McNaught 2.0

Another clear night, another great shot at viewing Comet McNaught (C/2006 P1). This time, I chose a location away from the powerlines and other anthropogenic obstructions. Venus, the best sky object to use as a reference point in seeking McNaught, emerged from the twilight around 5:40pm and the comet was visible shortly thereafter.

Canon 30D 300mm, f/5.6, ISO 100, 1/2 sec exposure

Canon 30D 300mm, f/5.6, ISO 100, 8/10 sec exposure – Click for full image

The comet dipped below the horizon around 6:05pm as it chased down the sun below the horizon…and I was able to snap of a few more images within minutes of the last sighting:

Canon 30D 300mm, f/5.6, ISO 100, 1 sec exposure – Click for full image

At 6:05pm CDT, I likely said goodbye to McNaught, as the next several nights (the last few night it will be visible) are likely to be cloudy.

See last night’s post for more photos and tips on finding McNaught in the evening sky.