Author: David Mathre

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)

The comet and tail keep getting smaller and fainter. The estimated magnitude of the comet was +8.5. I am only showing images from the Stellina telescope since the Vespera telescopes are fitted with filters for viewing emission nebulae.

Singularity Multi-Night Observations

One of the new features with the Singularity software application used to operate the Vaonis telescopes is Multi-Night Observations. The mosaic image composite process is continued from the previous observation session to afford improved image quality. The software permits up to five different mosaic images to be continued for more than one night. At the end of each multi-night observation, the final image and the settings to continue the observation for the target is stored with the instrument as the starting point for the next multi-night observation. The settings include whether a filter is used (and would be required for subsequent multi-night observations). It is recommended that the object be between 25° and 75° during the multi-night observation.

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)

The Helix Nebula is a planetary emission nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. It is relatively low (maximum about 28°) above the southern horizon early in the evening, so the first target for the night.

Stellina (no Filter)

Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Stellina telescope with no filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.1° x 1.1°. Total of 741 stacked images, 02h 03m 30s). I’ve included both an unprocessed jpg image and one that was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise).

Vespera Classic with Dual Filter

Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 1766 stacked images (04h 54m 20s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1765, 1766). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1967 x 1936 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 6th pass when the observation was stopped for the night. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Compared with the processed image from the Stellina, this one is brighter due to the Dual filter and the larger number of stacked images.

Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 1199 stacked images (03h 19m 50s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1198, 1199). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1956 x 1934 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 32 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 8th pass when the observation was paused. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise).

Vespera II with CLS Filter

Observation of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.5° x 2.6°. Total of 1446 stacked images (04h 01m 00s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1445, 1446). The full 2.5° x 2.6° (3791 x 3840 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 6th pass when the observation was paused. Even though there are more stacked images, the unprocessed jpg image from the Vespera-II telescope is not a bright as the ones from the Vespera Classic, or Vespera Passengers telescopes. This may be due to the different filters used (CLS vs Dual). The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise).

Dumbbell Nebula (M27)

The Dumbbell Nebula (M27, NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula. Vespera Pro was not able to locate/lock onto the Helix nebula, so I selected the Dumbbell nebula as an alternative multi-night target. On this date, it remains above 25° above the horizon until about 22:00.

Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Dumbell Nebula (M27) over two nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 801 stacked images (02h 13m 30s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness and contrast as well as decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 800, 801). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (3559 x 3571 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 6th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed around the nebula.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888)

The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888, Caldwell 27, Sharpless 105) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. On this date, it remains above 25° above the horizon until about 22:00. I selected this as my second deep sky object for multi-night target for the night.

Stellina (no Filter)

Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Stellina telescope with no filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.1° x 1.1°. Total of 1624 stacked images, 04h 30m 40s). I’ve included both an unprocessed jpg image and one that was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). In this section of the sky there are lots of stars. Even with the processing, it is difficult to clearly see the faint red nebula.

Vespera Classic with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2236 stacked images (06h 12m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2235, 2226). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1900 x 1924 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 7th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed above the nebula.

Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2016 stacked images (05h 36m 00s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2015, 2016). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1949 x 1938 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 32 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 14th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed around the nebula.

Vespera II with CLS Filter

Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.5° x 2.6°. Total of 2168 stacked images (06h 01m 20s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2167, 2168). The full 2.5° x 2.6° (3694 x 3840 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 11th pass when the observation was paused. Even though there are more stacked images, the unprocessed jpg image from the Vespera-II telescope is not a bright as the ones from the Vespera Classic, or Vespera Passengers telescopes. This may be due to the different filters used (CLS vs Dual). The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Lots of stars in this region of the sky.

Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) over four nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2638 stacked images (07h 19m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2637, 2638). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (3559 x 3543 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 17th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula. Additionally, some faint red areas can be observed around the nebula.

Waning Gibbous Moon

The waning gibbous moon is 89% illuminated. For the remainder of the night the Stellina telescope recorded images of the moon that were used to create the following time-lapse video. I did a quick review of the images and didn’t see any object passing in front of the moon. Let me know if you see something. The telescope takes ~ 40 images/minute. The time-lapse video was created using Photoshop (720p, 30fps)

Packman Nebula (NGC 281)

The Packman Nebula (NGC 281, IC 11 or Sh2-184) is a bright emission nebula in the Cassiopea constellation and is part of the Milky Way.

Vespera Classic with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2534 stacked images (07h 02m 20s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2533, 2534). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1924 x 1972 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 8th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.

Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2373 stacked images (06h 53m 30s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2372, 2373). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (1891 x 1938 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 15th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.

Vespera II with CLS Filter

Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.5° x 2.6°. Total of 2632 stacked images (07h 18m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2631, 2632). The full 2.6° x 2.6° (3833 x 3855 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 11th pass when the observation was paused. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Lots of stars in this region of the sky.

Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Packman Nebula (NGC 281) over four nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 1.6° x 1.6°. Total of 2629 stacked images (07h 18m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2628, 2629). The full 1.6° x 1.6° (3559 x 3543 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 64 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 16th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.

Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244)

The Rosette Nebula and Cluster (NGC 22237, Caldwell 49, NGC 2244, Caldwell 50) is a bright emission nebula in the Monoceros region of the Milky Way Galaxy. I did the observations between 03:00 and 05:30 (astronomical dawn). The observations of the Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443), Horsehead Nebula (IC 434), and Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) were washed out due to the bright moon.

Vespera Classic with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera Classic telescope with a Dual band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.3° x 2.4°. Total of 2101 stacked images (05h 50m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2100, 2101). The full 2.3° x 2.4° (2811 x 2950 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 512 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 4th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the neb

Vespera Passengers with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera Passengers telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.4° x 2.4°. Total of 1747 stacked images (04h 51m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1756, 1747). The full 2.4° x 2.4° (2887 x 2851 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 8th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.

Vespera II with CLS Filter

Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera II telescope with a CLS (city light suppression) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.6° x 2.7°. Total of 2656 stacked images (07h 22m 40s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2655, 2656). The full 2.6° x 2.7° (3854 x 3972 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 256 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 11th pass when the observation was paused. The image after the slideshow was processed (Capture One for brightness and contrast, Topaz AI to remove noise). Lots of stars in this region of the sky. The nebula is not as bright with the CLS filter vs. the Dual filter.

Vespera Pro with Dual Band Filter

Observation of the Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237) and Cluster (NGC 2244) over four nights using the Vespera Pro telescope with a Dual Band (H-α, O-III) filter. The mosaic size for the observation was set to 2.4° x 2.4°. Total of 2894 stacked images (07h 18m 10s). The slideshow shows the image improve (increased brightness, decreased sensor noise) as the number of stacked images increases (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 2893, 2894). The full 2.4° x 2.4° (5304 x 5304 pixel) mosaic field was filled after 128 stacked images. The mosaic was in the 12th pass when the observation was paused. The image has been processed using Capture One for brightness and contrast adjustments, and Topaz AI for noise reduction. The use of a dual-band filter significantly enhances the visibility of the nebula.