Embedded Files
Resources for the star gazer
Resources for the star gazer
Time-and-Date (sun and moon times and positions by geographical location and date)
Stellarium online (web-based night sky model for your location)
Stellarium for your computer, phone, or tablet (use the free version!)
Space Weather Prediction Center (best source for Aurora Borealis data)
Virtual Moon Atlas (download)
Spaceweather.com - News and Information about the Sun-Earth Environment (very informative collection of newest findings )
From Marc Tiritilli, Evans Observatory at Illinois Wesleyan University, as shared during the SCOPES conference:
• http://www.aerith.net/comet/weekly/current.html - Updated list of comets
• https://www.rochesterastronomy.org/supernova.html - Updated list of new supernovae
• https://skyandtelescope.org/wp-content/plugins/observing-tools/jupiter_moons/jupiter.html - Shows the
configuration of Jupiter’s moons for a given date and time
Calculator to find when Jupiter’s red spot is visible
• https://skyandtelescope.org/wp-content/plugins/observing-tools/saturn_moons/saturn.html - Shows the
configuration of Saturn’s moons for a given date and time
• https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/ - Weekly guide to interesting targets
• https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/space-weather-enthusiasts-dashboard - All things solar
• https://heavens-above.com/ - Satellite and astronomical trackers
• https://www.n2yo.com/ - Satellite trackers
• https://www.time.gov/ - Official time from NIST
• https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/double-stars-observing-guide/ - Some double-stars
• https://www.space.com/16149-night-sky.html#section-night-sky-observing-tips – Daily list of interesting objects
(the link will change regularly, so keep an eye on space.com)
Specific to UMM Observatory
Specific to UMM Observatory
Observing Schedule (pdf) for 2024/25
Observatory Handbook (a living document, updated regularly)
Documents Supporting Telescope Operation We Have Used Regularly
Documents Supporting Telescope Operation We Have Used Regularly
Instruction Manual for Meade LX200 SCT (useful, but the alignment instructions do not directly apply to the Morris telescope. See handbook)
Appendix C of the Instruction Manual
object types, codes, and conventions used in the CNGC, STAR, and Messier catalogs as used by the LX200 SCT from control paddle)
CNGC Catalog (galaxies, clusters, nebulae, etc)
Star catalog
Messier catalog
nova.astrometry.net (AI-supported navigation help based on images)
Software, Image Processing, and Other Links and Documents
Software, Image Processing, and Other Links and Documents
Siril (image processing software)
astropy (Python package specifically for astronomical applications and image processing)
NASA training on astropy (used in Peter's Python Bootcamp, link thanks to Laura Chajet)
ccdproc (data reduction in images with graphical interface, needs astropy)
AAVSO CCD/CMOS Observing Guide (very seful introduction to camera-based observing)
Matt Craig's (MSU Moorhead) notes for beginners like us
Cloudy Nights Forum for the real shop talk on anything telescope/astronomy related
LX200-specific forum on skymtn.com
Group for 16-inch Meade LX200 (so helpful!)
Minnesota Astronomical Society
Video on pier-mounted alignment procedure
Observatory Hardware Resources
Observatory Hardware Resources
PreciseParts.com (source for custom-made adapters)
Astronomik Filters (technical data on the filters used by the QHY filterwheel)
Installation instructions for the FeatherTouch microfocuser
https://farpointastro.com/ for all adapter and accessory needs!
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