Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) visible in NYC

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) is making its grand journey through the inner solar system, inspiring astronomers, photographers, and stargazers around the world. As part of this collective fascination, I’m excited to share my photographs I captured of this remarkable celestial visitor against the vibrant cityscape of Brooklyn, NYC.

These photos are my small contribution to the ongoing global observation of this rare comet, offering a glimpse into how even from an urban environment, the wonders of space remain accessible to those with the patience to seek them.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) visible from Brooklyn over the Verrazano Bridge and Staten Island after Sunset

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/3.8, ISO 1600, 2 sec. October 15, 2024.

In a stunning blend of cosmic beauty and urban life, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) was captured over Brooklyn just after sunset. Although not visible to the naked eye due to the intense light pollution of New York City, the comet revealed itself through the preview on a Canon RA camera. 

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) over Brooklyn, NYC.

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/3.2, ISO 400, 3 sec. October 15, 2024.

Nestled between Staten Island and a boat drifting across the water, the comet adds a subtle glow beneath the iconic Verrazano Bridge, demonstrating the magic that can still be found in the night sky, even amid the city’s overwhelming lights.

The next photo dives deeper into the beauty of Comet C/2023 A3, revealing details not visible in the wide-angle city shot. Captured with a Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM telephoto lens, the image showcases the comet’s bright, glowing tail and even a faint anti-tail.

Canon EOS 60Da, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens,  f/2.8, ISO 2500, 2 sec, stock 10 images, using iOptron SkyTracker, October 16, 2024.

The anti-tail is a fascinating feature that forms due to the unique alignment between the comet, the Sun, and Earth. While the main tail streams away from the Sun, the anti-tail appears to extend in the opposite direction. This is not because the comet has two tails going in different directions, but rather due to an optical illusion caused by our perspective. The anti-tail consists of dust particles along the comet’s orbit, which, under the right angle, seem to point sunward.

These images represent not just the beauty of the comet but also the joy of participating in a global observation effort. Whether observing from a dark, rural landscape or amidst the glowing lights of a bustling city, we all have the opportunity to look up and witness the universe unfolding before us.

The Milky Way Over the Sailing Stone: A Night Under the Stars at Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, California

Racetrack Playa is a place of natural intrigue. Situated in the heart of Death Valley, this dry, cracked lake bed is renowned for its "sailing stones" — large rocks that mysteriously move across the playa, leaving long tracks behind them. For decades, these stones puzzled scientists and visitors alike, as no one could quite figure out how these hefty rocks glided across the desert floor. It wasn’t until recently that a rare combination of ice, water, and wind was identified as the culprit behind their movement. 

The Milky Way Over the Sailing Stones of Death Valley, California

Panorama 27 photos, Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO-25600, 20 seconds each photo.

When night falls at Racetrack Playa, another marvel unfolds overhead. With its location in one of the darkest national parks in the U.S., the sky above Death Valley becomes a portal to the universe. The absence of light pollution allows for one of the most pristine views of the Milky Way, an ocean of stars arching across the sky, giving photographers an ideal canvas for astrophotography.

Standing in the silence of Racetrack Playa under the brilliant Milky Way, one feels both humbled and uplifted. The ancient stones, moved over time by forces unseen, seem like they are part of a larger cosmic ballet, just as the stars above trace their eternal paths through space. In that quiet desert night, there is a profound sense of stillness, yet the sky and stones speak of movement across millennia.

The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York

The creation of High Dynamic Range (HDR) images of the solar corona is a fascinating challenge, driven by the need to capture the vast dynamic range of brightness that defines these celestial phenomena. This endeavor marries the artistic with the scientific, uncovering details and structures of the corona that a single exposure could never reveal.

 

The Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024: An HDR Revelation of the Sun's Corona from Westport, New York

This particular HDR image of the solar corona was meticulously crafted from a series of exposures captured during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. My setup for totality included a Canon Ra camera, a Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens paired with a Canon 2x III Extender for an effective focal length of 400mm, set at F/8, ISO 200. The camera was mounted on an iOptron SkyTracker, and I utilized a laptop with the SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller) for precise camera control. The range of exposure times spanned from 1/1000 to 4 seconds, encompassing 1/1000, 1/500, 1/250, 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, and 4 seconds.

During the eclipse, I successfully captured four complete series of photos at these shutter speeds, all in CR3 format. I then processed these files in a Raw editor, adjusting texture, clarity, and denoise settings before saving them as 16-bit TIFF files.

In Photoshop, I centered the photo by loading the images into layers (File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack...) and utilized the “difference” blending mode for layers, manually centering each image using the arrow keys. An average shift calculation from image to image helped address the challenge of centering overexposed images, which could not be simply aligned based on the moon alone.

To create a mean image, I converted the selected layers into a Smart Object and applied the Mean stack mode (Layer > Smart Objects > Stack Mode > Mean), then flattened the image and saved it as mean.tif. For the moon to be at the center of the image, I cropped it accordingly.

I applied a Radial Blur in Photoshop (Filter > Blur > Radial Blur) with the settings: Spin as the Blur Method, Best for Quality, and an Amount of 10, ensuring the moon was centered in the image. This blurred image was saved as blur.tif.

To subtract the blurred image from the original, I used the Apply Image command (Image > Apply Image), setting the source to blur.tif, with the blending mode set to Subtract and an offset of 128. I then compressed the dynamic range using the Levels tool (Image > Adjustments > Levels) and saved the file as subtract.tif.

Clarity Unveiled: High Pass Filtering by Subtracting Radial Blur from the Original

To multiply the mean image with the subtracted image, I once again used the Apply Image command, setting the blending mode to Multiply. The final image was saved as done.tif.

Final touches were made using Topaz Denoise, the Raw Filter editor, and other Photoshop tools to enhance the image.

Totality HRD Image v.2

The final HDR composition is not merely a visual feast but a technical triumph that reveals the complexity and elegance of the sun's atmosphere. These images are invaluable, providing insights into solar physics and the forces that shape the corona. They also offer a breathtaking visual experience that conveys the awe-inspiring beauty of solar eclipses to a global audience. Through this HDR image, the profound beauty of a transient celestial moment is captured, enriching our appreciation and understanding of the cosmos's wonders and presenting the solar corona in a captivating new light.

A Celestial Surprise: Capturing Comet SOHO-5008 During the Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024

On the memorable day of April 8, 2024, as the moon's shadow enveloped parts of the Earth in a brief midday twilight, a remarkable celestial event was captured by astronomers and photography enthusiasts alike. Among these observers was myself, fortunate enough to photograph a rare and fleeting moment during the total solar eclipse—a moment that would immortalize the doomed comet SOHO-5008.

Comet was not visible by naked eyes, but when I checked one of my HDR images with exposure 2 second, I found that doomed comet SOHO- 5008 is visible on the photo! 

Total Solar Eclipse April 8 2024 and doomed comet SOHO-5008

Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, F/8, ISO 200, 4sec - Westport, New York.

Read articles on livescience or spaceweather about this comet.

The comet, named "SOHO-5008", was discovered earlier that day by the vigilant eyes of amateur astronomer Worachate Boonplod. He spotted it in the images captured by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) coronagraph, marking the beginning of an unexpected celestial narrative. News of the discovery spread quickly, and astronomer Karl Battams of the Naval Research Lab highlighted the potential for ground-based observations during the eclipse. "Ground-based observations of sungrazing comets are extremely rare, so this would be a great opportunity to see an eclipse comet!" Battams had remarked, setting the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime observation.

The capture of comet SOHO-5008 during the solar eclipse is a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of our universe. Just as the eclipse brought darkness to the day, it also brought to light a comet on its final voyage. This celestial coincidence underscores the value of staying present and prepared—for in the world of astronomy, as in life, some of the most fascinating moments are those that are unplanned and fleeting.

Astronomical Image Annotation from Astrometry.net

Astrometry.net

The photograph of the disintegrating comet, set against the backdrop of the solar eclipse, will forever serve as a personal memento of a singular moment when the universe unveiled its wonders. It stands as a call to all who gaze upon it to look up and marvel at the vast, beautiful cosmos—a universe teeming with surprises, waiting to be discovered.

The Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 during totality, seen from Westport, New York

Solar corona images of Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 over Westport, New York

This composite image captures the ethereal beauty of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, through a series of meticulously planned exposures. The photos were taken using a Canon Ra camera, renowned for its astro-imaging capabilities, paired with an EF200mm f/2.8L II USM lens and a 2x III extender, enhancing the camera’s ability to capture the fine details of the solar corona. To accommodate the wide dynamic range of the corona's light, nine different shutter speeds were utilized: 1/1000, 1/500, 1/250, 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, and 1/4 seconds, all at ISO 200.

Mounted on an iOptron SkyTracker, the setup ensured that each exposure was free from the blur that could be caused by the Earth’s rotation, providing a clear and steady view of the eclipse as it progressed. The use of a SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller) allowed for precise control over the timing and execution of each exposure, crucial for capturing the fleeting moments of the eclipse with accuracy.

The final composite showcases the solar corona in unprecedented detail, from the bright light surrounding the sun to the outermost wisps of plasma stretching into space. The range of exposures reveals the corona’s complexity and the subtle nuances of its structure, creating a stunning visual representation of this awe-inspiring celestial event. This image stands as a vivid reminder of the eclipse’s grandeur, preserving the moment with clarity and detail that convey the majesty of the cosmos.

Baily's Beads - Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024

 

Baily's Beads occur just before and just after totality of a solar eclipse. As the moon moves to cover the sun completely, the rugged lunar topography allows beads of sunlight to shine through in some places and not in others. These beads of light appear to flicker around the moon's edges and are named after Francis Baily, who provided an explanation of the phenomenon in 1836.

This is beginning of Total Solar Eclipse visible from Westport, New York April 8, 2024.

Baily's beards image sequence

Image sequence of Baily's beads (diamond ring) at the second contact was captured with Canon Ra with an EF200mm f/2.8L II USM lens and a 2x III extender.  Camera was mounted on an iOptron SkyTracker and orchestrated by SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller). The six exposures were all short at 1/1000, ISO 200 with camera drive set on continuous at 1 frame per second. 

The beauty of Baily's Beads lies in their rarity. Solar eclipses themselves are rare events at any given location, and the Baily's Beads effect is visible for only a few seconds during the partial phases of an eclipse.

The Baily's Beads effect is a powerful reminder of the celestial mechanics at play. It highlights the perfect alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, and showcases the irregular, rugged terrain of the Moon—factors that are both scientifically fascinating and visually captivating. The sequence of images not only serves as a document of a specific astronomical event but also as an artistic representation of the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our universe.

In essence, a sequence image of Baily's Beads captivates by blending the precision of astronomy with the wonder of natural beauty. It freezes a moment of cosmic ballet, offering a glimpse into the sublime, ephemeral interplay of light and shadow, celestial bodies, and the laws of physics—a dance that, despite its brief appearance, leaves a lasting impression of the awe-inspiring universe we inhabit.

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 | Westport, New York

Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024 -Westport, New York

On April 8, 2024, a celestial event of spectacular proportions graced the skies: a total solar eclipse. For those of us in Westport, New York, the day held an air of anticipation, excitement, and a touch of the ethereal, as we prepared to witness day turn into night under the eclipse's path of totality.

Westport, nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Champlain, became a buzzing hub for eclipse chasers, all eager for a front-row seat to nature's grand spectacle.

Westport Golf, known for its lush fairways and stunning views, offered a picturesque setting for eclipse viewing. The expansive greens provided a clear, unobstructed view of the sky, making it an ideal location for observation. As the eclipse approached, the course was transformed into a field of curiosity and excitement, dotted with telescopes, cameras, and spectators donning their eclipse glasses.

The darkness of totality was profound yet fleeting, lasting approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds. During this brief interlude, the surroundings were bathed in a twilight glow, a surreal moment that felt out of place yet deeply moving. The visibility of stars and planets in the midday sky, particularly Venus’s bright appearance, added a stellar touch to the spectacle.

My set up for Totality: Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, F/8, ISO 200. The precision with which these images were captured was further ensured by the use of an iOptron SkyTracker mount, which tracked the sun's movement across the sky, eliminating potential blurring from the Earth's rotation. Moreover, the integration of the SET'n'C (Solar Eclipse Timer and Controller) provided an automated approach to timing and exposure adjustments, critical for dealing with the rapidly changing light conditions during the eclipse.

Beginning of totality,  diamond ring - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. Amidst the rarefied beauty of celestial events, the Diamond Ring effect stands out as a fleeting, yet unforgettable moment. It heralds the beginning and conclusion of totality during a solar eclipse, a spectacle where the moon and the sun perform a celestial dance across the sky. 

Diamond Ring Contact 2 of Total Solar Eclipse April 8 2024 as seen from Westport, New York

Solar Corona - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/16 sec. The image stands as a stunning testament to the celestial dance between light and darkness, showcasing the corona's delicate filaments and radiant glow against the backdrop of space.

Solar Corona of Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 - Westport, New York

Solar Flares - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. The conjunction of the eclipse with these solar eruptions offers a glimpse into the sun's dynamic power, highlighting the beauty and intensity of our star's active nature.

Solar Flares - Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 - Westport New York

End of totality, diamond ring - single photo with fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec.

Diamond Ring Contact 3 (Post-totality) of Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 as seen from Westport, New York

First photo in the post - average mean of 40 photos with different exposure time from 1/1000 to 1/2 seconds.

As the eclipse passed and daylight returned, the sense of communal experience lingered. Gathered on the golf course, we shared in the wonder and ephemeral beauty of the cosmos, a reminder of the universe’s grandeur and our place within it. The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, observed from the Westport Golf in New York, was not just a celestial event; it was a profound communal experience, an opportunity to connect with the cosmos and with each other in a moment of fleeting darkness and enduring wonder.