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The comet was discovered by Australian amateur astronomy Terry Lovejoy on 27 November 2011. The comet grazed past the Sun on 16 December and was not expected to survive. However it did, and put on a magnificent display during Christmas 2011. This is Terry Lovejoy's third comet, which he discovered using an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with a QHY9 CCD camera.
The comet is situated in the south-eastern sky near the Milky Way. It is visible all night long, but is best observed in the morning (before twilight) as it is higher above the horizon.
The comet has now faded significantly and is too faint to be observed from light-polluted metropolitan areas. To see the comet, you will need to travel to the country where the skies are much darker. It is important that you ensure that your south-easterly horizon
does not overlook populated areas otherwise your view will be compromised by the effect of light pollution. Avoid light! You should attempt to adapt your eyes to the darkness.
Astronomical twilight ends at 4:15am.
We recommend at least a pair of binoculars to observe the comet -- 7 x 50 mm are
ideal.
As the comet has now faded, the best way to see the comet is by taking a long exposure (30 seconds or more) using a digital camera.
The following photos of Comet Lovejoy were taken by ASSA members.
 Comet Lovejoy on 21 December. Photo by Paul Haese |
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 Comet Lovejoy on 22 December. Photo by Paul Haese |
 Closeup of Comet Lovejoy. Photo by Paul Haese |
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 16 second exposure taken from Fitzgerald Bay, South Australia with a Canon 5D Mk2, 50mm f/1.4 lens at ISO 1600. Photo by John Murray. |
 4 second exposure taken from Fitzgerald Bay, South Australia with a Canon 5D Mk2, 50mm f/1.4 lens at ISO 800. Photo by John Murray. |
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 2 second exposure taken from Whyalla, South Australia with a Canon 5D Mk2, 50mm f/1.4 lens at ISO 1600. Photo by John Murray. |
 Comet Jovejoy taken from Pooraka in Adelaide, South Australia on 23 December 2011. Photo by Martin Lewicki. |
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 Comet Jovejoy taken from Pooraka in Adelaide, South Australia on 23 December 2011. Photo by Martin Lewicki. |
 Comet Lovejoy from Lenswood, South Australia on 23 December 2011. Photo by Jeff Lusher. |
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 Comet Lovejoy from Lenswood, South Australia on 24 December 2011. Photo by Jeff Lusher. |
 25-second exposure at ISO 1600 f/3.5 from Forreston, South Australia on 24 December 2011. Taken with a Canon EOS 40D and Tamron 18-270mm lens. Photo by Werner Kutsche. |
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 25-second exposure at ISO 1600 f/3.5 from Forreston, South Australia on 24 December 2011. Taken with a Canon EOS 40D and Tamron 18-270mm lens. Photo by Werner Kutsche. |
 30-second exposure at ISO 1600 f/3.5 from Forreston, South Australia on 24 December 2011. Taken with a Canon EOS 40D and Tamron 18-270mm lens. Photo by Werner Kutsche. |
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 30-second exposure at ISO on 24 December 2011 with a Canon EOS 40D. Photo by David Jenke. |
 Taken on 27 December 2011 at Karoonda, South Australia using a Nikon D3 with 50mm f/1.8 lens. 30-second exposure at ISO 2000. Photo by Paul Haese. |
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 Taken on 27 December 2011 at Karoonda, South Australia using a Nikon D3 with 14-24mm N series f/2.8 lens. 59-second exposure at ISO 2000. Photo by Paul Haese. |
 Comet Lovejoy taken on 27 December 2011. Photo by Michael Mattiazzo. |
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 Comet Lovejoy on 28 December from Pooraka in suburban Adelaide, South Australia. Photo by Martin Lewicki. |
 Comet Lovejoy taken on 28 December 2011 using a Canon 5D Mk2. Photo by Ashley Krieger. |
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