Capturing the Spectacle of a Comet

Comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS viewed from Bass Harbor Lighthouse | Sony A7rIII 24mm 2.5s f/2 ISO 250

Astronomy enthusiasts and photographers alike have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, a celestial spectacle set to grace the night skies. Whether you’re an experienced astrophotographer or a curious beginner, the chance to photograph a comet is an exciting and rare opportunity. C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, a long-period comet, is making its first close pass to Earth in over a century, and you won’t want to miss capturing its ethereal beauty. So, let’s dive into the ins and outs of photographing this cosmic wanderer and create memories that will shine for light years to come.

Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS | Sony A7rIII 24mm 2.5s f/3.5 ISO 800

A Little Background: Who Discovered C/2023 A3?

Comet C/2023 A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, was independently discovered by two observatories. The Purple Mountain Observatory in China, also known as Tsuchinshan, spotted the comet in early January 2023, as did the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii. The comet was named to honor both observatories. This dual discovery highlights the global fascination with space exploration and how different parts of the world work together to observe the skies. Now that we know its origin, let’s get into how you can photograph this stellar visitor.

When and Where to Catch It: Specific Dates and Times

For those in Montana, comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be visible from October 12 to October 26, 2024, with optimal viewing times shortly after sunset. The specific times to look for the comet are as follows:

October 12, 2024: Start looking around 7:00 PM MDT. The comet will be about 6 degrees above the horizon in the west-southwest.
October 19, 2024: By this date, the comet will be higher in the sky, visible from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM MDT, peaking at 30 degrees above the horizon.
October 26, 2024: The comet will be around 38 degrees above the horizon by 7:15 PM MDT, and you can observe it until about 9:00 PM MDT.

For those in New England, the same dates apply, but the timing will differ due to the eastern time zone:

October 12, 2024: The comet will be visible from around 8:00 PM EDT, 6 degrees above the west-southwest horizon.
October 19, 2024: Look for the comet between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM EDT, as it will reach 30 degrees above the horizon.
October 26, 2024: By 8:15 PM EDT, the comet will be about 38 degrees above the horizon, with visibility extending until 10:00 PM EDT.

For both locations, the comet’s appearance will improve as the days pass, with its tail becoming more visible and striking. To enhance your chances, use a stargazing app like Stellarium to help locate the comet based on your specific time and location.

Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS viewed from Acadia National Park, Maine

Gear Up: What You’ll Need

Astrophotography requires some preparation and the right equipment, but don’t worry if you’re not kitted out with top-of-the-line gear. Here’s a checklist of essentials and some tips for getting the best shot of C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS:

A Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you the flexibility and control you need for long-exposure photography. While a smartphone can capture the comet in its simplest form, having a camera with manual settings will let you fine-tune your shot.
A Sturdy Tripod: Long exposures require a rock-steady camera, and that’s where a tripod comes in. Even the slightest wobble can ruin your shot, so make sure your tripod is solid, especially if you’re shooting in windy conditions.
A Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens (preferably with an aperture of f/2.8 or wider) will allow you to capture the night sky and the comet in context with its surroundings. While zoom lenses can get you a close-up of the comet’s tail, wide-angle shots will help you set the scene with stars and landscapes.
A Remote Shutter Release: This little gadget can be a lifesaver, preventing camera shake when taking long exposures. Alternatively, you can use your camera’s timer function for a hands-free shot.
Star Tracking Mount (Optional): If you want to get serious, a star tracking mount will let your camera follow the movement of the comet and stars. This ensures sharp focus on the comet without the blur that occurs from Earth's rotation during longer exposures.

Settings for Stellar Shots

Once you’ve located the comet and set up your gear, it’s time to dial in the camera settings. The key to comet photography is long exposure and patience. Here’s a guideline to get you started:

ISO: Start with an ISO of around 400 to 1250. This will capture the faint light of the comet without introducing too much noise. Adjust it based on your location's light pollution and camera sensitivity.
Aperture: Open your lens to its widest aperture, ideally f/2.8 or f/4, to gather as much light as possible.
Shutter Speed: You’ll want to experiment with different exposure times depending on the brightness of the comet and the sky. Start with a 2 to 10-second exposure, then adjust as needed. Too long an exposure can cause over exposure or star trails unless you’re using a star tracker.
Focus: Manually focus your camera on the brightest star in the sky before shifting to the comet. Autofocus often struggles in low-light conditions, so manual focus is the best bet for sharp shots.

The Environment: Pick Your Spot

The comet may be soaring light-years away, but your choice of location on Earth is crucial. Light pollution from cities can dim the comet’s visibility, so the best spot to photograph C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is far away from urban lights. Head to a dark sky park, a rural area, or a mountaintop to get the clearest view of the night sky.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast as clear skies are essential for astrophotography. A single cloud can obscure your view, so plan your session on a night with good visibility. The cool, dry air of autumn also reduces atmospheric distortion, giving you a clearer shot.

Composing Your Shot

When you’re out in the field, take time to think about how you want to frame the comet. A close-up shot will show off the glowing nucleus and faint tail, but a wide-angle view can be even more dramatic. Imagine the comet rising over a mountain range, reflected in a still lake, or framed against a distant city skyline. The best comet shots are often those that tell a story of its fleeting appearance in our world.

Don’t forget to experiment. Bracket your exposures, try different focal lengths, and play with the surrounding landscape. Shooting the comet over a series of nights can also let you capture its movement through the sky, perhaps even compiling them into a time-lapse video for an extra cool effect.

CComet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS with visible anti-tail | Sony A7rIII 55mm 2.5s f/2.2 ISO 250

Post-Processing

After your shoot, don’t be discouraged if your images look a bit flat at first. Post-processing is where the magic happens. Use editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust the contrast, sharpness, and exposure. You can also reduce any noise introduced from high ISOs or long exposures.

If you’re more experienced, you can use stacking techniques in programs like Sequator to layer multiple exposures, reducing noise while enhancing the details of the comet and stars.

Share the Wonder!

Once you’ve got your final image, share it! Whether you post it on social media, submit it to a photography contest, or simply show friends and family, your photo will inspire others to look up and appreciate the vastness of space. C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is just passing through, but your photos will last far beyond its brief visit. Photographing a comet is more than just a technical exercise—it’s a chance to connect with something bigger than ourselves. So, grab your camera, head outside, and capture a piece of the universe while it’s within reach!

At Wildscape Adventures, we’re all about giving you the tools to capture unforgettable moments, and photographing Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is one of the rarest and most awe-inspiring experiences you can have under the night sky. With this detailed guide, you now have the knowledge to plan your shoot, set up your gear, and post-process your images to create stunning photos of this cosmic traveler.

For more opportunities to refine your astrophotography skills and explore breathtaking landscapes, check out our other tours and workshops at WildscapeAdventure.com. Whether you're capturing the beauty of a comet, photographing majestic wildlife, or seeking out other incredible natural wonders, we’re here to help you elevate your photography. Also, be sure to explore our informational blog posts, like A Guide to Photographing the Total Solar Eclipse and How to Forecast and Photograph a Display of the Northern Lights.

Let’s make your next adventure extraordinary!

How to Photograph Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)