Catching the Faint Glow of 3I/ATLAS: A Citizen Scientist's Triumph

Capturing faint celestial objects can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of astrophotography. Recently, a dedicated amateur astronomer managed to capture the incredibly dim comet 3I/ATLAS, showcasing the power of persistence and the right equipment.

The Challenge of Dim Objects

The amateur astronomer, braving Bortle 5 conditions (a moderate level of light pollution), utilized a combination of high gain and extended exposures to make out the comet. "I was able to very faintly capture 3I/ATLAS," they reported. "It's moving from the left to right in the image."

This feat was achieved using 120-second exposures with a high gain setting of around 350 on SharpCap software for approximately an hour. The dimmer nature of the comet, estimated to be around magnitude 17, means that even minor atmospheric disturbances can significantly impact the image quality.

The Gear and Software Behind the Catch

The equipment employed for this remarkable capture included:

• Telescope: Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25"
• Camera: ZWO ASI 183MC Pro
• Mount: Celestron computerized alt/az mount with equatorial wedge
• Autoguider: Celestron StarSense Autoguider

The software suite was equally important, comprising:

• Sky Portal app (Celestron)
• SharpCap (for image acquisition)
• CapCut (for compiling images into a video, likely to stack or enhance visibility)

The Importance of Citizen Science

As one commenter aptly put it, "Sure, it's not a glorious, 8k space porn photo. But this kind of citizen scientist work is remarkable and satisfying." This sentiment highlights the crucial role amateur astronomers play in contributing to scientific understanding, often with limited resources but immense passion. Documenting the appearance and movement of comets, even faint ones, provides valuable data for astronomers.

Tips for Observing 3I/ATLAS

For those in the UK looking to observe 3I/ATLAS, the advice is cautious but encouraging. While visual observation with a Dobsonian telescope is unlikely due to its faintness, imaging is still a possibility with the right setup and conditions. Key factors include:

• Camera and Tracking: A good camera and reliable tracking are essential for long exposures.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Seeing, humidity, and cloud cover will play a significant role.
• Object Placement: The comet will be relatively low on the horizon in the UK, requiring a clear view and minimal light pollution.
• Timing: "Now would probably be the best shot," as the comet is currently closest to Earth. By September, it will be lower and closer to the sun's glare.
• Resources: Using tools like is crucial for identifying surrounding stars to help locate the faint target.

This capture of 3I/ATLAS serves as a testament to the dedication of amateur astronomers and the exciting possibilities of exploring the cosmos from our own backyards.