top of page
Writer's picturekc dyer

A Little Night Magic

Lions Bay photographer captures Comet-12P/Pons-Brooks


photo by David Zhang, March 16, 2024.

Local photographer David Zhang, who so brilliantly depicted the Milky Way above Horseshoe Bay last year has done it again. This time, standing on his roof, he's captured Comet-12P/Pons-Brooks as it flew overhead on March 16.


David says:

"Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is a Halley-type periodic comet with an orbital period of 71.3 years. It is visiting the near solar system now and it is visible in the night sky about two hours after the sunset. Look up north-west about 45 degrees above the horizon. It is currently at 5.8 magnitude and it may be intensified to 4.0 magnitude. Binoculars are needed and a long exposure on the camera will catch the details. In the photo the comet is on the bottom center. On the top from right to left are Andromeda Galaxy, Mirach Star, Triangulum Galaxy."


And for those who like the shot details, David adds that this shot was taken on a Sony A7R4 with 24-70/2.8 GM at 70mm, f2.8, ISO 6400, 4s single shot. 50 continuous shots are stacked with the Seqator SW. Post processed with Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop.


David and his partner Jasmine Lin moved to Lions Bay in 2022 after many years in Toronto. If you'd like to see more of his amazing photography, you'll find it on his Flikr page HERE.


Got thoughts to share? Leave your comments below, or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca  Like what you're reading? For as little as $5/month, you can support local independent journalism by subscribing to The Watershed HERE.

102 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
Comment policy:

Only site members of The Watershed may comment. User names are open to choice, but members

must register with real first and last names before commenting.

We are looking for comments that are productive, insightful and contribute to the conversation.

We're interested in your perspective!

Disrespectful and anonymous comments will be removed without explanation.

Comment sections will remain open for a month, and after that time, further commentary may be directed to editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca

Thank you for joining the discussion!

small magnesia creek.jpg

Stay in the know...
Subscribe to The Watershed HERE

bottom of page