Chris Dodkin
West Coast Correspondent
I set out at 5am this morning, to try and capture comet Ison as it streaks towards it's encounter with the sun.
My first choice location was closed (Double Peak Park), so I proceeded to my 2nd choice spot - an inland cliff overlooking Encinitas CA, with a great view to the South-East.
As dawn broke - the sky was filled with low level cloud near the horizon - which made for a great shot, but not great viewing for comets!
I'd taken the 5DII as well, with 600mm f/4 - in case I spotted the comet - but given the conditions, I lined it up for the fabulous dawn lighting over the mountains.
Canon 5DII and 600 f/4 @ f/11
I returned home, happy with the dawn images, but rather disappointed not to have seen the comet.
But then, when reviewing a wide shot from my 23mm in Photoshop - I spotted it - peaking out between the clouds!
Cropped frame - Comet Ison is in the top left segment of the sky, 1/3 of the way in from the left. I think the smaller blob above it is Saturn.
Look at the larger size of the image to see anything really!
So I'm calling it a success - although I have to say I wanted a bigger show from Ison - maybe if it makes it's back this way after orbiting the sun, I'll get another chance.
My first choice location was closed (Double Peak Park), so I proceeded to my 2nd choice spot - an inland cliff overlooking Encinitas CA, with a great view to the South-East.
As dawn broke - the sky was filled with low level cloud near the horizon - which made for a great shot, but not great viewing for comets!
I'd taken the 5DII as well, with 600mm f/4 - in case I spotted the comet - but given the conditions, I lined it up for the fabulous dawn lighting over the mountains.
Canon 5DII and 600 f/4 @ f/11
I returned home, happy with the dawn images, but rather disappointed not to have seen the comet.
But then, when reviewing a wide shot from my 23mm in Photoshop - I spotted it - peaking out between the clouds!
Cropped frame - Comet Ison is in the top left segment of the sky, 1/3 of the way in from the left. I think the smaller blob above it is Saturn.
Look at the larger size of the image to see anything really!
So I'm calling it a success - although I have to say I wanted a bigger show from Ison - maybe if it makes it's back this way after orbiting the sun, I'll get another chance.
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