A Glimpse of the Cosmos: Capturing Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN)
It's a thrilling moment when a new celestial visitor graces our skies, and the recent discovery of Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) is no exception. This remarkable image, captured from Canberra, Australia, brings this newly found comet into sharp focus, showcasing its distinct tail against the night sky.
What makes this capture even more impressive is the context. The astrophotographer managed to photograph C/2025 R2 (SWAN) despite the inherent challenges of urban light pollution and without the aid of a tracking mount. This feat highlights the dedication and skill involved in modern astrophotography.
Technical Details of the Capture:
For those interested in the technical aspects of this stunning image, here's a breakdown of the equipment and settings used:
- Camera: Sony A7IV
- Lens: TTArtisan 75mm f/2
- Exposures: 60 x 3.2s
- Aperture: f/2
- ISO: 3200
- Processing: Stacked and tweaked in Affinity Photo 2
This comet, according to astronomical information, is a rare visitor, with its orbital period likely spanning thousands of years. Its recent discovery makes this photograph a significant record of an early observation.
Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) is currently visible in the western sky shortly after sunset, positioned just below Spica and Mars. This observation was made around 7 pm AEST (0900 UTC).
The distinct tail of the comet is a particularly captivating feature, adding to the allure of this celestial object. It's exciting to think that we are observing something that has been on its long journey through the solar system for millennia.
This image serves as an inspiration to fellow astrophotographers, showcasing that even with urban limitations, breathtaking captures of deep-sky objects are possible. We eagerly anticipate seeing more images of C/2025 R2 (SWAN) as other observers contribute their unique perspectives of this fascinating comet.
