The Dark Side Observatory
in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, USA
Welcome to the Dark Side Observatory in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, USA. The Dark Side Observatory is the personal observatory of Tom and Jane Wildoner. It was constructed in 2017 and continues to be modified as time permits. The links below present some of our images, clicking on an image will open a new window with the full resolution. IMAGE USE: We have a liberal policy in the use of our images, you may share/use the image as long as the image is not edited in any way and credit is given to Tom and Jane Wildoner, The Dark Side Observatory.
Questions or comments can be addressed to thedarksideobservatory@gmail.com
You can follow us on TWITTER as @tdsobservatory, my image portfolio is available on FLICKR. I also post images on my Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/tom.wildoner and https://www.facebook.com/thedarksideobservatory We also routinely post the latest images on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tomwildoner/
Our images have been used on UNIVERSE TODAY, EARTHSKY, The Washington Post, Sky and Telescope, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD), Amateur Astronomy Picture of the Day, WNEP News, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, SyFy.com, Let's Talk Science and numerous online media outlets and E-Magazines.
RELEASE DATE: 23 May 2022
Messier 36 - Open Cluster in Auriga
Distance: 4,340 light year.Radius: 7 light yearRight ascension: 05h 36m 18.0sDeclination: +34° 08′ 24″Apparent Magnitude: 6.3
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: January 3, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 19 May 2022
NGC 772 (Arp 78) The Nautilus Galaxy
Distance: 130 million light year.Right ascension: 01h 59m 20sDeclination: +19° 00’ 27”Apparent Magnitude: 10.3Apparent Size: 4.57 x 2.52 (arc minutes)
I’ve imaged this galaxy three times in the last seven years, each time bringing out new details from changes in camera sensor technology, software processing and experience.
I’m not sure who first coined the name “Nautilus Galaxy”, but I did find a reference from 2008 by Ruben Kier who states, “I find the shape of NGC 772 resembles the nautilus shell, as illustrated to the right, so I have called it the Nautilus Galaxy.” (REF: http://www.stardoctor.org/772.html) If you Google “Nautilus Shell” you’ll see what he is talking about.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 178 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: November 9, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - May 20, 2022
RELEASE DATE: 16 May 2022
Lunar Eclipse - May 15, 2022
RELEASE DATE: 15 May 2022
The Helix Galaxy - NGC 2685
Distance: 40-42 million light year.Diameter: 50,000 light years (half of the Milky Way)Right ascension: 08h 55m 34.75sDeclination: +58° 44′ 03.87″Apparent Magnitude: 11.1Apparent Diameter: 5.2 (arc minutes)
There are many examples of Seyfert Galaxies and you can peruse them at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seyfert_galaxy
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 160 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: November 8, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 9 May 2022
The Moon - May 8, 2022
Tech Specs: Meade 12" LX-90 telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, Antares Focal Reducer, best 15% of 1000 frames at full resolution, Sharpcap Pro, Autostakkert, Luminar Neo. Image Date: May 8, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 6 May 2022
NGC 457 - The Owl Cluster
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using DSS. Image Date: November 8, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 3 May 2022
Moon - Mercury - Pleiades Conjunction
Tech specs: Canon 6D, Pluto trigger, Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens, tripod mounted, ISO 1250, 2.5 seconds, f/8, 200mm. Processed in Adobe Lightroom and ProDigital Software StarSpikes Pro v4. Image Date: May 2, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 2 May 2022
Galaxy NGC 1961 (Arp 184)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: November 8, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 28 April 2022
Galaxy Messier 109 in Ursa Major
Annotated image link provided below.
- Distance to Earth: 83 million light years
- Apparent Magnitude: 10.6
- Right ascension: 11h 57m 36.0s
- Declination: +53° 22′ 28″
- Apparent dimensions: 7.6 × 4.7 arc minutes
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 135 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: January 3, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Annotated IMAGE
RELEASE DATE: 25 April 2022
Supernova 2022hrs in NGC4647
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 48 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, BIN2,, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: April 25, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 23 April 2022
Galaxy IC356 (Arp213) in Camelopardalis
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using DSS. Image Date: November 8, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 22 April 2022
Lyrid Meteor Shower - Rogue Meteor
Tech Specs: Canon 6D with Lensbaby Fisheye Lens, ZWO AAPlus, dew strap, unguided, operated via ethernet to Bluestacks. 120 second exposure at ISO 1000. Processed in Luminar NEO and Corel PaintshopPro. Image Date: April 22, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 20 April 2022
Today’s Sun - April 20, 2022
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Orion Glass Solar Filter, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, best 15% of 1000 frames, processed using Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: April 20, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 18 April 2022
Open Cluster NGC 2158 in Gemini
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 7, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 15 April 2022
Spiral Galaxy Messier 74 (M74)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 7, 2021 and January 31, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - April 16, 2022
RELEASE DATE: 12 April 2022
Flaming Star (IC405) and Tadpole Nebula (IC410)
If you are viewing this on Facebook, I've also included an annotated image.
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 22 x 300 seconds at -10C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: January 26, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 9 April 2022
Open Cluster M35 in Gemini
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 7, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 6 April 2022
Supernova SN2022ewj in Galaxy NGC 3367
INFO: A Type II supernova (plural: supernovae or supernovas) results from the rapid collapse and violent explosion of a massive star. A star must have at least 8 times, but no more than 40 to 50 times, the mass of the Sun (M☉) to undergo this type of explosion. Type II supernovae are distinguished from other types of supernovae by the presence of hydrogen in their spectra. (Wikipedia).
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 56 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: April 5, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 5 April 2022
Occultation of 14 Tauri
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 30 second unguided exposures at -10C, processed using PixInsight and Corel Paintshop Pro. Image Date: April 5, 2022 at 00:32 (UT). Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 4 April 2022
Globular Cluster NGC 2419 in Lynx
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 3 April 2022
The Sun - April 2, 2022
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Orion Glass Solar Filter, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, best 10% of 1000 frames, processed using Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: April 4, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 1 April 2022
The Eskimo Nebula - NGC 2392
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 28 March 2022
Quadruple Conjunction - March 28, 2022
Tech Specs: Canon 6D tripod mounted, Pluto trigger, Canon EF70-200mm USM lens, Canon 2xIII, ISO 400, 2.5 seconds, f/5.6, 140mm. Image Date: March 28, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 26 March 2022
Seyfert Galaxy NGC 1275
Hubble Image at https://hubblesite.org/contents/media/images/2008/28/2375-Image.html
I was happy to detect some of the galaxy strands that Hubble showed in it’s image taken in 2008.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 162 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 24 March 2022
Central Region of the Orion Nebula
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 108 minutes total, mix of 5, 10, 30 and 60 second exposures at -10C plus darks, processed using DSS. Image Date: November 8, 2021 and January 31, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 21 March 2022
Montes Apenninus - March 11, 2022
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI290MC, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, best 15% of 10k frames at full resolution, processed using SharpCap Pro and Registax. Image Date: March 11, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 18 March 2022
Planetary Nebula NGC 40
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 59 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 15 March 2022
The Pacman Nebula - NGC 281/Sh2-184
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 48 x 300 seconds at -10C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 12 March 2022
Rupes Recta on the Moon
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI290MC, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, best 20% of 30k frames at full resolution, processed using SharpCap Pro and Registax. Image Date: March 11, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 11 March 2022
Waxing Gibbous Moon - March 10, 2022
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, best 20% of 500 frames at full resolution, processed using SharpCap Pro and Registax. Image Date: March 10, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 10 March 2022
Planetary Nebula NGC 2371/72
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 7 March 2022
Comet 110P/Hartley
110P/Hartley live position and data on March 4, 2022.Right Ascension: 07h 51m 21.8s Declination: 13° 27' 44.0" (J2000)Magnitude: 16.47 (Estimated: JPL) Constellation: GeminiSun Distance: 387,987,959 km [20.9 km/s] Earth Distance: 270,433,333 km [19.0 km/s]Perihelion: 21 Oct 2021 05:51 UTC [+133d 19h 8m 37s]
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: March 4, 2022 @ 01:00 (UT). Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 5 March 2022
Supernova 2022fx in NGC 4348
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: March 4, 2022 @ 01:00 (UT). Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 3 March 2022
The Horsehead Nebula in Orion
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 48 x 300 seconds (4 hours) at -20C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus was accomplished using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: January 31, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - March 3, 2022
RELEASE DATE: 1 March 2022
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
- Right Ascension: 08h 23m 01.2s Declination: 26° 54' 37.6" (J2000)
- Magnitude: 11.1 (Observed: COBS) Constellation: Cancer
- Sun Distance: 273,951,572 km [26.7 km/s] Earth Distance: 140,817,219 km [23.0 km/s]
- Perihelion: 23 Jan 2022 07:06 UTC [+34d 19h 27m 56s]
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 90 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 21, 2022 @ 02:30 (UT). Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 27 February 2022
Orion and Running Man Nebula M42 Complex
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 36 x 300 seconds at -20C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: January 26, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 25 February 2022
Comet 116P/Wild 4
Right Ascension: 09h 42m 53.8s Declination: 18° 58' 40.6" (J2000)Magnitude: 14.90 (Estimated: JPL) Constellation: LeoSun Distance: 361,523,431 km [21.9 km/s] Earth Distance: 215,377,993 km [8.9 km/s]Perihelion: 10 Jul 2022 20:24 UTC [-139d 17h 53m 44s]
HISTORY: Paul Wild (Astronomical Institute, Berne University, Switzerland) on 1990 January 21.98 at a position of RA=9h 34m 31.69s, DEC=+20° 39' 39.5" (1950.0). He described the comet as strongly condensed, with a total magnitude of 13.5-14.0. There was a fan-shaped tail extending about one arc minute toward the northwest.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 21, 2022 @ 02:30 (UT). Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 23 February 2022
Comet C/2019 L3 (ATLAS)
Right Ascension: 06h 35m 20.8s Declination: 22° 49' 37.5" (J2000)Magnitude: 9.2 (Observed: COBS) Constellation: GeminiSun Distance: 534,885,571 km [22.3 km/s] Earth Distance: 434,198,442 km [28.1 km/s]Perihelion: 9 Jan 2022 17:57 UTC [+42d 6h 25m 32s]
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 21, 2022 @ 02:30 (UT). Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 22 February 2022
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Right Ascension: 08h 22m 36.9s Declination: 27° 28' 17.6" (J2000)Magnitude: 10.5 (Observed: COBS) Constellation: CancerSun Distance: 266,941,984 km [27.2 km/s] Earth Distance: 129,406,197 km [21.3 km/s]Perihelion: 23 Jan 2022 07:06 UTC [+28d 19h 21m 22s]
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 21, 2022 @ 02:30 (UT). Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 21 February 2022
Messier 1 - The Crab Nebula in Taurus
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 267 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using DSS. Image Date: November 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 18 February 2022
Starburst Galaxy NGC1569
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 108 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 15 February 2022
The Jellyfish Nebula IC443 in Gemini
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 60 x 300 seconds at -10C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: November 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
ANNOTATE VERSION
RELEASE DATE: 12 February 2022
Galaxy NGC2403 in Camelopardalis
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 10 February 2022
Waxing Gibbous Moon - February 9, 2022
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, best 20% of 500 frames at full resolution, processed using SharpCap Pro and Registax. Image Date: February 9, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 9 February 2022
Messier 81 - Bode's Galaxy in Ursa Major
Messier 81 is the largest galaxy in the M81 Group, a group of 34 galaxies located in the constellation Ursa Major. At approximately 11.8 million light years from the Earth, it makes this group and the Local Group, containing the Milky Way, relative neighbors in the Virgo Supercluster. (Wikipedia)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 108x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - February 10, 2022
RELEASE DATE: 6 February 2022
The Surfboard Galaxy M108
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 89 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 3 February 2022
Edge-On Spiral Galaxy NGC 891 in Andromeda
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 90 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 29 January 2022
Planetary Nebula NGC 1501 in Camelopardalis
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 26 January 2022
Observation of Comet C/2019 L3 (Atlas)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using DSS. Image Date: January 25, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 23 January 2022
NGC 1514 - The Crystal Ball Nebula of Taurus
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - January 24, 2022
RELEASE DATE: 20 January 2022
Galaxy NGC 1023 (Arp 135) in Perseus
NGC 1023 was discovered by William Herschel in 1786. If you look close you can see a small companion on the right-hand side, this is designated as PGC 10139 (also referred to as NGC 1023A because of its possible connection to the main galaxy). It is a magnitude 13.6 irregular galaxy. It is also cataloged in the ARP Atlas (Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies) as ARP 135.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 3, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 17 January 2022
Main-belt Asteroid Thetis
The video and image show the movement of Thetis over a 90-minute period on December 13, 2021.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 90 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: December 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Thetis Video Link
RELEASE DATE: 14 January 2022
Open Cluster Messier 103 (M103)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 15 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 11 January 2022
Messier 76 – The Little Dumbbell Nebula in Perseus
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 54 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: November 3, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 8 January 2022
Alderamin (Alpha Cephei)
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 5 x 30 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: 19 Sep 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 5 January 2022
Star Trails - 10.5 Hours
Tech Specs: Rubbermaid Cake Keeper All-Sky Setup (Canon 6D, Lensbaby Fisheye Lens, ZWO AAP, Clear Plastic Dome and dew strap). 340 x 120 seconds at ISO 2000, untracked, no calibration frames. Image date: January 3-4, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - January 6, 2022
RELEASE DATE: 4 January 2022
Heart and Soul Nebula Mosaic
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 30 x 300 seconds at -10C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: September 26 and October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 1 January 2022
Dwarf Planet Ceres Observation
The video clip shows the same time comparison and the movement of Ceres.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 100 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: December 12, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 28 December 2021
Messier 38 - Open Cluster in Auriga
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)Constellation: AurigaRight ascension: 05h 28m 43sDeclination: +35° 51′ 18″Distance: 3,480 lyApparent magnitude (V): 7.4Apparent dimensions (V): 21′Other designations: NGC 1912
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 57 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 24 December 2021
Reflection Nebula GN 21.11.4
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 54 x 60 second at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: August 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 20 December 2021
Open Cluster NGC 1502 in Camelopardalis
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: CamelopardalisRight ascension: 04h 07.50mDeclination: +62° 19.9′Distance: 2,700 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.9Apparent dimensions (V): 20 arcmin
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 57 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 17 December 2021
NGC 404 – Mirach’s Ghost in the Constellation Andromeda
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 85 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 15 December 2021
Comet C/2019 L3 (ATLAS)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 56 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, stacked in DSS. Image Date: December 12, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 14 December 2021
Geminid Meteor Shower
Tech Specs: Canon 6D using a Lensbaby Fisheye Lens and controlled with a ZWO AAP via BlueStacks, 60 second exposures at ISO 2000. Processed in Corel PaintshopPro. Image Date: December 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 13 December 2021
The Moon - December 12, 2021
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. Best 20% of 2000 frames, stacked in Autostakkert, wavelets in Registax, final image in Corel Paintshop Pro. Image Date: December 12, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - December 14, 2021
RELEASE DATE: 11 December 2021
Open Cluster Messier 103 (M103)
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 8 December 2021
The Soul Nebula - IC1848
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 30 x 300 seconds at -10C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 3 December 2021
Uranus, Titania and Oberon
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 20 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 30 November 2021
A Starless Image of the Cygnus Wall
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 49 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: July 30, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 27 November 2021
The Pleiades - Messier 45
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 80 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image date: October 1, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - November 27, 2021
RELEASE DATE: 24 November 2021
The Triangulum Galaxy - Messier 33
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 171 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image date: October 1, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 21 November 2021
The Perseus Double Cluster
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Two panel mosaic imaged on 9/26/21 and 10/01/21. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 19 November 2021
Partial Lunar Eclipse
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071, ZWO EAF, and ZWO AAP. Captured using SharpCap Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax, best 20% or 500 frames captured at 4944 x 3284. Image date: November 19, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 17 November 2021
The Heart Nebula - IC1805
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 30 x 300 seconds at -10C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: September 26, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 14 November 2021
Messier 11 - The Wild Duck Cluster
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: September 24, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 12 November 2021
66% Illuminated Moon
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071, ZWO EAF. Captured in SharpCap Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax, two panel mosaic. Image date: November 12, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 11 November 2021
NGC 663 - Open Cluster in Cassiopeia
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 40 x 30 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: September 26, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 9 November 2021
Omega Nebula and Black Swan Cluster
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 18 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: August 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4 zone).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - November 10, 2021
RELEASE DATE: 7 November 2021
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Stacked in DSS and processed with PixInsight. Image Date: November 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 6 November 2021
Jupiter and Saturn in the Southern Sky
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Canon EF17-40mm, ISO 3200, 20 seconds, f/4, 19mm, tripod mounted, trees highlighted by light painting. Image date: November 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 5 November 2021
IC 5070 - The Pelican Nebula
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 51 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: August 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 2 November 2021
Globular Cluster Palomar 13
Magnitude: 13.80Constellation: PegasusRA (J2000): 23h 06m 44.9sDec (J2000): +12° 46' 17"Size (mins): 1.5
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 95 x 60 second at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: July 30, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 30 October 2021
Neptune and Triton
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 15 x 30 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: September 24, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 28 October 2021
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. 82 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Image Date: October 27, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 25 October 2021
The Ghost of Cassiopeia - Widefield
These nebulae are a combination of emission and reflection, they are located about 610 light years from Earth and are about 10 light years across. Gamma Cassiopeia provides the radiation to light up this area of dust and gas, eventually dissipating the area.
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 36 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: August 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 20 October 2021
Nearly Full Moon - October 19, 2021
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. Captured at 3704 x 2462, 578 frames, top 20% stacked and processed. Image Date: October 19, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 19 October 2021
IC1396 Elephant Trunk Nebula in False SHO
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 36 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks from the library and flats taken the next morning, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: August 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4 zone).
RELEASE DATE: 17 October 2021
Jupiter - October 13, 2021
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC, and ZWO EAF, Televue 1.5x Barlow. Captured in SharpCap Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax, top image single 3-second exposure, bottom image is best 20% of 9000 frames. Image date: October 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 15 October 2021
Saturn and Seven Moon - October 13, 2021
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC, and ZWO EAF, Televue 1.5x Barlow. Captured in SharpCap Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax, top image single 5-second exposure, bottom image is best 20% of 9000 frames. Image date: October 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 14 October 2021
The Moon - October 13, 2021
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC, and ZWO EAF. Captured in SharpCap Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax, four panel mosaic. Image date: October 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 13 October 2021
Globular Cluster Messier 15 in Pegasus
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 32 x 60 second at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: August 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - October 14, 2021
RELEASE DATE: 10 October 2021
The Dumbbell Nebula - Messier 27
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 25 x 60 second at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: July 26, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 7 October 2021
Gamma Cygni Nebula - Sadr Region
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 33 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: August 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 4 October 2021
Campbell’s Hydrogen Star
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 48 x 60 second at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: August 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 30 September 2021
Planetary Nebula NGC 7048
Observation data: J2000 epochRight ascension: 24h 14m 15.25sDeclination: +46° 17′ 16.1″Distance: 5260 lyApparent magnitude (V): 12.1Apparent diameter: 1.02′Constellation: CygnusDesignations: PK 088-01 1, PN ARO 41, IRAS 21124+4604
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 54 x 60 second at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: August 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 27 September 2021
Jupiter in Two Views
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF. Image date: September 24, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - September 28, 2021
RELEASE DATE: 24 September 2021
Veil Nebula Complex in Cygnus
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 20h 45m 38.0s[1]Declination: +30° 42′ 30″[1]Distance: 1470 lyApparent magnitude (V): 7.0Apparent dimensions (V): 3 degrees (diameter)Constellation: CygnusDesignations: NGC 6960, 6992, 6995, 6974, and 6979, IC 1340, Cygnus Loop, Cirrus Nebula, Filamentary Nebula, Witch's Broom Nebula (NGC 6960), Caldwell 33/34.
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 36 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: August 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 20 September 2021
Jupiter and Saturn from September 19, 2021
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using Autostakkert and Registax. Image date: September 19, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 17 September 2021
North American Nebula in Cygnus - NGC 7000
The North America Nebula covers a region more than ten times the area of the full moon, but its surface brightness is low, so normally it cannot be seen with the unaided eye (Wikipedia).
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 20h 59m 17.1sDeclination: +44° 31′ 44″Distance: 2,590 ± 80 lyApparent magnitude (V): 4Apparent dimensions (V): 120 × 100 arcminConstellation: CygnusDesignations: NGC 7000, Sharpless 117, Caldwell 20
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, 49 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: July 30, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 5 September 2021
Lagoon and Trifid Nebula in Sagittarius
This was also the first test using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT Mount for autofocus on the Williams Optics Redcat using the ZWO EAF, worked like a charm.
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO ASI2600MC-P camera, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, 19 x 300 seconds at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Autofocus using the ProAstroGear Black-CAT and ZWO EAF. Image date: July 30, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 31 August 2021
Planetary Nebula NGC 6781
These nebulae are formed when a star begins reaching its end of life. The star begins throwing off shells of gas that expand away from the star. This forms a ring of hot ionized gas that we see as a planetary nebula. If you look closely, you can see a small blue star in the center of the nebula, this is the star that created the nebula.
Location:Right Ascension (J2000) 19h 18m 28sDeclination (J2000) +06° 32’ 22”Visual Magnitude: 11.8
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 56 x 60 second at 0C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: July 30, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 28 August 2021
Globular Cluster NGC 7006
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 28 x 60 second at -10C with darks and flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO AAP and processed using PixInsight. Image date: July 28, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 25 August 2021
Globular Cluster NGC 6934 in Delphinus
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VIIIConstellation: DelphinusRight ascension: 20h 34m 11.37sDeclination: +07° 24′ 16.1″Distance: 52 kly (16 kpc)Apparent magnitude (V): 8.83
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, ZWO AAP, 75 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: June 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 21 August 2021
Elliptical Galaxy Messier 59 (M59)
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 75 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: June 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 18 August 2021
Arp 286 Trio in the Constellation Virgo
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 72 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: June 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 15 August 2021
Elliptical Galaxy Messier 49 (M49)
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: June 6, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 12 August 2021
Fireworks and an Open Cluster
NGC 6946 also appears in Arps Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies as ARP 29. It was placed in the “Peculiar Galaxy” category since it has one spiral arm that is larger than the others.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 31, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 9 August 2021
Open Cluster NGC 6802
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 31, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 5 August 2021
Elliptical Galaxy Messier 60 (M60) ARP 116
The Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies is a catalog of peculiar galaxies produced by Halton Arp in 1966. A total of 338 galaxies are presented in the atlas, which was originally published in 1966 by the California Institute of Technology. The primary goal of the catalog was to present photographs of examples of the different kinds of peculiar structures found among galaxies.
A 2012 Hubble image of this galaxy seems to confirm they are indeed interacting with each other.
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 95 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 31, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - August 6, 2021
RELEASE DATE: 2 August 2021
The Fox Head Cluster - NGC 6819
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 44 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 17, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 29 July 2021
Wide Field of Globular Cluster Messier 13 (M13)
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 44 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 17, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 25 July 2021
Open Cluster Messier 29 (M29)
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 53 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 21 July 2021
The LEO Triplet - M65, M66 and NGC 3628
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 121 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 18 July 2021
Galaxy Messier 90 (NGC 4569, Arp 76)
Observation data (Epoch J2000):Constellation: VirgoRight ascension: 12h 36m 49.8sDeclination: +13° 09′ 46″Apparent dimension (V): 9.5’ × 4.4’Apparent magnitude (V): 10.26
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 81 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Image date: May 13, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 15 July 2021
Open Cluster Messier 67
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -20C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 15 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: April 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 11 July 2021
Leo I Dwarf Galaxy
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -20C, Celestron CGEM-DX Mount Pier Mounted, ZWO EAF, 18 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: April 7, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 8 July 2021
Galaxy Messier 95 (M95)
Its spiral arms host a flurry of star birth activity and sparkle with the light of countless young, blue stars. The arms themselves are very tightly wound around the galaxy’s core and are nearly circular (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2018/messier-95).
M95 is one of several galaxies within the M96 Group, a group of galaxies in the constellation Leo, the other Messier objects of which are M96 and M105.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 67 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 2 July 2021
Elliptical Galaxy Messier 86 (M86)
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 67 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 29 June 2021
Hercules Globular Cluster Messier 13
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 98 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 5, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 26 June 2021
Globular Cluster NGC 5466
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 107 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 3, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 23 June 2021
Elliptical Galaxy Messier 84 (M84)
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 68 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 4, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 20 June 2021
Elliptical Galaxy Messier 105 (M105) and Friends
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 67 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: April 3, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 15 June 2021
Galaxy NGC 4725
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 108 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 20, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 12 June 2021
Galaxy Messier 58
RELEASE DATE: 10 June 2021
Partial Solar Eclipse
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens + 2x III extender, ISO 2000, 2 seconds, f/5.6, 400mm, Thousand Oaks Optical 77mm solar filter. Image date: June 10, 2021. Location: Broad Mountain, Carbon County, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 9 June 2021
Galaxy Messier 96
RELEASE DATE: 6 June 2021
The Ring Nebula - Messier 57 (M57)
RELEASE DATE: 3 June 2021
Galaxy Messier 61 (M61)
RELEASE DATE: 30 May 2021
Galaxy Messier 91 (M91)
RELEASE DATE: 27 May 2021
The Beehive Cluster - Messier 44
Tech Specs: Williams Optics REDCAT51, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, 27 x 60 second exposures with dark/flat frames, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: March 9, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 24 May 2021
The Whale and the Pup Galaxies (ARP 281)
RELEASE DATE: 22 May 2021
NGC 5907 - The Splinter Galaxy of Draco
RELEASE DATE: 19 May 2021
Nova Cassiopeia 2021 Observation
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 81 x 60 second at 0C, 20 darks and 20 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO ASIAir Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 17, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 18 May 2021
Solar Prominence - May 17, 2021
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI290MC, Daystar Quark Chromosphere + Daystar 2" UV/IR filter, ZWO 0.5x Reducer, SharpCap Pro v3.2, best 20% of 5k frames, AutoStakkert, Registax. Image date: 17 May 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory in Weatherly, PA, USA.
FLICKR Explore TOP 500 Image of the Day - May 19, 2021
RELEASE DATE: 16 May 2021
Planetary Nebula Sharpless 200
RELEASE DATE: 13 May 2021
Venus and 26 Hour Old Moon
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens, Canon 2x III, ISO 320, 1/25, f/5.6, 400mm. Image date: May 12, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 9 May 2021
Sombrero Galaxy Messier 104
RELEASE DATE: 18 April 2021
The Lion Nebula SH2-132
RELEASE DATE: 15 April 2021
The Whirlpool Galaxy Messier 51
Selected for FLICKR EXPLORE, top 500 photos for April 15, 2021.
RELEASE DATE: 12 April 2021
The Monkey Head Nebula - NGC 2174
Tech Specs: Williams Optics REDCAT51, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, Optolong L-eNhance filter (2”), 24 x 300 second (2 hours) exposures with dark frames, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: November 7, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 9 April 2021
NGC 2264 - Christmas Tree Cluster
RELEASE DATE: 6 April 2021
Galaxy Messier 98 (M98)
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 54 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 3 April 2021
A View of Galaxy Messier 82 (M82)
I image M82 every season, it became a favorite subject of mine ever since the awesome Supernova (SN2014J) in 2014.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 60 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 19, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 31 March 2021
Tycho Crater - March 22, 2021
TECH SPECS: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC, Antares Focal Reducer. Captured using SharpCap v3.2, stacked in Autostakkert (best 15% of 2500 images), sharpened in Registax, final image processed in Corel Paintshop Pro. Image Date: March 22, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 29 March 2021
Galaxy NGC 2841
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 60 x 60 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 26 March 2021
Leo I Dwarf Galaxy
This was a real processing challenge for me. The bright star Regulus and my focal reducer created all types of reflection and glare on the stacked image. Trying to process out the glare resulted in a dimmer view of the galaxy. Will try this again without the focal reducer at some point.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 60 x 60 second at -10C, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 24 March 2021
Montes Apenninus - March 22, 2021
TECH SPECS: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC, Antares Focal Reducer. Captured using SharpCap v3.2, stacked in Autostakkert (best 15% of 2500 images), sharpened in Registax, final image processed in Corel Paintshop Pro. Image Date: March 22, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4 Zone).
RELEASE DATE: 23 March 2021
The Moon - Match 22, 2021
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, best 15% of 2,500 frames, unguided. Captured using SharpCap Pro v3.2, sharpened in Registax. Image date: March 22, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4 Zone).
FLICKR Explorer Image of the Day for March 23, 2021.
RELEASE DATE: 22 March 2021
Planetary Nebula Abell 12
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 60 x 30 second at -10C, 30 darks and 30 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 2, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 19 March 2021
Inside the Orion Nebula
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 60 x 1 second, 20 x 5 second running at -10C, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: February 9, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 16 March 2021
Messier 81 - Bode's Galaxy in Ursa Major
Messier 81 is the largest galaxy in the M81 Group, a group of 34 galaxies located in the constellation Ursa Major. At approximately 11.8 million light years from the Earth, it makes this group and the Local Group, containing the Milky Way, relative neighbors in the Virgo Supercluster. (Wikipedia)
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, Antares Focal Reducer, 81 x 60 second at -10C, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: March 7, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 13 March 2021
Messier 38 - Open Cluster in Auriga
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, 56 x 60 second exposures (calibrated with darks from the library), guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software, processed in PixInsight. Image date: December 6, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 10 March 2021
Mars and the Seven Sisters
Tech Specs: Williams Optics REDCAT51, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, 10 x 60 second exposures with dark and flat frames, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Two panel mosaic stitched using Microsoft ICE. Image date: March 9, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 7 March 2021
The Horsehead Nebula
Tech Specs: Williams Optics REDCAT51, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, Optolong L-eNhance filter (2”), 18 x 300 second exposures with dark frames, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: November 7th, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.
RELEASE DATE: 4 March 2021
The Lobster Claw Nebula
Tech Specs: Williams Optics REDCAT51, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, Optolong L-eNhance filter (2”), 48 x 300 second exposures with dark frames, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro running v1.5 Beta software. Image date: November 4th, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.