Out-Of-This-World Chili Cookoff

Key Takeaways The ASI2600MC Air is a 3-in-1′ smart camera’ that combines a dedicated astronomy camera with a guide camera and a WiFi controller that runs on the ASIAIR mobile app. The design dramatically reduces the amount of cables and accessories needed to run a complete deep-sky astrophotography imaging session. Critiques dislike that this ‘niche... […]

The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i strain wave mount is the latest equatorial tracking telescope mount from a brand known for its reliable astrophotography mounts. For the first time in Sky-Watcher’s history, this mount doesn’t require a counterweight.  Strain wave gear telescope mounts are designed to be compact, portable, and lightweight. In fact, the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i... […]

Here are the exact camera settings I use to take pictures of stars with a DSLR camera and lens. The following steps will help ensure that your photos are clear and sharp and include plenty of stars in the night sky.  Mount your DSLR to a tripod to avoid camera shake Set the aperture (f-stop)... […]

In May 2024, a geomagnetic storm hit Earth, sending auroras across the planet’s skies in a once-in-a-generation light display. These dazzling sights are possible because of the interaction of coronal mass ejections – explosions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun – with Earth’s magnetic field, which protects us from the radiation the Sun […]

As humans return to the Moon and push on toward Mars, scientists are ramping up research into the effects of space on the body to make sure astronauts stay healthy on longer missions. This research often involves spaceflight studies of rodents, insects, and other models in orbiting laboratories such as the International Space Station. However, […]

For almost 60 years, NASA’s Stennis Space Center has tested rocket systems and engines to help power the nation’s human space exploration dreams. Completion of a critical water system infrastructure project helps ensure the site can continue that frontline work moving forward. “The infrastructure at NASA Stennis is absolutely critical for rocket engine testing for […]

As Saturn's rings narrow, now's the time for its moons to shine. The post See Mutual Events, Close Approaches of Saturn's Moons appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Starting September 29th, another moon of sorts will briefly accompany Earth. The house-size asteroid will stick around less than 2 months. The post Earth's New Temporary Mini-moon Arrives This Weekend appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

A team of scientists thinks a clustering of ancient impact craters points to a temporary ring around Earth hundreds of millions of years ago. The post Did a Ring of Rocks and Dust Orbit Earth Before the Dinosaurs Roamed? appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

 Anybody still coming here?

My own Hubble View! These galaxies lie between 10 to 50 million light years away. How many galaxies do you see? A pretty tricky part of the sky to image, really. You're utilizing almost your entire field of view with an 80mm scope, so dealing with all that comes with wide-field. This is the best […]

A nice clear night last night until around 12:30 when clouds rolled in. Managed to get this image of the lovely M51 Whirlpool galaxy. It lies around 23 million light years away and it is interacting with a smaller galaxy (yellow~ish bulge to the left). Three supernova (star explosions) have been detected in this galaxy […]