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Comet tracking

QHYCCD QHY5 Acquisition Solar System Comet
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Dan Brown avatar
Dan Brown avatar
I imaged comet ZTF (C/2020 V2) this week. I was surprised how fast it moved in relation to the background stars. I tried to lock my guide scope directly on the comet but I couldn't find it. Are there any tricks with the guide camera settings that may make the comet more prominent? I use a qhy5-iii 178c camera.
Thanks,
Dan
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Oscar avatar
Oscar avatar
If you have a slightly narrow FOV (long focal length), you first have to center the comet in a guidescope.
If you mean the comet is too dim and small, try using a mobile astronomy app to find it, or take subs in the vicinity to find it.
The comet and the stars move at a different speed and direction. You have to track the stars, not the comet. Even if tracking the comet with an autoguider worked, you would get star trails and maybe a stationary comet in your subs.

Here's a nice example of a wide field long exposure of a comet.
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