A number of us gathered at the gate to the Hill at 6pm in anticipation of either elation or disappointment. Not knowing what to expect we came armed with binoculars, small telescopes and cameras, a mini expedition.

We set up facing west waiting for the Sun to set behind a ribbon of clouds at the distant hillside. We spotted Venus first, this was a good sign as it was higher up than I expected and the comet would appear to its right slightly higher. All summer I had scanned these hills after sunset looking for Venus using a wide field eyepiece in my 70mm refractor. This technique proved useful when I discovered the bright comet head amongst the clouds. Eventually we had to turn to the cameras to see the comet and its tail in the fading light. Amazing!

Camera: Nikon Z5
Lens: Z 85/1.8
Sensor ISO: 3200
Exposure: 0.8 sec at f/4.5
Processing: Adobe Photoshop CC 2024