs than when observed with the eyes. We will use this in our search for the comet.
Set the camera to night photo a take a picture of the part of the sky where the comet should be. Follow the basic rule, don’t move your mobile phone when taking photos. If you have a tripod, use it, even if you’ll only use it after finding the comet. In the photo of the sky, the comet can already be seen quite well! Once you find it, you won’t lose it.
I remind you that for observation it is best to go outside the big cities. Just a short distance, we were about a kilometer beyond the end of Brno. But the more darkness and less traffic, the better. The light trail from the car looks interesting in the photo, but the passing car dazzles you and your eyes have to get used to bad light conditions again.
A mobile phone is sufficient for photography, but of course a SLR or similar camera is better. I used a Nikoz Z8. Do not try to use zoom when taking photos with a mobile phonebecause zoom lenses have a lower brightness and the photo will be very noisy. Use the main camera, place the mobile phone on a tripod or take pictures in another way. Use night mode photography if your phone offers it. And don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
Are you going to go comet watching?
Source: own
Source: www.svetandroida.cz
