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Observation: Comet McNaught

Description

I observed Comet McNaught from 96 Mornington Road, Mornington, Dunedin.
The weather started with extensive cloud and a clear patch in the south, but then improved.
I first saw the comet in a clear patch through cloud about 10 minutes after sunset (21.30 NZDST).
As the sky darkened the cloud also cleared and the tail became prominent.
The colour was distinctly yellow and the nucleus was bright (between Mercury and Venus in brightness).
I used my Canon EOS350D digital camera with a 75-300 mm telephoto lens (equivalent length 400 mm).
I used various ISO speeds (100-400), focus methods (auto and manual) and exposure modes for a series of photos.
Best exposure was about 400 asa, 180mm, 1 second at f/5.

Thoughts

We don't see many bright comets so this one has been really quite exciting - even for non-astronomers. It has been so frustrating for about a week that we haven't had good weather, but you've got to get some luck eventually, and we finally got a clear spot to see the comet properly.

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