Photographing Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) from Thessaloniki

In early 2024, skywatchers were excited about the prospect of a bright comet, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), gracing our night skies. This comet offered a fascinating celestial spectacle, especially for astrophotographers. I had the opportunity to photograph Comet ATLAS in October 2024 from Thessaloniki, Greece.

The Challenge of Urban Astrophotography

Thessaloniki, with its bustling city lights, presents a significant challenge for astrophotography. Light pollution can significantly diminish the visibility of celestial objects, including comets. Despite these obstacles, I managed to capture a few stunning images of Comet ATLAS setting behind the mountains, viewed from Nea Paralia in Thessaloniki shortly after sunset.

Planning the Shoot with Stellarium

Meticulous planning is crucial for successful astrophotography. I utilized Stellarium, a free planetarium software, as an essential tool in my preparation. By visiting Stellarium’s web interface, I was able to pinpoint the comet’s exact position in the night sky at my chosen time and location. While in the field, I relied on Stellarium’s augmented reality feature to locate the comet. This real-time guidance was invaluable, especially since the comet was barely visible to the naked eye.

Conclusion

Photographing comet C/2023 A3 from Thessaloniki was a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding the limitations of urban astrophotography and employing the right techniques, it’s possible to capture stunning images of celestial objects even from light-polluted areas. So, the next time a bright comet graces our skies, don’t hesitate to grab your camera and start shooting!