Category Archives: Astrophotography

How to see the 50,000-year comet

While it might sound like a pulp-fiction hero, the green comet is an actual celestial body visible from Earth for the first time in over 50,000 years. If you know where to look and have the right equipment (such as binoculars or a telescope) over the upcoming week, you just might be able to catch a glimpse of this nighttime wonder.

In this article: Celestron NexStar 102SLT Computerized Telescope, Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars and Celestron SkyMaster 25X70 Binoculars.

What is a comet?

Comets are, more or less, frozen chunks of planetary debris that scientists believe have been around since the formation of our solar system. They’re usually less than 10 miles across and are made of materials such as dust, rocks and frozen gasses. Typically, these celestial bodies can be found far beyond Pluto in either the Kuiper Belt or the Oort Cloud (a theoretical location that has yet to be proven).

Scientists also believe that the gravitational force of a planet or star can pull the much smaller comet out of its home in the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud and tug it toward the sun. On its journey, a comet passes close enough to Earth so it may be seen briefly before heading back out to where it came from (or meeting a fiery demise in the sun). 

What is the green comet’s actual name?

The green comet is just a catchy nickname the media has given this celestial body. Its actual name is a bit more boring: ​​Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). The “C” indicates this comet is classified as a non-periodic comet, meaning it won’t appear again for over 200 years (if ever). The “2022 E3” lets you know it was discovered in the first half of March, along with three other comets in that two-week period. And, “ZTF” simply identifies the Zwicky Transient Facility, the facility that discovered the comet.

Why does this comet look green in photographs?

The frozen part of the comet is called the nucleus. As it gets closer to the sun, the ice heats up and turns into gas, creating an enormous cloud around the nucleus. This dusty cloud is called the coma. The coma of this news-making comet is made of a relatively rare type of carbon called diatomic carbon. Diatomic carbon gas is green, which gives C/2022 E3 (ZTF) its unearthly hue. 

The best way to see C/2022 E3 (ZTF)

If you aren’t familiar with the night sky, the best thing you can do is get a stargazing app, such as Stellarium, which is a free, open-source planetarium for your mobile device (or computer). If this is the route you take to learn about where to look, make sure you’re using an updated version of the app that includes C/2022 E3 (ZTF).

If you want to try it on your own and you know your constellations, in the evening, face north-northeast and look up. The comet will change positions a little each night, so you’ll have to set your gaze accordingly. As January ends and February begins, the comet will pass Ursa Minor and move into Camelopardalis. However, the longer you wait, the brighter the moon will become and the harder it will be to find C/2022 E3 (ZTF). To have the best chance of seeing this comet, go out on a clear night, get as far away from the city as possible and use a quality pair of astronomical binoculars or a telescope.

Now for the bad news. The green comet is probably not going to appear to be very green when you find it. The photos you’ve been seeing are a product of long-exposure astrophotography. To the naked or even assisted eye, the green comet will be more of a dull, glowing, but colorless smudge in the sky. However, since this is the first time the comet has passed by in 50,000 years, it’s worth hunting for.

What you need to view C/2022 E3 (ZTF)

Celestron NexStar 102SLT Computerized Telescope

If you think stargazing might be more than a one-time fascination, this computerized telescope comes with a database of over 40,000 objects. It can not only locate an object with extreme accuracy, this model is capable of tracking it as well.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

National Geographic 70 Computerized Refractor Telescope

This automatic telescope has a wide-field lens and a red dot viewfinder to make it easier to locate objects. The compact size makes it great for travel and the simple operation makes it suitable for beginning astronomers.

Sold by Kohl’s

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars

These quality binoculars are specifically designed to deliver crisp images with excellent color fidelity and light transmission. The adjustable eyecups twist for comfortable viewing, while the rubber exterior provides a secure grip.

Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

Celestron SkyMaster 25X70 Binoculars

The SkyMaster binoculars are manufactured to provide maximum image brightness in long-range, low-light conditions, making them ideal for astronomical viewing.

Sold by Amazon

Allkeys 16×55 HD Monocular Telescope

If you aren’t sure if stargazing is going to be for you but you still want to have a quality experience, consider this entry-level monocular telescope. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a tripod and a cell phone holder.

Sold by Amazon

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February could be one of the best months for astrophotography (opens in new tab) for 50,000 years. That’s because it should see the brightening of comet C/2022 E3 (ZHF), a long-period comet discovered last year that last visited in the Stone Age. That’s not unusual for a comet, and nor is it hyped up green color, but nevertheless the appearance of this icy visitor is something to get excited about for night sky images. 

Add a Jupiter-Moon conjunction, a brightening Venus after sunset and the rise of a full ‘Snow Moon’ and February 2023 has plenty to make going out in the cold seem like a good idea. 

February 2: Comet C/2022 E3 (ZHF)

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

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By Ashley Tan

He turns 71 this year but Raymond Chua is not your typical uncle.

The retiree is making the most out of his spare time now, indulging in his love for singing and travel.

That’s not all, he’s also a photography buff, and not just your normal photos either.

He shoots for the stars – literally.

He tells The Pride: “I started with a Konica film camera in the 70s, but it was not cheap, and I was not skilful.”

Since then, Uncle Raymond has kept up with the times. Over the years, he has continued his photography hobby, dabbling in travel photography and even studio portraiture.

But it was only in 2017 that he found his true calling – combining his love for travel and his passion for photography.

The Way to the Milky Way

In 2017, Uncle Raymond attended a talk on Milky Way photography, and he was so captivated that the following year, he went on his first astrophotography trip to Sabah with the photographer who gave the talk.

“I started to delve deeper and ventured out on my own. Bintan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia…” Uncle Raymond trails off as he muses about capturing images of the night sky.

As he talks passionately about Milky Way photography, he uses terms like “light painting” and “star trails”, which may leave the casual observer a little lost in space, as it were.

He was a lecturer in mechanical engineering at Ngee Ann Polytechnic for more than 40 years and took the time to learn relevant photography and editing software skills like Photoshop while he was still teaching.

Uncle Raymond ended up spending so much time on this topic – travelling, researching, shooting and editing his photos – that he decided to become an instructor for free after retiring in 2019.

He keeps his groups small, explaining: “I don’t intend to make it big; I just want to bring small groups of family and friends on trips.”

He adds with a laugh: “But my family just like to see my photos. They will say, ‘oh this is nice’ but they are not keen on joining me. They are always saying that there are too many bugs or it’s too dark!”

Figuring out the dark

When the pandemic hit Singapore in 2020, Uncle Raymond’s overseas adventures to the darkest corners of the world came to a halt. But instead of staying cooped up at home, he explored the stars in our own backyard!

The problem was that Singapore is one of the most light-polluted countries in the world.

“Everywhere you go, there is some sort of light,” says Uncle Raymond, “It is difficult to find a place dark enough without going to the more ulu (Malay for remote) locations.”

His favourite locations include the Rail Corridor, Sunset Way, Keppel Bay Bridge, Labrador Park and outside Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Of course, there are certain challenges to shooting in the dark.

“I had to figure out where I am, where the Milky Way is, what I am doing, all in pitch black conditions,” he laughs.

Uncle Raymond explains how important it is to be familiar with your equipment, to know where the different buttons are and what settings to use in different lighting conditions.

He also emphasises to be mindful of night-shoot etiquette when not shooting alone, like not turning on a flashlight while others are taking photos.

“Oh, you also got to not be scared of the dark!”

He cheekily shares about taking photos of the Milky Way at night behind Rail Mail in Bukit Timah. “You start to hear things, see shadows… Personally, I’m not scared but sometimes you can’t help but think about ‘it’!”

More commonly, instead of spooky companions, Uncle Raymond deals with uninvited flying bugs, or accidentally stumbling into bird nests, spider webs or insect colonies in the dark. Shooting in nature means inevitably bumping into some wildlife but Uncle Raymond is unperturbed.

“You just need to wear long sleeves, trousers and covered shoes, and you’ll be okay!”

Now that travel is easier, Uncle Raymond plans to go overseas in April or May, when it is the best time to take photos of the Milky Way (the “season” for Milky Way photography usually lasts from April to October, depending on which part of the world you’re in!)

While his family does not join him, they are very encouraging.

Uncle Raymond says: “It’s one of those things, you cannot bring your family to everything you like.”

Maybe they might be more interested in his latest hobby: Uncle Raymond recently discovered a love for bird watching!

Capturing precious moments

Uncle Raymond says he does not get any money from his photography: Having someone use his photos on their desktop or mobile screen is good enough for him.

“When someone asks me ‘Can I use your Milky Way photograph as my desktop wallpaper?’, it feels so rewarding.”

In October 2021, the Yale-NUS Astronomy Club invited Uncle Raymond to give a talk on Milky Way photography.

Apart from stargazing, Uncle Raymond recently tried a different kind of shooting for the stars!

He took part in singing reality show Golden Age Talentime (黄金年华) and performed a total of five songs during his run from June to October 2022.

Enjoying the hunt

Photography has also expanded his skills library – which gives Uncle Raymond a chance to show his unique brand of humour.

“Photography also brought me an outlet to learn extra software and tools I never used for work or daily life.”

Since he began dedicating more time for photography, Uncle Raymond has been walking longer distances and carrying heavy weights (all that equipment just for a nice photo!). His stamina has improved and he hopes that he can continue running around for a long time to come.

Uncle Raymond says: “Photography makes you walk a lot, and venture into more challenging places.”

He credits his fitness to his photography outings.

“Until now, I am still able to walk, climb, and even run!”

Everyday Elderly

Like Uncle Raymond, many of those featured in the Everyday Elderly videos like Auntie Elsie, Uncle Winston and Uncle Wellie focus on doing what makes them happy in their senior years.

The Everyday Elderly series by Hey You Got Mail! aims to feature inspirational stories of our seniors in Singapore. If you have any stories to recommend, or seniors whom you’d like to highlight, drop them a message on Instagram, or email them at [email protected]!

If you like what you read, follow us on Twitter and Google News to get the latest updates.

If you’re looking for an excellent mirrorless camera that offers good specs and is easy to use, then why not save over $200 and grab the Panasonic Lumix G100.

The $202 discount means this camera is 27% off and we rate it as one of the best beginner cameras you can find on the market. It’s also well suited for content creators as it features a selfie mode, a built-in microphone, 4K video and 20.3MP stills shooting, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for easier uploading and sharing.

At a time when many people are looking to save money where they can, this saving is a huge one but if it’s not quite what you’re looking for you can always check out our round-up of the best camera deals right now. We also have guides for the best cameras, best cameras for astrophotography and best mirrorless cameras, which are worth checking out if you’re looking for a new camera.

© Provided by Space

Panasonic Lumix G100 Mirrorless Camera was $749.99 now $547.99 on Amazon. 

Save $202 on an excellent beginner camera that is well-suited for vloggers, influencers, content creators and on-the-go use. It captures both images and video in 4K, has a 20.3MP resolution and weighs only 412g. It’s a mirrorless camera that comes with a built-in mic with tracked audio, a selfie mode, facial detection and hybrid five-stop image stabilization. View Deal

You can save $202 by getting this camera from Amazon, which is great, but what makes this camera worth getting? Most notably, you can shoot both images and video in crystal clear 4K and the still resolution is 20.3MP.

It’s worth remembering that it’s a mirrorless camera, so it’s compact and lightweight in design, which is ideal for on-the-go use. In fact, it weighs a mere 412g, so portability really isn’t an issue with this camera.

This camera also features tracked audio, a built-in microphone, a selfie mode, facial detection and hybrid five-stop image stabilization. There are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection options too, so you can upload and share what you capture to your computer or smartphone which really helps those wanting to broadcast what they shoot on social media. 

Panasonic’s Lumix G100 is definitely better suited for those not necessarily looking for an advanced camera but still want excellent results. It features good image and video shooting specs and is compact enough that transporting it isn’t an issue. You can also save big bucks by getting it on Amazon so if you’re in the market for a new camera and a good deal, this could be what you’re looking for.

Follow Alexander Cox on Twitter @Coxy_97Official. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.

25 Jan 2023

Discover how you can use simple equipment to capture different images of the night sky

Our popular astrophotography workshops are returning this winter.

Introduction to astrophotography – 15 February, 7:30pm – 10pm

Join us for an informal and fun session that includes an introductory workshop (co-presented by Jodrell’s Dr Ant Holloway), along with a chance for you to try out your equipment on-site at Jodrell Bank.

You’ll learn how to use your DSLR or Compact System Camera to get started in Astrophotography. You’ll also discover how you can use simple equipment such as a tripod, to capture different images of the night sky, from planets and constellations to the colours of stars and star trails. There’ll be a chance too, to look at additional equipment you can use to expand the range of images you make.

No previous knowledge is required to attend this session but you will require your own camera with full manual controls.

Outdoor clothing and waterproof footwear is advisable. Observing the night sky is weather permitting.

Advanced astrophotography – 15 March, 7:30pm – 10pm

Do you already have some experience in photography and are looking to get some extra tips and tricks from an expert? Our advanced course offers astrophotographers the chance to extend their knowledge and help them achieve breath-taking night sky photography.

The session follows on from our Introduction to Astrophotography and includes a detailed talk by Jodrell’s Dr Ant Holloway followed by an in-depth demonstration of software packages including ‘Deep Sky Stacker’ and ‘Star Trails’.

Please note, this is a theory-based session, and the evening won’t include any practical outdoor work. As ever, you can expect a warm welcome and the chance to meet like-minded people and to talk to our knowledgeable team.

Both events are suitable for adults and young people 14+ and hot drinks will be provided.

Image credit: Dr Ant Holloway

On view from February 3-23, 2023

 

Wilmington, Del. (January 25, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2022 DDOA Individual Artist Fellow Roger Matsumoto’s exhibition, “Printing with Palladium”, running February 3-24, 2023. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, February 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Roger Matsumoto has been involved with photography since he learned the basics during his junior high school days. The photographer for his school newspaper, Matsumoto also did astrophotography using an 8-inch telescope that he made. But “I did not consider what I was doing to be any form of art.” It was only later – on a climbing trip to Yosemite during college – that he “purchased a small booklet of Ansel Adams photographs that made me see what photography was capable of.”

He then began to study seriously, taking a photography class at the University of Utah. After exploring silver printing and some “alternative” processes during the 1970s (including Cibachrome color work), Matsumoto discovered printing with palladium, now his primary process. Since he began exhibiting in 1982, his work has been seen in over 200 shows, including at the Fleischer Art Memorial (Philadelphia), Foundry Art Center (St. Louis, MO), Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington), and the London (England) Camera Club, where his print won first prize. Matsumoto also has prints in the collections of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Utah Museum of Fine Art, and Philadelphia Museum of Art (three prints).

Though Ansel Adams’ photographs were the pivotal inspiration for his work and his artistic practice, Matsumoto was also influenced by the work of Karl Blossfeldt and Brett Weston. His current process “extends the purely photographic image with brushed lines or areas” applied at the same time as the palladium coating, making each print a “distinct realization of the negative” – a monoprint. Matsumoto is also exploring a new series called “Stereo Pair” that mimics the stereo cards popular at the end of the 19th century.

The Newark resident was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father was in the Army, and (with his mother and sister) Matsumoto lived in Tokyo for three years as a child in a U.S. military housing base. The family eventually relocated to the Pacific Northwest, and Matsumoto lived in the Seattle region until after graduate school. He then moved to Salt Lake City. He came to Delaware from Salt Lake City and has lived here since 1988, “the longest I’ve been in one place.”

Matsumoto’s palladium images are almost exclusively of botanical subjects. He can make negatives at any time during the year, but “I print in palladium only in the winter when the humidity is low.” This means that often months elapse between creating the negative and printing it. The pandemic, “while not actually a complete re-set of my past practice,” allowed him to try out new films. But there’s been a recent spike in the cost of palladium (and all art supplies), and Matsumoto is also challenged by the “changes made in the materials I use.” However, he’s looking forward to exhibiting again. “These prints need to be seen in person, not only on a monitor or cell phone screen.”

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Image: “16-13a”. Palladium Monoprint. 12″x20″. 2016.

###

Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, [email protected]

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

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Related Topics:  art exhibit, art exhibition, Art Loop Wilmington, Carvel State Office Building, Individual Artist Fellowship, Mezzanine Gallery, photography, Roger Matsumoto

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

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On view from February 3-23, 2023

 

Wilmington, Del. (January 25, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2022 DDOA Individual Artist Fellow Roger Matsumoto’s exhibition, “Printing with Palladium”, running February 3-24, 2023. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, February 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Roger Matsumoto has been involved with photography since he learned the basics during his junior high school days. The photographer for his school newspaper, Matsumoto also did astrophotography using an 8-inch telescope that he made. But “I did not consider what I was doing to be any form of art.” It was only later – on a climbing trip to Yosemite during college – that he “purchased a small booklet of Ansel Adams photographs that made me see what photography was capable of.”

He then began to study seriously, taking a photography class at the University of Utah. After exploring silver printing and some “alternative” processes during the 1970s (including Cibachrome color work), Matsumoto discovered printing with palladium, now his primary process. Since he began exhibiting in 1982, his work has been seen in over 200 shows, including at the Fleischer Art Memorial (Philadelphia), Foundry Art Center (St. Louis, MO), Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington), and the London (England) Camera Club, where his print won first prize. Matsumoto also has prints in the collections of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Utah Museum of Fine Art, and Philadelphia Museum of Art (three prints).

Though Ansel Adams’ photographs were the pivotal inspiration for his work and his artistic practice, Matsumoto was also influenced by the work of Karl Blossfeldt and Brett Weston. His current process “extends the purely photographic image with brushed lines or areas” applied at the same time as the palladium coating, making each print a “distinct realization of the negative” – a monoprint. Matsumoto is also exploring a new series called “Stereo Pair” that mimics the stereo cards popular at the end of the 19th century.

The Newark resident was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father was in the Army, and (with his mother and sister) Matsumoto lived in Tokyo for three years as a child in a U.S. military housing base. The family eventually relocated to the Pacific Northwest, and Matsumoto lived in the Seattle region until after graduate school. He then moved to Salt Lake City. He came to Delaware from Salt Lake City and has lived here since 1988, “the longest I’ve been in one place.”

Matsumoto’s palladium images are almost exclusively of botanical subjects. He can make negatives at any time during the year, but “I print in palladium only in the winter when the humidity is low.” This means that often months elapse between creating the negative and printing it. The pandemic, “while not actually a complete re-set of my past practice,” allowed him to try out new films. But there’s been a recent spike in the cost of palladium (and all art supplies), and Matsumoto is also challenged by the “changes made in the materials I use.” However, he’s looking forward to exhibiting again. “These prints need to be seen in person, not only on a monitor or cell phone screen.”

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Image: “16-13a”. Palladium Monoprint. 12″x20″. 2016.

###

Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, [email protected]

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

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Related Topics:  art exhibit, art exhibition, Art Loop Wilmington, Carvel State Office Building, Individual Artist Fellowship, Mezzanine Gallery, photography, Roger Matsumoto

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.