The night is still young (10:30 pm CDT) and I’m happy to report a couple of new Messier object sightings. This one is a globular cluster known simply as Messier 2, or M2. It is located at the northern end of the constellation Aquarius, just below the Great Pegasus Cluster (M15). It lies approximately 55,000 […]
Here’s another look at the Orion Nebula, Messier 42. Now that we’re getting deeper into Fall, we’ll start seeing the Orion constellation traverse our night sky earlier and at a higher declination, meaning it’ll become more and more conducive to optimal viewing and imaging conditions.
This is by no means a “showcase” of talents as I do not profess to be an astrophotographer. I do, however, claim to be an amateur astronomer who happens to enjoy creating visual documentation of my night sky finds. I’m also slowly working my way through the Messier Catalog of Deep Space Objects. Therefore, I […]
Also known as, Messier 15, this cluster can be found at the top of Pegasus’ head. At magnitude 6.6 it’s not as easy to find as the Andromeda Galaxy, but perhaps more rewarding. At an estimated 12.5±1.3 billion years old, it is one of the oldest known globular clusters!
In preparation of its upcoming opposition, I have begun imaging Mars. Mars’ opposition will occur on December 8, 2022, but it will be closest to Earth on December 1, 2022. During opposition, Mars will be found in the constellation Taurus.
Here’s a slightly better image I recently took of the Andromeda Galaxy. My “smudge” pics are improving! I believe it’s position overhead along with atmospheric conditions are to thank.
Who doesn’t love a cool pic of the moon? I also enjoy the deep black abyss surrounding our only natural satellite in this uncropped image….
Guys, I’m pleased to announce a breakthrough in our processing! To show the importance of post-processing in astrophotography, inputting the same video, I can now go from this…. to this…. Ahhh…..the Cassini Division!
Yep, that smudge….that’s the Andromeda Galaxy as seen through a 6″ Newtonian reflector telescope. I must say it does look rather unimpressive in this image. But to actually locate and observe this distant world through the lens of your very own scope, in real life, is absolutely breathtaking. One day I’ll own a proper astrophotography […]
Single image of the Trapezium Cluster within the Orion Nebula. Photo taken on 10/12/2022.
