One might wonder why the comet seems so faint. I did at the time also. However it was not until I had finished the 3 images I found the reason. The focusing mask had been left on!!! Even more frustrating, the battery on my laptop died before I could retake the images!!! Needless to say, there have not been many instances since where I have made THAT mistake!
Comet Hale-Bopp. January 30, 2001.
Combination of 2, 5-minute exposures, Meade 416xt CCD. 300mm f/6 newtonian at prime focus.
Comet Hale-Bopp. March 24, 2001.
Combination of 2, 3-minute exposures, Meade 416xt CCD. 8" f/6 newtonian at prime focus.
Comet Hale-Bopp. March 25, 2001.
Combination of 2, 3-minute exposures, Meade 416xt CCD. 8" f/6 newtonian at prime focus.
Comet Hale-Bopp. March 27, 2001.
Combination of 2, 3-minute exposures, Meade 416xt CCD. 8" f/6 newtonian at prime focus.