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 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/ and on BlueSky.

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, Live Science, Let's Talk Science, NASA, Amateur Astronomy Image of the Dat (AAPOD2), WBRE News, High Point Scientific, Orbital Today 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)

Photo Release: September 22, 2025

Stephan's Quintet Galaxy Group in Pegasus

Stephan’s Quintet can be found in the constellation Pegasus, the apparent magnitude of these galaxies hovers around 14.0, making this a tough object to capture in a smaller telescope. This group of galaxies was discovered by Edouard Stephan in 1877 at Marseille Observatory. Although referred to as a quintet, only four of the five galaxies are interacting with each other at a distance of about 300 million light years! NGC 7320 is actually much closer at a distance of “only” 40 million light years.
The members in the group include NGC 7320, NGC 7319, NGC 7318a, NGC 7318b, and NGC 7317. The group is also listed in the Arp catalog as ARP319.
Observation data (Epoch J2000)Constellation(s): PegasusRight ascension: 22h 35m 57.5sDeclination: +33° 57′ 36″Number of galaxies: 5
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 177 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: August 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: September 15, 2025

The Triangulum Galaxy - Messier 33 (NGC 598)

From Wikipedia: The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 3 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Triangulum. It is cataloged as Messier 33 or NGC 598. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy and about 44 other smaller galaxies. It is one of the most distant permanent objects that can be viewed with the naked eye.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: TriangulumRight ascension: 01h 33m 50.02sDeclination: +30° 39′ 36.7″Distance (comoving): 970 kpc (3.2 Mly)Apparent magnitude (V): 5.72
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 91 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 29, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - September 15, 2025

Photo Release: September 8, 2025

Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy Messier 110 (M110)

We have all seen Messier 110 (M110 or NGC205) many times, and many of us have probably never realized it. It has always been hidden off to the side with its larger neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy. This fuzzy elliptical ball hovering over (or under, depending on your perspective) Andromeda, is, in fact, another galaxy called M110. If you look close, you can see some dark patches near the central part of the sphere. This galaxy is classified as a peculiar elliptical galaxy because of these dark structures and signs of recent star formation. It is hard to think about this small fuzzy ball of a galaxy containing over 10 billion stars!
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 55 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 29, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: September 4, 2025

Open Cluster NGC 7419 with Red Giants

This is the open cluster designated NGC 7419 in the constellation Cepheus. This cluster is between 7,500 and 11,000 light years away. Its location is behind some dark nebulae which reddens the color of the stars. The cluster does contain no less than five red supergiant stars - this is one of my favorite open clusters!
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 121 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 24, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: August 29, 2025

Beautiful Albireo (Beta Cygni)

Albireo (or Beta Cygni) is the 5th brightest star in the constellation Cygnus. Albireo appears to the naked eye to be a single star, but even through a modest telescope you will see a beautiful double star. The brighter yellow star is also a close binary system. The two stars are striking in their color contrast. This was the first double star I ever looked at as a young amateur astronomer in the 1970’s.
Burnham states “Albireo is one of the most beautiful double stars in the sky, considered by many observers to be the finest in the heavens for the small telescope. The brighter star is a golden yellow or ‘topaz’, magnitude 3.09, the ‘sapphire’ companion is magnitude 5.11. The separation is 34.3 seconds, an easy object for the low power telescope”. Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, Robert Burnham Jr., Volume 2.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 60 x 10 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 22, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - August 29, 2025

Photo Release: August 25, 2025

Globular Cluster NGC 7006 in Delphinus

From SpaceTelescope.org, “NGC 7006 resides in the outskirts of the Milky Way. It is about 135,000 light-years away, five times the distance between the Sun and the center of the galaxy, and it is part of the galactic halo. This roughly spherical region of the Milky Way is made up of dark matter, gas and sparsely distributed stellar clusters.”
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: IConstellation: DelphinusRight ascension: 21h 1m 29.4sDeclination: +16° 11′ 14.4″Apparent magnitude (V): 10.6Apparent dimensions (V): 2.8′
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Video Release: August 22, 2025

Early Morning Meteor

Another nice morning meteor this morning!
Tech Specs: Wyze v4 security camera. Processed in Adobe Premier. Video Date: August 22, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Video Release: August 19, 2025

Early Morning Meteor

Nice morning meteor this morning!
Tech Specs: Wyze v4 security camera. Processed in Adobe Premier. Video Date: August 19, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: August 18, 2025

The Fireworks Galaxy - NGC 6946

NGC 6946, (also known as the Fireworks Galaxy, Arp 29, and Caldwell 12), is an intermediate spiral galaxy about 18 million light-years away, in the constellations Cepheus and Cygnus. It was discovered by William Herschel on September 9, 1798. NGC 6946 is highly obscured by interstellar matter of the Milky Way galaxy, as it is quite close to the galactic plane. The diameter of the galaxy is approximately 40,000 light-years or just about a third of the size of the Milky Way.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 108 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 29, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Video Release: August 13, 2025

Perseid Meteor

Beautiful Perseid meteor captured on August 13, 2025 early in the morning.
Tech Specs: Wyze v4 security camera. Video Date: August 13, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: August 12, 2025

Planetary Nebula NGC 7048

This is the planetary nebula NGC 7048 found in the constellation Cygnus. This planetary nebula has an apparent magnitude of 12.1 and is about 5,260 light years away.
Observation data: J2000 epochRight ascension: 24h 14m 15.25sDeclination: +46° 17′ 16.1″Distance: 5260 lyApparent magnitude (V): 12.1Apparent diameter: 1.02′Constellation: CygnusDesignations: PK 088-01 1, PN ARO 41, IRAS 21124+4604
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 135 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 24, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - August 12, 2025

Photo Release: August 3, 2025

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: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 40 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: July 25, 2025

Supernova 2025rbs in Galaxy NGC 7331

This is the galaxy designated NGC 7331 located in the constellation Pegasus. Inside the galaxy close to the central core is the supernova 2025rbs that I imaged on July 23, 2025. My magnitude estimate based on 90 minutes of collected data is V12.7.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 60 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho Tracker and PixInsight. Image Date: July 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
LINK to TYCHO Image

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - July 26, 2025

Photo Release: July 24, 2025

The Ring Nebula - Messier 57 in Lyra

The Ring Nebula (also cataloged as Messier 57, M57 and NGC 6720) is a planetary nebula in the northern constellation of Lyra. The tiny white dot in the center of the nebula is the star’s hot core, called a white dwarf. M57 is about 2,000 light-years away in the constellation Lyra.
Right ascension: 18h 53m 35.079sDeclination: +33° 01′ 45.03″Distance: 2567±115 lyApparent magnitude (V): 8.8Apparent dimensions (V): 230″ × 230″Constellation: Lyra
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 3 hours 43 minutes using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 5, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: July 12, 2025

The Dumbbell Nebula Messier 27 (M27)

The Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 27, M27 or NGC 6853) is a bright planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula. It is easily seen in binoculars and wide-field photographs. The central star is an extremely hot blueish subdwarf. The nebula was created by a dying star ejecting a shell of gas into space.
Observation data: J2000 epochRight ascension: 19h 59m 36.340sDeclination: +22° 43′ 16.09″Apparent magnitude (V): 7.4Apparent dimensions (V): 8.0′ × 5.6′Constellation: Vulpecula
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 134 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: July 4, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: July 6, 2025

Supernova 2025ngs in Galaxy NGC 5961

This is the galaxy designated NGC 5961 located in the constellation Corona Borealis. Inside the galaxy is the supernova 2025ngs that I imaged on July 4, 2025. My magnitude estimate based on 60 minutes of collected data is V16.1.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 60 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho Tracker and PixInsight. Image Date: July 4, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
TYCHO TRACKER IMAGE

Photo Release: July 5, 2025

Supernova 2025mvn in Galaxy NGC 5033

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a star exploded. This is the galaxy designated NGC 5033 located in the constellation Canes Venatici. Inside the galaxy is the supernova 2025mvn that I imaged on July 4, 2025. My magnitude estimate based on 60 minutes of collected data is V16.3.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 60 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho Tracker and PixInsight. Image Date: July 4, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
TYCHO TRACKER IMAGE

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - July 5, 2025

AAPOD2 Image of the Day - July 10, 2025

Photo Release: June 15, 2025

The Straight Wall on the Moon

Rupes Recta, a linear fault line, or rille, was casting quite the shadow on June 4, 2025. 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 southwest.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, best 20% of 1000 captured frames, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: June 4, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - June 15, 2025

Photo Release: June 5, 2025

68% Illuminated Moon - June 4, 2025

Here is a view of last night's 68% illuminated moon. Video capture and stacked using the best 20% of 1000 frames.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, best 20% of 1000 captured frames, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: June 4, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: June 1, 2025

Globular Cluster Messier 53 (M53 or NGC 5024)

Messier 53 (also known as M53 or NGC 5024) is a globular cluster in the Coma Berenices constellation and is one of the more outlying globular clusters. It is roughly 60,000 light-years away from our solar system.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: VConstellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 13h 12m 55.25sDeclination: +18° 10′ 05.4″Distance: 58,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 7.6Apparent dimensions (V): 13’
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 68 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 28, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: May 27, 2025

Supernova 2025fvw in NGC 5957

This is a supernova designated as 2025fvw discovered by Koichi Itagaki on March 26, 2025. It is located in the galaxy NGC 5957 in the constellation Serpens. The current estimated magnitude from my observation is 16.3V (down from 14.5 on April 1, 2025).
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 21 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight and Tycho. Image Date: May 27, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: May 25, 2025

Open Cluster Messier 41 in Canis Major

Messier 41 (also known as M41 or NGC 2287) is an open cluster in the constellation Canis Major, sometimes referred to as The Little Beehive Cluster. The cluster covers an area about the size of the full Moon. It contains about 100 stars, including several red giants the brightest of which has spectral type K3, apparent magnitude 6.3 and is near the center, and some white dwarfs.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Right ascension: 06h 46.0mDeclination: −20° 46′Distance: 2,300 lyApparent magnitude (V): 4.5Apparent dimensions (V): 38 arcminEstimated age 190 million yrs
Tech Specs: Williams Optics Redcat51 Telescope, ZWO ASI071MC camera running at -10F, 43 x 60 seconds, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: February 6, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: May 21, 2025

The Beehive Cluster - Messier 44

The Beehive Cluster (also known as Praesepe (Latin for "manger", "cot" or "crib"), M44, NGC 2632, or Cr 189), is an open cluster in the constellation Cancer. One of the nearest open clusters to Earth, it contains a larger population of stars than other nearby bright open clusters holding around 1,000 stars. Under dark skies, the Beehive Cluster looks like a small nebulous object to the naked eye, and has been known since ancient times. Classical astronomer Ptolemy described it as a "nebulous mass in the breast of Cancer". It was among the first objects that Galileo studied with his telescope. (ref: Wikipedia)
Tech Specs: William Optics REDCAT 51 Telescope, ZWO ASI071MC camera running at -10F, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO EAF (ProAstroGear Black-CAT) and ASIAir Pro, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 mini, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 28, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - May 21, 2025

Photo Release: May 11, 2025

Markarian's Chain of Galaxies Widefield View

Markarian's Chain is a stretch of galaxies that forms part of the Virgo Cluster. When viewed from Earth, the galaxies lie along a smoothly curved line. Charles Messier first discovered two of the galaxies, M84 and M86, in 1781. The other galaxies seen in the chain were discovered by William Herschel and are now known primarily by their catalog numbers in John Louis Emil Dreyer's New General Catalog, published in 1888. It was ultimately named after the Armenian astrophysicist, Benjamin Markarian, who discovered their common motion in the early 1960s. Member galaxies include M84 (NGC 4374), M86 (NGC 4406), NGC 4477, NGC 4473, NGC 4461, NGC 4458, NGC 4438 and NGC 4435. (ref: Wikipedia)
Tech Specs: William Optics REDCAT 51 Telescope, ZWO ASI071MC camera running at -10F, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO EAF (ProAstroGear Black-CAT) and ASIAir Pro, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 mini, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: May 7, 2025

Globular Cluster Messier 13 Widefield View

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: William Optics REDCAT 51 Telescope, ZWO ASI071MC camera running at -10F, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO EAF (ProAstroGear Black-CAT) and ASIAir Pro, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 mini, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: May 3, 2025

Globular Cluster NGC 5466

NGC 5466 is a class XII (Shapley–Sawyer - almost no concentration towards the center) globular cluster in the constellation Boötes. Located 51,800 light years from Earth and 52,800 light years from the Galactic Center. (ref: Wikipedia)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: XIIConstellation: BoötesRight ascension: 14h 05m 27.29sDeclination: +28° 32′ 04.0″Distance: 51.9 klyApparent magnitude (V): 10.5Apparent dimensions (V): 11
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 65 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - May 3, 2025

Photo Release: April 29, 2025

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: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: April 16, 2025

Spiral Galaxy Messier 99 (M99) in Coma Berenices

Messier 99 or M99 (NGC 4254) in the constellation Coma Berenices is a spiral galaxy approximately 56 million light-years away from Earth. Burnham states, “The spiral pattern is very well defined, although somewhat asymmetric, with an unusually far-extending arm on the west side….”
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 12h 18m 49.625sDeclination: +14° 24′ 59.36″Distance: 45.2 MlyGroup or cluster: Virgo ClusterApparent magnitude (V): 9.9
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 73 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - April 17, 2025

Photo Release: April 10, 2025

The Black Eye Galaxy - Messier 64

Galaxy season is here! This is the Black Eye Galaxy (also called Sleeping Beauty Galaxy or Evil Eye Galaxy and designated Messier 64, M64, or NGC 4826) is a relatively isolated spiral galaxy 17 million light-years away in the mildly northern constellation of Coma Berenices. A dark band of absorbing dust partially in front of its bright nucleus gave rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye", "Evil Eye", or "Sleeping Beauty" galaxy. (ref: Wikipedia)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: Coma BerenicesRight ascension: 12h 56m 43.696sDeclination: +21° 40′ 57.57″Distance: 17.3 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 8.52
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 76 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: April 6, 2025

The Sunflower Galaxy - Messier 63

Here is a view of the Sunflower Galaxy, Messier 63 (M63, NGC 5055) found in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is a spiral galaxy surrounded by many short spiral arm segments. It is also a member of a group of galaxies referred to as the M51 Group. The Sunflower Galaxy lies roughly 37 million light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude of 9.3. This has been one of my favorite galaxies to image during galaxy season.

Distance to Earth: 27 million light years
Radius: 49,000 light years
Right ascension: 13h 15m 49.3s
Declination: +42°01’45”
Apparent Magnitude: 9.3
Apparent dimensions: 12′.6 x 7′.2
Stars: 400 billion
Common Name: Sunflower Galaxy

Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 81 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: April 3, 2025

Supernova 2025fvw in NGC 5957

This is a supernova designated as 2025fvw discovered by Koichi Itagaki on March 26, 2025. It is located in the galaxy NGC 5957 in the constellation Serpens. The current estimated magnitude from my observation is 14.5V.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 47 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight and Tycho. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
COLOR IMAGE

Photo Release: April 2, 2025

Moon and Pleaides (M45) Conjunction

Here is a view of a conjunction of last night’s crescent moon and the Pleiades Cluster (M45).
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens, Canon Extender EF 2xIII, tripod, ISO 2500, 0.5 second exposure, f/5.6 at 400mm. Processed using Corel PaintshopPro. Image Date: April 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Featured in Orbital Today in the article titled "Out-Of-This-World Space Images From Last Week: Moon Meets Pleiades, NEW Comet SWAN25F, Starlink Streak & More [1-8 April]"

Photo Release: April 1, 2025

Bubble Nebula - NGC 7635

Going through some data archives looking for lost data I never processed, here is over five hours of collected data from late 2023 on the Bubble Nebula.
From Wikipedia: “NGC 7635, also known as the Bubble Nebula, Sharpless 162, or Caldwell 11, is an H II region emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. It lies close to the direction of the open cluster Messier 52. The "bubble" is created by the stellar wind from a massive hot, 8.7 magnitude young central star, SAO 20575. The nebula is near a giant molecular cloud which contains the expansion of the bubble nebula while itself being excited by the hot central star, causing it to glow.”
Observation data:J2000 epochRight ascension: 23h 20m 48.3sDeclination: +61° 12′ 06″Distance: 7100 to 11000 lyApparent magnitude (V): ~10Apparent dimensions (V): 15′ × 8′Constellation: Cassiopeia
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at 0C, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, Optolong L-eXtreme filter (2”), 66 x 300 second exposures (5 hours 30 minutes), guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini, focus with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using PixInsight and DSS. Image Date: October 18, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - April 1, 2025

Photo Release: March 5, 2025

Mars - March 3, 2025

Here is a view of the planet Mars from March 3, 2025. This is stacking the best 20% from 20k frames captured.
Tech Specs: Meade 12" LX-90, ASI462MC camera, SharpCap Pro, Registax, best 20% of 10k frames. Image Date: March 3, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: March 4, 2025

Jupiter and Io - March 3, 2025

Here is a view of the planet Jupiter and moon Io from last evening. This is stacking the best 20% from 10k frames captured. Next imaging run we'll try multiple video captures and WinJUPOS software to de-rotate.
Tech Specs: Meade 12" LX-90, ASI462MC camera, SharpCap Pro, Registax, best 20% of 10k frames. Image Date: March 3, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: February 28, 2025

Open Cluster Messier 93

Messier 93 (M93, NGC 2447) is a nice open star cluster in constellation Puppis. As one of the last deepsky objects found by him personally, open cluster M93 was discovered by Charles Messier and cataloged by him on March 20, 1781. M93 is one of the smaller but bright open clusters, the stars forming a triangular shape. At least about 80 members appear scattered over its 22' apparent diameter, which is of the order of 20-25 light years linearly at its distance of about 3,600 light years. The brightest stars of M93 are blue giants, its age has been estimated as roughly 100 million years. (ref: http://www.messier.seds.org/)
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)Right ascension: 07h 44m 30.0sDeclination: −23° 51′ 24″Distance: 3.6 klyApparent magnitude (V): 6.0Apparent dimensions (V): 22′
Tech Specs: William Optics REDCAT 51 Telescope, ZWO ASI071MC camera running at -10F, 43 minutes using 60 second exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: February 6, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: February 22, 2025

NGC2175 the Monkey Head Nebula

NGC 2174 (also known as Monkey Head Nebula) is an H II emission nebula located in the constellation Orion and is associated with the open star cluster NGC 2175. It is thought to be located about 6,400 light-years away from Earth. (ref: Wikipedia)
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -20F, 50 x 300 second exposures, Optolong L-eXtreme 2” filter, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: February 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - February 22, 2025

Photo Release: February 16, 2025

Open Cluster NGC 1245 in Perseus

Here is another rather sparce open star cluster in the constellation Perseus and cataloged as NGC1245.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Right ascension: 03h 14m 48sDeclination: +47° 15′ 11″Apparent magnitude (V): 8.4Apparent dimensions (V): 10'Constellation: Perseus
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 41 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: December 26, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: February 12, 2025

The Tadpole Nebula in Auriga - IC410

IC410 is a faint and dusty emission nebula of more than 100 light-years across approximately 12,000 light-years away from Earth in the northern constellation of Auriga. NGC 1893, an open cluster, is embedded inside IC410. This nebula is also referred to as the Tadpole Nebula - can you see the two tadpole looking objects in the image swimming toward the center?
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -20F, 48 x 300 second exposures, Optolong L-eNhance 2" filter, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: January 29, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: February 9, 2025

Open Cluster NGC 1193 in Perseus

Here is a pretty little open star cluster in the constellation Perseus and cataloged as NGC1193.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Right ascension: 03h 05m 55.0sDeclination: +44° 23′ 00″Apparent magnitude (V): 12.6Apparent dimensions (V): 3.0 arcmin
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 59 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: December 26, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: February 6, 2025

The Jellyfish Nebula - IC443 in Gemini

IC 443 (also known as the Jellyfish Nebula and Sharpless 248 (Sh2-248)) is a galactic supernova remnant (SNR) in the constellation Gemini. On the plane of the sky, it is located near the star Eta Geminorum. Its distance is roughly 5,000 light years from Earth. IC 443 may be the remains of a supernova that occurred 30,000 - 35,000 years ago. The same supernova event likely created the neutron star CXOU J061705.3+222127, the collapsed remnant of the stellar core. IC 443 is one of the best-studied cases of supernova remnants interacting with surrounding molecular clouds. (ref: Wikipedia)
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -20F, 48 x 300 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: January 29, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: February 3, 2025

Mars and Jupiter in the Eastern Sky

Here is a wide field view of the planets Mars and Jupiter taken on February 1, 2025. Mars on the left and Jupiter upper right (brighter stars highlighted and planets with added diffraction spikes).
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Samyang Lens, single 25-second exposure, ISO 3200. Processed in Corel Paintshop Pro. Image Date: February 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - February 3, 2025

Photo Release: February 1, 2025

Moon and Venus in the Western Sky

Moon and Venus in the Western skies from Carbon County, PA.
Tech Specs: Canon 6D, Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens with 2x Extender, 1-second exposure, shot at f/2.8 with an ISO setting of 1250. Single frame. Image Date: February 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 28, 2025

Jupiter and Ganymede

Here is another quick stacked image of the planet Jupiter taken on January 27, 2025 using a simple 60-second video clip captured through the ASIAir Pro and the ASI2600MC camera. You can see the GRS, the moon Ganymede passing in front of Jupiter.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -20F, 60 second video capture, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: January 27, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 26, 2025

Open Cluster NGC 206 in the Andromeda Galaxy

This is a large stellar field designated as NGC 206, it is located in one of the spiral arms of the Andromeda Galaxy. Also marked in this view are a few globular clusters found in the same field of view. I used information from Robert Gendler Astrophotography (http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/) to help identify some of the globular clusters in my image.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Right ascension: 00h 40m 31.3sDeclination: +40° 44′ 21″Apparent dimensions (V): 4.2′ (arcmin)Constellation: Andromeda
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 135 Minutes using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: November 3 and 7, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 22, 2025

Jupiter and Ganymede's Shadow

Here is a quick stacked image of the planet Jupiter taken on January 20, 2025 using a simple 45-second video clip captured through the ASIAir Pro and the ASI2600MC camera (while keeping warm in the house). You can see the GRS, the moon Ganymede and Ganymede’s shadow being cast on Jupiter.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -20F, 45 second video capture, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: January 20, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 21, 2025

Venus in the Western Sky

Here is a quick stacked image of the planet Venus taken last evening shining bright on the Western horizon. Currently 45% illuminated.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -20F, 45 second video capture, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Autostakkert and Registax. Image Date: January 20, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 18, 2025

Globular Cluster Messier 2 (M2) in Aquarius

Messier 2 or M2 (also designated NGC 7089) is the first globular cluster listed in the Messier catalog and is located about 55,000 light years away from Earth. M2 is located in the constellation Aquarius and is one of the largest globular clusters in our galaxy. It has an estimated diameter of 150 light years and contains over 150,000 stars bound together by their mutual gravitational attraction.
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Class: IIConstellation: AquariusRight ascension: 21h 33m 27.02sDeclination: –00° 49′ 23.7″Distance: 55,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.5Apparent dimensions (V): 16.0′
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 54 Minutes using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: November 2, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Video Release: January 14, 2025

Mars Occultation

Here is a video capture showing the occultation of the planet Mars by the Moon on January 13, 2025.

Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 30 second video capture, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PIPP. Image Date: January 13, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 13, 2025

Stephan's Quintet Galaxy Group in Pegasus

Stephan’s Quintet can be found in the constellation Pegasus, the apparent magnitude of these galaxies hovers around 14.0, making this a tough object to capture in a smaller telescope. This group of galaxies was discovered by Edouard Stephan in 1877 at Marseille Observatory. Although referred to as a quintet, only four of the five galaxies are interacting with each other at a distance of about 300 million light years! NGC 7320 is actually much closer at a distance of “only” 40 million light years.
The members in the group include NGC 7320, NGC 7319, NGC 7318a, NGC 7318b, and NGC 7317. The group is also listed in the Arp catalog as ARP319.
Observation data (Epoch J2000)Constellation(s): PegasusRight ascension: 22h 35m 57.5sDeclination: +33° 57′ 36″Number of galaxies: 5
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 1 Hour and 55 Minutes using 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: July 1, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

FLICKR Explore Image of the Day - January 13, 2025

Photo Release: January 9, 2025

The California Nebula - NGC1499

This is the California Nebula (NGC 1499 or Sharpless 220) an emission nebula in the constellation Perseus. This nebula is about 1,000 light years from the Earth. The nebula is being lit up by the star Menkib which is the brightest star in the image. Imaged using the Optolong L-eXtreme filter and an 88% full moon in November 2024.
Observation data: J2000.0 epochRight ascension: 04h 03m 18.00sDeclination: +36° 25′ 18.0″Distance: 1,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 6.0Apparent dimensions (V): 2.5° longConstellation: Perseus
Tech Specs: William Optics REDCAT 51 Telescope, ZWO ASI071MC camera running at -10F, two panel mosaic, each panel was a total of four hours using five-minute subs, Optolong L-eXtreme” filter, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO EAF (ProAstroGear Black-CAT) and ASIAir Pro, guided using a ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 mini, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: November 12, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 4, 2025

Planetary Nebula NGC7027 in Cygnus

NGC 7027, also known as the Jewel Bug Nebula or the Magic Carpet Nebula, is a very young and dense planetary nebula located around 3,000 light-years (920 parsecs) from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. Discovered in 1878 by Édouard Stephan using the 800 mm (31 in) reflector at Marseille Observatory, it is one of the smallest planetary nebulae and by far the most extensively studied.
Observation data: J2000 epochRight ascension : 21h 07m 1.7sDeclination: +42° 14′ 11″Distance: 3,000 lyApparent magnitude (V): 10Apparent dimensions (V): 16" × 12"Constellation: Cygnus
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: August 25, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Photo Release: January 1, 2025

Happy New Year!

Here is a composite image of some galaxy images from 2024.