Thursday, 16 January 2025, clouds came in as sunset approached. The western sky was mostly obscured, so no observing attempt for Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS). Later that night there was a heavy rainshower (0.21") that lasted only a few minutes!

Friday, 17 January, was clear. That evening I tried to observe Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) again.

1742 MST: Sunset.

1826 MST: I briefly saw the comet with 7x50 binoculars, 2 minutes before the comet set behind the distant mountains. It was faint and barely visible in the haze. I was not able to get a photo before the comet disappeared.

I observed the Venus-Saturn conjunction (separation 2°15'), 7x50 binoculars. I took these photos of the Saturn (left) and Venus (right).

1830 MST: iPhone 15 Pro Max (Night Mode, 3 seconds, 2X lens)


1838 MST: D850 DSLR (f/8, 2 seconds, ISO 3200, FL 600)

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The Friends of Oracle State Park has published my first Oracle Night Sky Charm article. Check it out.

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