Comet Lovejoy (C/2014 Q2) is now seen in the night sky. The comet, which was discovered in August 2014 by Australian amateur astronomer Terry Lovejoy, is reaching its perihelion (closest point to the Sun) on January 30, 2015. Its brightness is currently 4th magnitude.

The picture shows Comet Lovejoy photographed on December 31, 2014 by an NAOJ staff member visiting ALMA OSF. The ALMA telescope has been operated without halt even during Christmas or New Years holidays. Observation staff is working in three shifts around the clock. During break time between the shifts, they take time for meals, exercise, or photographing night sky with their own cameras.

Comet Lovejoy observed this time is different from Comet Lovejoy (C/2011 W3) that we wrote about in an article of January 2012. The comets have the same name because they were discovered by the same person.

Photo data

Photographer: Seiji Kameno
Date and Time: December 31, 2014, 02:48 – 02:54 (Time in Chile)
Exposure: 15 seconds × 20 frames, ISO6400
Camera: Fujifilm X-M1
Lens: Nikkor 180mmED F2.8