Photo Techniques - David Mathre Photography

Monday (18-November-2024) — New Jersey

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).

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 740 stacked images (02h 03m 30s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec). JPG image without additional processing. — Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 740 stacked images (02h 03m 30s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exposures). JPG image without additional processing.

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 740 stacked images (02h 03m 30s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec). Image processed with Topaz AI (noise reduction) and Capture One. — Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 740 stacked images (02h 03m 30s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exposures). Image processed with Topaz AI (noise reduction) and Capture One.

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.

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1765 stacked 10 sec exp (04 h 54m 20s). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4). JPG image without additional processing

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1765 stacked 10 sec exp (04 h 54m 20s). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4). Image processed with Topaz AI (noise) and Capture One.

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).

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1199 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4). JPG image without additional processing

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1199 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4). Image processed with Capture One (brightness) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)

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).

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1446 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Unprocessed jpg image.

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). Composite of 1446 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Image processed with Capture One (brightness) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)

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.

Dumbbell Nebula (M27). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual Band Filter). Composite of 801 stacked images. Unprocessed jpg image.

Dumbbell Nebula (M27). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual Band Filter). Composite of 801 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).

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.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 1624 stacked images (04h 30m 40s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Unprocessed JPG image.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 1624 stacked images (04h 30m 40s). Stellina (400 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp). Image processed with Topaz AI (noise reduction) and Capture One.

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.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of x stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp). Unprocessed JPG image. — Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2336 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp). Unprocessed JPG image.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of x stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction) — Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2336 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)

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.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2016 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Unprocessed JPG image.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2016 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (denoise)

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.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2168 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Unprocessed JPG image.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Composite of 2168 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).

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.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual band filter). Composite of 2638 stacked images. Unprocessed JPG image.

Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, Dual band filter). Composite of 2638 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)

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.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2534 stacked images. Unprocessed jpg image.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2534 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)

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.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2373 stacked images. Unprocessed jpg image.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Composite of 2373 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).

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.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Composite of 2632 stacked mages. Unprocessed jpg image.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Composite of 2632 stacked mages. Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).

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.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual band filter). Composite of 2629 stacked images. Unprocessed JPG image.

Packman Nebula (NGC 281). Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual band filter). Composite of 2629 stacked images. Image processed with Capture One and Topaz AI (noise reduction).

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

Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244) Composite of 2101 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter).

Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244) Composite of 2101 stacked images. Vespera Classic (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)

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.

Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, 2244). Composite of 1747 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Unprocessed jpg image.

Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, 2244). Composite of 1747 stacked images. Vespera Passengers (200 mm, f/4, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (denoise).

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.

Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2656 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Unprocessed jpg image.

Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2656 stacked images. Vespera II (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, CLS filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction)

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.

Rosette Nebula (NGC2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2894 stacked images. Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Unprocessed jpg image.

Rosette Nebula (NGC2237, NGC 2244). Composite of 2894 stacked images. Vespera Pro (250 mm, f/5, 10 sec exp, dual-band filter). Image processed with Capture One (levels) and Topaz AI (noise reduction).

Friday (15-November-2024) — New Jersey

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)

Yesterday the sky was overcast, so no comet images. The comet and tail keep getting smaller and fainter. The estimated magnitude of the comet was +8.2. I am only showing images from the Stellina telescope since the Vespera telescopes are fitted with filters for viewing emission nebulae.

Full “Beaver” Moon

The full “supermoon” this month was extra bright because it was closer to earth. Once it was above the trees to my east, I used the Stellina telescope to record images for a time-lapse video. While reviewing the images I found several images with silhouettes of birds passing in front of the moon. At this time of the year, birds are migrating south, often at night. Even though it may have been a large bird, it must have been a long way away. The cropped image is about 4x magnification.

Silhouette of a bird flying in front of the "Beaver" full moon. Image taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5, 1/2000 sec). — Silhouette of a bird flying in front of the “Beaver” full moon. Image taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5, 1/2000 sec).

Sunday (03-November-2023) — New Jersey

Pair of Satellites Transiting the Sun.

While reviewing the solar images with several sunspots, I noticed what appears to be a pair of satellites transiting the solar disk over a 4 second period. I have a composite image and the individual images of the transit. I also found images with silhouettes of birds (Turkey Vultures?) and one with an unidentified object (military jet?). I’ve also added the time-lapse video if you want to look for other objects passing in front of the sun.

Sun with sunspots and the silhouette of a satellite transit. Image taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter. Composite of 4 images processed using Photoshop (Scripts, Statistics, Minimum).

Sun with sunspots and the silhouette of a bird. Image taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter.

Sun with sunspots and the silhouette of a bird? or plane?. Image taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter. — Sun with sunspots and the silhouette of an unidentified object. Image taken with a Vaonis Stellina Telescope (400 mm, f/5, 1/4000 sec) with a solar filter.

Sun with Sunspots. Time-lapse video (480p, 30p)

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)

The comet is still visible to the telescopes with an estimated magnitude of +6.8. The tail is fainter and shorter than yesterday. The Vespera II telescope was fitted with a CLS (city light suppression) filter causing the tint to the image. The length of the comet tail can be estimated based on the field of view for the telescope’s digital sensors. Stellina (1.0° x 0.7°), Vespera Classic (1.6° x 0.9°), Vespera Passengers (2.4° x 1.8°), Vespera II (2.5° x 1.4°), and Vespera Pro (1.6° x 1.6°). The jpg images were processed to increase the brightness (Capture One Pro) and reduce the noise (Topaz AI).

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Composite of 30 images taken with a Vaonis Vespera Classic Telescope (200 mm, f/4, 30 x 10 sec).

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Composite of 30 images taken with a Vaonis Vespera Passengers Telescope (200 mm, f/4, 30 x 10 sec).

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Composite of 30 images taken with a Vaonis Vespera II Telescope (250 mm, f/5, 30 x 10 sec) using a CLS (city light suppression) filter.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Composite of 30 images taken with a Vaonis Vespera-Pro Telescope (250 mm, f/5, 30 x 10 sec).

Wednesday (30-October-2024) — New Jersey

Sun and Sunspots.

Even though it didn’t rain Tuesday night, the sky was too overcast for any observations of the comet (or any other objects). Today it was clear and sunny most of the day with some high-level clouds appearing towards evening. During the day, the Stellina telescope was fitted with a solar filter to observe the sun and sunspots. The images were used to create a time-lapse video.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)

I wasn’t sure if it would clear up again in time for the telescopes to observe the comet. Whether doing single observations or automated observation plans, initialization of the Stellina and Vespera telescopes require clear enough sky to see some stars to run the automated initialization routine (sky alignment and focus).

My workflow for doing observations of the comet goes as follows. First, I use the Stellarium software package to look up the RA (right ascension) and Dec (declination) data for Comet C/2023 A3 for my location and time of the observation (19:00 to 20:30). The RA/dec data is used to create manual observation targets in the Vaonis Singularity application. The manual observation targets are then used to create an observation plan. Since the comet is moving relative to stars, I set up a sequence of 15-minute observations from the point it is dark enough for the telescopes to initialize until the comet falls behind the trees toward the western horizon (~19:00 to 20:30). The observation plan is saved and uploaded to the telescope.

Once the plan is started the device does not need to remain connected to the telescope. The telescope waits until it is dark enough to initialize, then runs the observation plan. The observation data is collected and stored in temporary memory within the telescope. When the observation plan is complete (and before the sun comes up) the telescope closes and shuts down.

As long as the device running the Singularity application is connected to the internet, the manual targets and observation plans are stored in the cloud (within your Singularity account). I make use of this so I can share and run the same manual targets and observation plans on multiple Stellina and Vespera telescopes. Note that you need share the information before making the ad hock WiFi connection between the device running Singularity and the telescope. (Note: I use separate devices for each telescope).

I set up the telescopes and started the observation plan, still not sure if the sky would clear. After dinner when I checked the telescopes (~20:00), four out of five initialized and started observations of the comet even though there still were some clouds. During an observation, the telescopes only saves and stacks images when the view is not obstructed. So, in this case when the comet was blocked by clouds the telescope stopped collecting images until the sky was clear again. I am not sure why the Vespera Passengers telescope didn’t initialize. The comet is getting fainter, and the tail shorter.

After the comet dropped below the tree line, the telescopes were set to continue or start multi-night mosaic observations of the Veil Nebulae (NGC 6960 and NGC 6992), the Heart and Fish head Nebulae (IC 1805 and IC 1795), and the Horse Head and Flame Nebulae (IC 434 and NGC 2024). Three of the telescopes (Vespera Classic, Vespera Passenger, and Vespera Pro) were fitted with dual narrowband Hα/OIII (hydrogen alpha/oxygen III) interference filters. The CLS filter remained on the Vespera II telescope, and no filter was used on the Stellina telescope.

Sunday (20-October-2024) — New Jersey

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)

I found a spot in the far corner of my backyard with a view to the west where Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) was still high enough above the trees after dusk to be visible. The estimated magnitude of the comet was +4.5. To me barely visible to the eye, but easily captured by camera or Vespera telescope.

To observe a comet with the Vespera telescopes, you first need to determine the RA (right ascension) and Dec (declination) coordinates of the comet for your location at the time of the observation. I use Stellarium find this information. The RA/dec data is needed to create a manual observation target in the Singularity application that controls the Vespera telescopes.

The Vespera telescopes weigh about 5 kg (11 lbs) and could easily be carried to the far corner of my backyard and set up on heavy duty camera tripods. The only thing I needed to worry about was a doe that found a hole in my deer fence and was wandering around in the back yard. Once it was dark enough to initialize (automatically align and focus) the Vespera telescopes all I needed to do set it to look for the manual target and start acquiring and stacking images.

The comet was much brighter than the other stars in the field of view. The comet’s tail was longer than the field of view of the telescopes. Vespera Classic (1.6° x 0.9°) and Vespera Pro (1.6° x 1.6°). The jpg images were processed to increase the brightness (Capture One Pro) and reduce the noise (Topaz AI).

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Image taken with a Hasselblad 907c camera and 25 mm f/2.5 lens (ISO 800, f/8, 32 sec). — Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Image taken with a Hasselblad 907x camera and 25 mm f/2.5 lens (ISO 800, f/8, 32 sec). Processed jpg image with Capture One and Topaz AI (denoise). Cropped to 8k x 8k (~60° field of view).

Autumn in New Jersey. Image taken with a Hasselblad 907c camera and 25 mm f/2.5 lens — Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). Image taken with a Hasselblad 907x camera and 25 mm f/2.5 lens (ISO 800, f/8, 32 sec). Processed jpg image with Capture One and Topaz AI (denoise). Cropped to 2400 x 2400 pixels (~ 18° field of view).