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 FLICKR and on ASTROBIN. I also post images on my Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/tom.wildoner and https://www.facebook.com/thedarksideobservatory as well as REDDIT. 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, NASA, Amateur Astronomy Image of the Dat (AAPOD2) and numerous online media outlets, E-Magazines and educational outlets.
Video content will also be posted on our YOUTUBE channel. (https://www.youtube.com/@thedarksideobservatory)
RELEASE DATE: 30 May 2023
The Moon - May 29, 2023
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera, best 20% of 1300 frames, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: May 29, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 29 May 2023
Globular Cluster Messier 12 (M12 or NGC 6218)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: IXConstellation: OphiuchusRight ascension: 16h 47m 14.18sDeclination: –01° 56′ 54.7″Distance: 16.44 ± 0.16 klyApparent magnitude (V): 6.7Apparent dimensions (V): 16′.0
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 90x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 11, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 26 May 2023
Supernova 2023ixf in Galaxy Messier 101
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 50x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS, PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: May 25, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 25 May 2023
Globular Cluster Messier 5 (M5 or NGC 5904)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VConstellation: SerpensRight ascension: 15h 18m 33.22sDeclination: +02° 04′ 51.7″Distance: 24.5 klyApparent magnitude (V): 5.6Apparent dimensions (V): 23′.0
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 60x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 12, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Supernova 2023ixf in Galaxy Messier 101
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 265x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS, PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: May 21, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 20 May 2023
The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) in Cepheus
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 21h 01m 35.60sDeclination: +68° 10′ 10.0"Distance: 1,300 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.8Apparent dimensions (V): 18' x 18'Constellation: Cepheus
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 216 x 60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: November 23, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - May 20, 2023
RELEASE DATE: 18 May 2023
Our Star in White Light - May 18, 2023
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at ambient temperature, best 20% of 500 images, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: May 18, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Supernova 2023ijd in Galaxy NGC 4568
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho Tracker, DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4)
Supernova 2023gfo in Galaxy NGC 4995
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 39x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho Tracker, DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 10, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 12 May 2023
ISS Pass Over - NE Pennsylvania - May 12, 2023
Tech Specs: Wyze outdoor camera, processed in Adobe Premiere. Video Date: May 12, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 11 May 2023
Large Solar Prominence - May 10, 2023
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ASI462MC camera, Daystar Quark Chromosphere, ZWO 0.5x Reducer, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO UV/IR Filter (2”), focus with a ZWO EAF, captured with SharpCap Pro v4 and processed using Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: May 10, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 10 May 2023
The Surfboard Galaxy Messier 108 (M108)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Ursa MajorRight ascension: 11h 11m 31.0sDeclination: +55° 40′ 27″Distance: 8.8 Mpc (28.7 Mly)Apparent magnitude (V): 10.0
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO ASIAir Pro, ZWO EAF. 196 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: November 5, 2021 and January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 7 May 2023
The Spindle Galaxy - Messier 102 (M102)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 seconds at -10C, processed using DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight. Image Date: March 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 4 May 2023
Open Cluster NGC 2169 - The 37 Cluster
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 54 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight. Image Date: February 24, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 1 May 2023
Great Globular Cluster in Hercules - Messier 13
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VConstellation: HerculesRight ascension: 16h 41m 41.24sDeclination: +36° 27′ 35.5″Distance: 22.2 klyApparent magnitude (V): 5.8Apparent dimensions (V): 20 arcminutes
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 70 x 60 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 26 April 2023
Comet C/2023 E1 Observation
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount that is pier mounted, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 43 x 60 seconds. Processed in Tycho Tracker. Image Date: April 25, 2023 (local). Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 25 April 2023
The Crescent Moon
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount that is pier mounted, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, best 20% of the frames from a 60 second video. Processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: April 25, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 24 April 2023
The Beehive Cluster Messier 44 (NGC 2632)
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)Constellation: CancerRight ascension: 08h 40.4mDeclination: 19° 59′Distance: 610 lyApparent magnitude (V): 3.7Apparent dimensions (V): 95′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, two panel mosaic each 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: November 22, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 21 April 2023
Globular Cluster Messier 3 (M3)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VIConstellation: Canes VenaticiRight ascension: 13h 42m 11.62sDeclination: +28° 22′ 38.2″Distance: 33.9 klyApparent magnitude (V): 6.39Apparent dimensions (V): 18′.0
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 90 x 60 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 18 April 2023
Open Cluster Messier 67 (NGC 2682)
Distance to Earth: 2,800 light yearsRight ascension: 08h 51.3mDeclination: +11° 49′Apparent Magnitude: 6.1Common Name: King Cobra clusterFeatures: Three confirmed extrasolar planetsApparent dimensions: 30′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, two panel mosaic each 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: November 22, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 15 April 2023
Comet C/2020 S4 in the Constellation Leo
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount that is pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 20 x 180 seconds at 0C, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: April 13, 2023 (local). Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 14 April 2023
Comet 118P/Shoemaker-Levy Observation
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount that is pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 20 x 180 seconds at 0C, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: April 13, 2023 (local). Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - April 15, 2023
RELEASE DATE: 12 April 2023
Galaxy Messier 106 (NGC 4258)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Canes VenaticiRight ascension: 12h 18m 57.5sDeclination: +47° 18′ 14″[1]Redshift: 448 ± 3 km/sDistance: 23.7 ± 1.5 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.4Size: 135,000 ly (in diameter)Apparent size (V): 18′.6 × 7′.2
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, two panel mosaic each 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: November 22, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 10 April 2023
Sombrero Galaxy Messier 104 (M104)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: VirgoRight ascension: 12h 39m 59.4sDeclination: −11° 37′ 23″Distance: 31.1 ± 1.0 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.0
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 seconds at -10C, processed using DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight. Image Date: March 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 6 April 2023
Globular Cluster NGC2419
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VIIConstellation: LynxRight ascension: 07h 38m 08.51sDeclination: +38° 52′ 54.9″Distance: 275 klyApparent magnitude (V): +9.06Apparent dimensions (V): 6′
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI290MC and ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO ASIAir Pro, ZWO EAF. 116 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: November 5, 2021 and January 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 3 April 2023
Leo I Dwarf Galaxy and Regulus
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 85 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 1 April 2023
Asteroid 521 Brixia Passing Near Messier 60 (M60)
Brixia is a large asteroid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter in the main portion of the asteroid belt. NASA JPL has not classified Brixia as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth. Brixia orbits the sun every 1,660 days (4.54 years), coming as close as 1.98 AU and reaching as far as 3.51 AU from the sun. Brixia is about 107.2 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, comparable in size to the U.S. state of Delaware. The rotation of Brixia has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 28.48 hours.
At the time of my observation the estimated visual magnitude was 13.3.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount that is pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 30, 2023 (local). Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 30 March 2023
Lunar Halo - March 28, 2023
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Samyang 14mm Lens, tripod mounted, ISO 1000, 10 second single unguided exposure. Processed in Adobe Lightroom and StarSpikes Pro. Image Date: March 28, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 29 March 2023
Last Night’s First Quarter Moon - March 28, 2023
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, best 20% of 3000 frames, processed using Autostakkert!, Registax, and Adobe Lightroom. Image Date: March 28, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - March 30, 2023
RELEASE DATE: 27 March 2023
Ceres Moving Near Messier 100 (M100)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 26, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 27 March 2023
Messier 37 - Open Cluster in Auriga
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)Constellation: AurigaRight ascension: 5h 52m 18sDeclination: +32° 33′ 02″Distance: 4.511 kly (1.383 kpc)Apparent magnitude (V): 6.2Apparent dimensions (V): 24′
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, two panel mosaic each 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: November 22, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 24 March 2023
The Cigar Galaxy - Messier 82
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Ursa MajorRight ascension: 09h 55m 52.2sDeclination: +69° 40′ 47″Distance: 11.4–12.4 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.41
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO AS071 running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO ASIAir Plus, ZWO EAF, 180 x 60 second exposures, darks from the library and flats after the imaging session. Image Date: October 27, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 21 March 2023
Rosette Nebula in Hubble Palette
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 06h 33m 45sDeclination: +04° 59′ 54″Distance: 5,200 lyApparent magnitude (V): 9.0Apparent dimensions (V): 1.3 °Constellation: Monoceros
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Optolong L-eXtreme 2” filter, 36 x 300 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 19 March 2023
Supernova 2023dbc Observation in Galaxy Messier 108 (M108)
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 3 x 180 seconds at -10C, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 19, 2023 @ 00:30 UT. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 18 March 2023
Supernova 2022aaiq Observation in Galaxy NGC5631
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 16, 2023 @ 00:30 UT. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 17 March 2023
Supernova 2023bvj Observation in Galaxy NGC3021
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 16, 2023 @ 00:30 UT. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 16 March 2023
Comet C/2020 S4 (PANSTARRS) Observation
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 16, 2023 @ 00:46 UT. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 14 March 2023
Galaxies NGC 7805 and 7806 (Arp 112)
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO AS071 running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO ASIAir Plus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 second exposures, darks from the library and flats after the imaging session. Image Date: October 21, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 10 March 2023
James Webb Space Telescope JWST Moving Through Leo
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 60 x 60 seconds. Processed using Tycho Tracker software. Image Date: March 9, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Supernova SN2023bee in the galaxy NGC 2708
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 30 x 60 seconds. Processed Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 9, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Supernova SN2023axu in the galaxy NGC 2283
Galaxy Details:Constellation: Canis MajorMagnitude: 12.95 (B)Right ascension: 06h45mDeclination: -18°12' Distance: 9.9 Mpc 32.3 Mlyr
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 30 x 60 seconds with darks. Processed in Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 9, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 8 March 2023
The Straight Wall on the Moon
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI462MC, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, Tele Vue 2.5x Powermate, best 20% of 5000 frames. Processed with Autostakkert and Registax. Date: February 28, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 6 March 2023
Orion Nebula Messier 42 (M42)
Observation data: J2000 epochSubtype: Reflection/EmissionRight ascension: 05h 35m 17.3sDeclination: −05° 23′ 28″Distance: 1,344±20 lyApparent magnitude (V): 4.0Apparent dimensions (V): 65×60 arcminsConstellation: Orion
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 24 x 300 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, Optolong L-eXtreme 2” filter, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 8, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - March 6, 2023
RELEASE DATE: 3 March 2023
The Horsehead Nebula in the Constellation Orion
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 05h 40m 59.0sDeclination: −02° 27′ 30.0"Distance: 1,375±54 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.8Apparent dimensions (V): 8 × 6 arcminsConstellation: Orion
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 24 x 300 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, Optolong L-eXtreme 2” filter, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 13, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 2 March 2023
Supernova SN2022aagp in NGC 2777
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 54 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 25, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 2 March 2023
Supernova SN2022aaiq in NGC 5631
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 47 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 25, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 1 March 2023
Waxing Gibbous Moon - February 28, 2023
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI462MC, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, best 20% of 5000 frames on four panels. Processed with Autostakkert, Registax, and Microsoft ICE. Date: February 28, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 27 February 2023
Supernova SN2023bee in NGC 2708
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 54 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 24, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 26 February 2023
Supernova SN2023axu in NGC 2283
Galaxy Details:Constellation: Canis MajorMagnitude: 12.95 (B)Right ascension: 06h45mDeclination: -18°12' Distance: 9.9 Mpc 32.3 Mlyr
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 54 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 24, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 25 February 2023
27% Waxing Crescent Moon
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 3 x 1-minute video. Stacked in Autostakkert and stretched in Registax. Image Date: February 24, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 24 February 2023
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF Observation
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 37 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight. Image Date: February 23, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 24 February 2023
18% Waxing Crescent Moon
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at 0C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 3 x 1-minute video. Stacked in Autostakkert and stretched in Registax. Image Date: February 23, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 21 February 2023
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 Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, two panel mosaic each 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: October 29, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 18 February 2023
Running Man Nebula - NGC 1977 (Sharpless 279)
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 05h 35m 16.2sDeclination: −04° 47′ 07″Distance: 1,500 lyApparent magnitude (V): 7.0Apparent dimensions (V): 40′×25′Constellation: Orion
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Optolong L-eXtreme 2” filter, 36 x 300 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: February 8, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 16 February 2023
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF in Taurus
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Canon 70-200mm Lens, iOptron SkyTracker, single 20-second exposure at 70mm and f/2.8. Image Date: February 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - February 17, 2023
RELEASE DATE: 13 February 2023
The Cigar Galaxy and Bode’s Galaxy in Ursa Major
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 97 x 60 second guided exposures, darks from the library and flats at the end of imaging, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight. Image Date: November 21, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 10 February 2023
The Pinwheel Galaxy – Messier 101 (M101 or NGC 5457)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Ursa MajorRight ascension: 14h 03m 12.6sDeclination: +54° 20′ 57″Distance: 20.9 ± 1.8 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 7.9
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 66 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 8 February 2023
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF Observation
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Pro, 50 x 60 seconds. Processed using DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight. Image Date: February 4, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 6 February 2023
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF Observation
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Pro, 50 x 60 seconds. Processed using DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight. Image Date: February 4, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 5 February 2023
The Moon in High Contrast
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 4 x 1-minute video. Image Date: February 4, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 3 February 2023
Winter Lunar Halo
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Samyang 14mm Lens, tripod mounted, ISO 2500, 5 second exposure unguided. Image Date: February 1, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 2 February 2023
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) Observation (Video)
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Pro, 60 x 60 seconds. Processed using Tycho v9.3.7. Image Date: February 1, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 1 February 2023
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) Observation
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Pro, 48 x 60 seconds. Processed using DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight. Image Date: February 1, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 31 January 2023
Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 3344 in Leo Minor
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Leo MinorRight ascension: 10h 43m 31.150sDeclination: +24° 55′ 19.99″Distance: 22.5 Mly (6.90 Mpc)Apparent magnitude (V): 10.5
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 179 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using DSS. Image Date: February 26, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 29 January 2023
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF Through Clouds
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Pro, 60 x 60 seconds. Processed using Tycho v9.3.7. Image Date: January 29, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 27 January 2023
The Soul Nebula IC1871 in Hubble Palette
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Optolong L-eNhance 2” Filter, three panels each 36 x 300 seconds (9 hours total) guided exposures, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: October 21 and 27, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - January 27, 2023
RELEASE DATE: 24 January 2023
The Head of the Soul Nebula IC1871
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, Optolong L-eNhance 2” Filter, 30 x 300 second guided exposures, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: October 21, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 21 Jan 2023
Asteroids 359 Georgia and 325 Heidelberga
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 60 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using Tycho. Image Date: January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 19 Jan 2023
Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 Observation
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C, processed using Tycho. Image Date: January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 18 Jan 2023
Comet 119P/Parker-Hartley Observation
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 40 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using Tycho. Image Date: January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

RELEASE DATE: 17 January 2023
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) in Motion
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 60 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using Tycho. Image Date: January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 16 January 2023
C/2022 E3 (ZTF) Observation
You can see the thin ion tails extending to the upper left, likely the result of a variable solar wind on ions ejected by the icy comet nucleus. The comet's white dust tail is visible to the left and much shorter. The green glow is the comet's coma, caused by glowing carbon gas. Comet ZTF is expected to pass nearest the Earth in early February, after which it should dim dramatically. (REF: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230109.html).
From EarthSky.org “Astronomers call this comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). It got its name because it was the third such object to be discovered in the fifth half-month (A, B, C, D, E) of 2022. The ZTF stands for the Zwicky Transient Facility, which uses the 48-inch Samuel Oschin robotic telescope, located at Mt. Palomar in southern California.”
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 60 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: January 16, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 14 January 2023
Mira-Type Variable Star R Andromedea
Latest observation data on Mira-Type variable star R Andromedea. According to the ASAS-SN Variable Stars Database, this star has a period of 219 days. I’ve selected four long-period variable stars to observe and record over the next several years. The graph shows observations on this star over the last 75 days. You can check these observations any time HERE.
RELEASE DATE: 10 January 2023
Elliptical Galaxy Messier 105 (M105) and Friends
Observation data (J2000 epoch) for M105Constellation: LeoRight ascension: 10h 47m 49.600sDeclination: +12° 34′ 53.87″Distance: 36.6 Mly (11.22 Mpc)Group or cluster: Leo I GroupApparent magnitude (V): 9.3
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 160 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks and flats, processed using DSS. Image Date: February 26, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
FLICK EXPLORER IMAGE OF THE DAY - January 11, 2023
RELEASE DATE: 7 January 2023
Arp 229 Elliptical Galaxy in Pisces
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO AS071 running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO ASIAir Plus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 second exposures, darks from the library and flats after the imaging session. Image Date: October 29, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
ANNOTATED IMAGE
RELEASE DATE: 4 January 2023
Arp 99/Hickson 93 Galaxy Group in Pegasus
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO AS071 running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO ASIAir Plus, ZWO EAF, 108 x 60 second exposures, darks from the library and flats after the imaging session. Image Date: October 29, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
RELEASE DATE: 1 January 2023
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: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 54 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DeepSkyStacker. Image Date: November 22, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).