A Celestial Spectacle: Comet C/2023 A3 Above Mankayan, Benguet

Last night, the skies above Mankayan, Benguet, played host to a truly magical celestial event: Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Captured in this incredible OC (Original Content) shot, the comet provided a breathtaking spectacle, reminding us of our small place in the vast universe.

A Moment of Awe

The experience of witnessing this comet, especially with the naked eye, was described as "magical." With the clouds seemingly within arm's reach and the mountain landscape creating an almost dreamlike panorama, the moment was surreal. It's in these rare instances that reality truly surpasses any dreamt-up fantasy, evoking a profound sense of awe and wonder.

Technical Details

This stunning image was achieved using a Nikon Z8 with a Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens. The comet itself is a stack of 11 images, tracked and set at ISO 3200 with a 15-second exposure at f/2.8. These settings allowed for the capture of the comet's delicate structure against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

A Touch of the Surreal

The interplay of the clouds and the mountain terrain adds another layer of surreal beauty to the photograph, making it easy to understand why viewers have compared it to scenes from anime movies. It's a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of nature and the cosmos.

We're incredibly grateful for this glimpse into the universe's grandeur.