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

Last night’s 73% illuminated moon.
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)

Messier 12 (M12 or NGC 6218 in the New General Catalog) is a globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus. It is also referred to as the “Gumball Globular”. It was discovered in 1764 by the French astronomer Charles Messier who described it as a “nebula without stars”. M12 is approximately 15,700 light-years distant. You will definitely need binoculars or a small telescope to see this cluster. This cluster contains about 200,000 stars, the brightest of them are about 12th magnitude.
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

Here is a view of supernova 2023ixf in the galaxy Messier 101 (The Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major). Tycho Tracker estimated the magnitude of this supernova to be 11.05 at the time of my observation, this is still showing a brightening of the SN.
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)

Messier 5 (M5 or NGC 5904) is a bright globular cluster located in the constellation Serpens. M5 is one of the oldest globular clusters, as well as one of the brightest in our galaxy. Estimates to the number of stars vary from 100,000 to as many as 500,000.
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

After a dismal evening of trying to image through a thick envelope of Canadian smoke over Pennsylvania, I managed to collect 4.5 hours of data on supernova 2023ixf in the galaxy Messier 101 (The Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major). The resulting image looks more like 30-minutes of data under better seeing conditions. Tycho Tracker estimated the magnitude of this supernova to be 11.4 at the time of my observation.
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).

Supernova 2023ixf in Galaxy Messier 101

RELEASE DATE: 20 May 2023

The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) in Cepheus

The Iris Nebula (also known as NGC 7023 and Caldwell 4) is a bright reflection nebula in the constellation Cepheus. It is located about 1,300 light-years from Earth and is about six light-years across. The nebula is illuminated by a young star called SAO 19158. The Iris Nebula is named for its resemblance to an iris flower. The nebula's blue color is caused by the scattering of starlight by dust grains. The dust grains are very small, about 10 times smaller than dust particles on Earth. The nebula's red filaments are caused by the presence of carbon monoxide molecules.
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

Here is our star showing some sunspots through an Orion glass solar filter (white light).
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

Here is a view of supernova 2023ijd located in the galaxy NGC4568 (NGC4567 is the adjacent galaxy) in the constellation Virgo. Using Tycho Tracker, the estimated magnitude of the supernova was 15.8.  These galaxies are in the process of colliding and merging with each other.
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 2023ijd in Galaxy NGC 4568

Supernova 2023gfo in Galaxy NGC 4995 

Here is a view of supernova 2023gfo located in the galaxy NGC 4995 in the constellation Virgo. Using Tycho Tracker, the estimated magnitude of the supernova was 15.03.
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).

Supernova 2023gfo in Galaxy NGC 4995 

RELEASE DATE: 12 May 2023

ISS Pass Over - NE Pennsylvania - May 12, 2023

The International Space Station (ISS) pass over NE Pennsylvania this morning, 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

Large solar prominences viewed yesterday, Earth is shown as an approximate size comparison.
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)

Messier 108 (M108 or NGC 3556), nicknamed the Surfboard Galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. The galaxy lies at an approximate distance of 45.9 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 10.7. This image combines data collected in 2021 and 2023 for a total of 3 hours 19 minutes of light.
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)

Messier 102 (M102), also known as the Spindle Galaxy, is an edge-on lenticular galaxy located in the northern constellation Draco. The Spindle Galaxy lies at a distance of 50 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 10.7. It has the designation NGC 5866 in the New General Catalogue.
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

NGC 2169 is a small open cluster found in the constellation Orion. It is about 3,600 light years away from Earth and is nicknamed "The 37 Cluster", can you see the 37 in the image? This is also referred to as an asterism.
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

Messier 13 (M13 or NGC 6205) is also referred to as the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, is one of the brightest and best known globular clusters in the northern skies. It shines at a magnitude of 5.8, is about 22,200 light years away and contains an estimated 300,000 stars.
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

Here is a quick 43-minute observation of Comet C/2023 E1 (ATLAS) currently in the constellation Canes Venatici. 
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

Tonight’s crescent moon from Weatherly, PA. Three panel mosaic image.
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)

Messier 44 (NGC 2632) – The Beehive Cluster (or also called the Praesepe) is an open cluster that lies in the constellation Cancer. M44 has a visual brightness of magnitude 3.7, so it is easily visible using a modest telescope and can easily be seen using binoculars (it is actually much nicer in a wide-field view). Distance is around 610 light years. Total number of stars in this cluster are in the range of 200 to 350. 
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)

Messier 3 (also known as M3 or NGC 5272) is a globular cluster found in the northern constellation of Canes Venatici. M3 is one of the three brightest globular clusters in the Northern hemisphere (along with M13 and M5). This cluster is made up of around 500,000 stars. It is estimated to be 11.4 billion years old. It is located at a distance of about 33,900 light-years away from Earth.
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)

Messier 67 (also known as M67 or NGC 2682) is an open cluster in the constellation of Cancer. It has the nickname King Cobra cluster, not sure where that name came from but would love to know. The cluster is about 2,800 light-years away from Earth. From Burnham's Celestial Handbook, Volume 1, "It is a compact group, some 15' in diameter, and containing 500 or more members, from the 10th to the 16th magnitudes." M67 has more than 100 stars similar to the Sun, and numerous red giants.
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

Here is a view of comet C/2020 S4 in the constellation Leo from 13 Apr 2023, average magnitude during my 20 x 180 second images was estimated to be 17.65.
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

Here is a view of comet 118P/Shoemaker-Levy from last evening (13 Apr 2023), average magnitude during my 20 x 180 second images was estimated to be 18.7 (about 1 magnitude dimmer than the predicted magnitude). Seems to be sporting a small tail as well.
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)

Messier 106 (M106, also known as NGC 4258) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici and is approximately 23.7 million light years from Earth. The galaxy is thought to contain 400 billion stars.
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)

The Sombrero Galaxy (also known as Messier Object 104, M104 or NGC 4594) is in the constellation Virgo. From my vantage point, it just makes it high enough over the roof of my house to capture some photons a few nights a year. The Sombrero Galaxy is about 31,000,000 light years away with an apparent magnitude of 8.3.
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

Here is a view of the most distant globular cluster in the Milky Way, NGC 2419, some have postulated that this may be an extra-galactic object. I have seen distances listed as high as 285,000 light-years away from Earth. It appears small and dim, but it is actually very large and very bright (if it was a bit closer to us), there are estimates of 300-400 million solar masses in this cluster. This image combines data collected in 2021 and 2023 for a total of 1 hour 54 minutes of light.
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

Leo I is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy in the constellation Leo. At about 820,000 light-years distant, it is a member of the Local Group of galaxies and is thought to be one of the most distant satellites of the Milky Way galaxy. Can you see the little blurry object to the left of the bright star Regulus? That is the Leo I dwarf galaxy. 
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)

Here is a 60-minute time lapse showing the asteroid 521 Brixia moving past the galaxies Messier 60 (M60) and NGC 4647. The galaxies together form a pair known as 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.
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

This is a lunar halo taken on March 28, 2023 from my backyard in Northeastern Pennsylvania. These halos are formed by ice crystals high in the atmosphere reflecting moonlight.
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

Last night’s first quarter moon, three panel mosaic taken under partly cloudy skies.
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)

Dwarf planet Ceres making a surprise (to me) visit through my imaging session of the spiral galaxy Messier 100 (M100) last evening. This is a 60-minute (time lapse) video clip. 
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

Messier 37 (NGC 2099) is a large open cluster found in the constellation of Auriga. It has an apparent magnitude of 6.2 and covers about 24 arc-minutes of sky, the distance from Earth is about 4,500 light-years. Did you know M37 has at least a dozen red giant stars included in the cluster?
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

Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82) is a starburst galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major and a member of the M81 Group. It is about five times more luminous than the whole Milky Way and has a center one hundred times more luminous than our galaxy’s center. The starburst activity is thought to have been triggered by interaction with neighboring galaxy M81. As the closest starburst galaxy (check the Wikipedia reference) to our own, M82 is the prototypical example of this galaxy type.
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

The Rosette Nebula (also known as Caldwell 49 or Sharpless 275) is a large spherical ionized atomic hydrogen region (H II region) that is circular in appearance and located near one end of a giant molecular cloud in the Monoceros region of the Milky Way Galaxy. The open cluster NGC 2244 (Caldwell 50) is closely associated with the nebulosity, the stars of the cluster having been formed from the nebula's matter (from Wikipedia). The nebula is about 5,200 light-years away and spans nearly 65 light-years. This version has been processed using the 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)

Here is a view of supernova SN2023dbc in the galaxy Messier 108, at the time of my observation the estimated magnitude was 17.4. This is a Type II supernova and results from the rapid collapse and violent explosion of a massive star.
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

Here is a view of supernova SN2022aaiq in the galaxy NGC 5631, at the time of my observation the estimated magnitude was 15.7. This is a Type Ia supernova, a type of supernova that occurs in binary systems (two stars orbiting one another) in which one of the stars is a white dwarf. The other star can be anything from a giant star to an even smaller white dwarf.
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

Here is a view of supernova SN2023bvj in the galaxy NGC 3021, at the time of my observation the estimated magnitude was 15.9. This is a Type II supernova and results from the rapid collapse and violent explosion of a massive star.
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

Here is a view of Comet C/2020 S4 (PANSTARRS) taken on March 15, 2023. At the time of my observation, the calculated magnitude was 17.0V and a movement speed of 0.131”/min.
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)

NGC 7805 (or Arp 112 ) is an interacting lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Pegasus. NGC 7805 is listed in the Halton Arp Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies as Arp 112, along with its neighboring galaxy NGC 7806 with which it forms an interacting pair of galaxies.
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

I captured 60 minutes of data trying to find the James Webb Space Telescope using positional data obtained from TheSkyLive (https://theskylive.com/where-is-jwst). This video shows the movement of the JWST over that 60 minute timeframe on March 9, 2023. The JWST is currently located in the constellation Leo. It has been confirmed that the flash seen in this video occurred while the JWST was slewing to a new target, reflecting sunlight back toward Earth. Pretty excited to have captured this.
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

Here is a view of supernova SN2023bee in the galaxy NGC 2708, at the time of my observation the estimated magnitude was 14.1.
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 

Here is a view of supernova SN2023axu in the galaxy NGC 2283, at the time of my observation it was at magnitude 14.9.
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

Rupes Recta, a linear fault line, or rille, was casting quite the shadow on February 28, 2023. The name is Latin for straight cliff, although it is more commonly called the Straight Wall. This fault has a length of about 68 miles (110 kilometers). The small (11 miles wide) crater Birt lies just to the west.
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)

The Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula situated in the Milky Way, being south of Orion's Belt in the constellation of Orion. It is one of the brightest nebulae and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky with apparent magnitude 4.0. It is about 1,344 light-years away and is the closest region of massive star formation to Earth. The M42 nebula is estimated to be 24 light-years across (so its apparent size from Earth is approximately 1 degree). It has a mass of about 2,000 times that of the Sun. (ref. Wikipedia) This image was taken through some high, thin cloud cover.
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

Here is a shot of one of the most photographed objects in the night sky, the Horsehead Nebula. The Horsehead Nebula is a diffuse dark nebula in the constellation Orion. The Horsehead Nebula is also referred to as Barnard 33 and is located inside the emission nebula IC 434 (the reddish background), it lies about 1,500 light-years away. The bright star to the left of the Horsehead Nebula is actually the star Alnitak, the leftmost star in the belt of 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 

Here is a view of supernova SN2022aagp in the galaxy NGC 2777, at the time of my observation the magnitude was calculated to be 15.1.
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 

Here is a view of supernova SN2022aaiq in the galaxy NGC 5631, at the time of my observation the magnitude was calculated to be 14.7 but I am getting interference from the galaxy core.
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

Here is a four image mosaic of last evening’s 66% illuminated Waxing Gibbous moon. Each panel is the best 20% of 5,000 images captured in video mode and stitched together using Microsoft Image Composite Editor (ICE).
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

Here is a view of supernova SN2023bee in the galaxy NGC 2708, at the time of my observation was at magnitude 13.2.
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

Here is a view of supernova SN2023axu in the galaxy NGC 2283, at the time of my observation was at magnitude 14.9.
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

The 27% illuminated waxing crescent moon from last evening. This is a three panel mosaic.
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

Here is a quick 37 minute stacked image of Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF - see you again in 50,000 years if you survive!
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

The 18% illuminated waxing crescent moon from last evening and imaged under poor seeing conditions. This is a three panel mosaic.
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

Messier 38 (M38 or NGC 1912) is a large open cluster found in the constellation Auriga. It lies at a distance of about 4,200 light years away from Earth and is about 13 light years across. Also included in this view is open cluster NGC 1907 to the right of M38.
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)

The Running Man Nebula (NGC 1977, Sharpless 279, Sh2-279) is an HII region and bright nebulae in the constellation Orion. It lies adjacent to the Orion Nebula (on the right side of this image). The entire complex also includes NGC 1973 and NGC 1975 that are divided by a darker nebulous region. Can you see the running man figure inside the nebula? Image was captured through some high level thin clouds.
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

While Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF has moved below the brightness of seeing it without an optical aid, it’s still visible with a modest pair of binoculars near the star Aldebaran for the next couple days. This was the view last evening.
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

Here is a view of galaxies Messier 81 (also known as NGC 3031 or Bode's Galaxy) and Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82) in the constellation Ursa Major. You can just start to see some of the integrated flux nebula that surrounds this area.
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)

The Pinwheel Galaxy (also known as Messier 101, M101 or NGC 5457) is a face-on spiral galaxy 21 million light-years (6.4 megaparsecs) away from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. M101 is a large galaxy, with a diameter of 170,000 light-years. By comparison, the Milky Way has a diameter of between 100,000 and 120,000 light-years. It has around a trillion stars.
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).
Comet ZTF 2023-01-29 07-10-28.mp4

RELEASE DATE: 8 February 2023

Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF Observation

Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF moving through my field of view on February 4, 2023. 
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

Here is a 50-minute stacked image of Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF. 
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

Here is a view of last evening’s near full moon in high contrast. This is a four panel mosaic captured using the video capture mode of the ZWO ASIAIR Plus. Each panel was a one minute video processed in Autostakkert software.
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

While I love seeing lunar halo's, I did not like seeing this one on the night of February 1, 2023, ending my observation of the "Green Comet" early because of cloud cover. I have highlighted some of the brighter stars for you. You can learn more about this phenomena at https://www.space.com/moon-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).
2023-02-02 06-39-12.mp4

RELEASE DATE: 2 February 2023

C/2022 E3 (ZTF) Observation (Video)

Here is a 60-minute time lapse video showing the movement of Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF during its close approach to Earth, watch the changes in the ion tail during the 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

Here is a 48-minute stacked image taken during our live stream event last evening of Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF during its closest approach to Earth. Tycho software (Daniel Parrott) estimated the movement at 16.7" per minute. 
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

NGC 3344 is a relatively isolated barred spiral galaxy located 22.5 million light years away in the constellation Leo Minor. This galaxy belongs to the group known as the Leo spur, which is a branch of the Virgo Supercluster. There is both an inner and outer ring, with the prominent arms radiating outward from the inner ring and the slightly elliptical bar being situated inside. (ref: Wikipedia)
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).
Comet ZTF 2023-01-29 07-10-28.mp4

RELEASE DATE: 29 January 2023

Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF Through Clouds

Here is a 60-minute time lapse video showing the movement of Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF traveling through Camelopardalis (with clouds and lost tracking). Tycho software (Daniel Parrott) estimated the movement at 14.1" per minute. The magnitude estimate was significantly off due to the cloud cover.
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

This is a three panel mosaic of the large star forming region called the Soul Nebula (Embryo Nebula, IC 1871, Sh2-199) and is found in the constellation Cassiopeia. Processed in the Hubble Palette color scheme. This is a total of 9 hours of exposure time over two evenings.
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

This is a sectional view of the large star forming region called the Soul Nebula (Embryo Nebula, IC 1871, Sh2-199) and is found in the constellation Cassiopeia. This nebula is often shown next to the Heart Nebula (IC 1805). The Soul Nebula is about 6,500 light years away from Earth and contains several open clusters and few smaller emission nebulae around the perimeter. The star clusters are surrounded by hydrogen, which glows red from the young hot stars nearby. This view only shows about 1/3 of the entire nebula.
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).
Georgia and Heidelberga.mp4

RELEASE DATE: 21 Jan 2023

Asteroids 359 Georgia and 325 Heidelberga

This is a 60-minute time lapse video that captured both asteroid 359 Georgia and 325 Heidelberga in the same field of view.
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).
Comet29P.mp4

RELEASE DATE: 19 Jan 2023

Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 Observation

Here is a 60-minute time lapse video showing Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 moving through the constellation Auriga. 
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).
119P_011623.mp4

RELEASE DATE: 18 Jan 2023

Comet 119P/Parker-Hartley Observation

Here is a 40-minute time lapse video showing Comet 119P/Parker-Hartley moving through the constellation Gemini in the early morning hours of January 16, 2023. 
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).
2023-01-17 06-42-12.mp4

RELEASE DATE: 17 January 2023

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) in Motion

This video shows the movement of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) over the period of one hour. Processed in a software package called Tycho (v9.3.7) by Daniel Parrott.
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

Here is a 60-minute combined exposure showing Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) in the early morning hours and moving through the constellation Bootes.
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

The galaxies M105, NGC 3384 and NGC 3373 form a nice galactic triplet in the constellation Leo. M105 is the elliptical galaxy on the right of the image, NGC 3384 is the elliptical galaxy on the upper left and NGC 3373 is a spiral galaxy on the lower left. Magnitudes for these galaxies are 9.3 for M105, 10.0 for NGC 3384 and 11.8 for NGC 3373. The distance to these galaxies is roughly 30+ million light years.
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

The focus of this image is the pair of elliptical galaxies in the center of view, they are the large elliptical galaxy NGC 507 and the smaller one above is NGC 508. They are located 210 million light years away in the constellation of Pisces. NGC 507 is classified in the Arp Catalog as Arp 229, Galaxies with Concentric Rings. Looking closely at my image you can see the “ring” which Arp identified. There are so many galaxies in this image!
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

This is a grouping of galaxies collectively known as Arp 99 (Arp Catalog of Peculiar Galaxies) and as Hickson 93 (Hickson Compact Group 93), all found in the constellation Pegasus. The three main galaxies in the image are the elliptical galaxy (center) NGC 7550, NGC 7547 is the small spiral galaxy to the left, and NGC 7549, the stretched barred spiral below NGC 7550 (this is interacting with the elliptical galaxy).
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

Messier 36 (M36 or NGC 1960) lies at a distance of about 4,100 light years away from Earth in the constellation Auriga and is about 14 light years across. There are at least sixty members in the cluster. The cluster is very similar to the Pleiades cluster (M45), and if it were the same distance from Earth it would be of similar brightness.
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).