David's Images of the Day Photoblog
Views of science and technology from around the world
Today, I captured images of an airplane, two jets, and a Turkey Vulture transiting the sun while looking at the sunspots (we are at or near the solar maximum). I was viewing the sun with a Vespera Classic and Vespera Pro automated telescope using solar filters.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
With the sky clear, I set up the Vespera Observation station with a solar filter during the day to observe sunspots. When I reviewed the images, I found one with a silhouette of a bird (Turkey Vulture?) flying in front of the sun. In the past I have capture images of planes, and sometimes satellites transiting the solar disk. While on Semester at Sea voyages, we had an informal contest to capture images of ships at the horizon passing in front of the sun at sunset (or sunrise).
Once it got dark out, I set up both the Vespera and Stellina observation stations to observe deep sky objects (galaxies, nebulae, star clusters). The Vespera was fitted with a dual band (H-alpha and O-III) filter. The Vespera captured images of NGC 6960: Western Veil Nebula, Witch’s Broom Nebula; IC 1396: Elephant’s Trunk Nebula; and IC 1795: Fish Head Nebula. The final one didn’t go to completion due to condensation on the lens.
For the Stellina, I used the “Plan My Night” option to collect images of Messier 29 Open Cluster (M29, NGC 6913); NGC 6946 (Fireworks Galaxy); NGC 7331 Spiral Galaxy (Caldwel 30); Messier 31 Spiral Galaxy (Andromeda Galaxy, NGC 224); Messier 74 Spiral Galaxy (M74, NGC 628, Phantom Galaxy); Messier 110 Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy (M10, NGC 205); IC 342: The Hidden Galaxy in Camelopardalis. The system was set to collect images for about an hour for each object. For some reason, the telescope did not automatically close at the end of the collection. I am not sure if the external Anker Power USB power supply ran out. The lens was covered with dew. The Stellina system has a lens heater that is supposed to prevent condensation so may be the reason the power bank ran out. The Vespera system does not have the lens heater option installed.
Daily Electric Energy Used (46.5 kWh) from Sense. Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (51.7 kWh) from Sense. Sunny. Surplus of 5.2 kWh.
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As a really cold mass of air moved in the night sky was very clear. Lots of stars visible even though the moon was nearly full. I moved both the Stellina and Vespera telescope/cameras to the back patio and allowed them to equilibrate to the cold temperature (14°F/-10°C). Both systems needed to have their software/firmware upgraded before being initialized. They were then programmed to collect images of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). It appears that the boxier Stellina is more sensitive to wobbling in the wind. The system only accepted 33-50% of the images and even then there was some doubling/streaking of the stars. The Vespera with its curved surfaces is more aerodynamic and did not appear to be impacted by the wind. The software/firmware update improved the quality of the exported composite TIF images. Time-lapse videos were generated from the JPG images showing the movement of the comet relative to the stars. The battery for the Vespera gave up after about 5 hours, even though an external battery was attached due to the extreme cold. The Stellina does not have an internal battery. The external battery lasted a bit longer, allowing me to create a time-lapse video of the moon. You can definitely see when the wind was blowing resulting in some distorted moon images.
Stellina Deep Sky Observations. Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). TIF images processed with Topaz AI. Individual images in the slideshow are available in my PhotoShelter Gallery.
Vespera Deep Sky Observations. Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). TIF images processed with Topaz AI. Individual images in the slideshow are available in my PhotoShelter Gallery.
Daily Electric Energy Used (100.0 kWh) from Sense. Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (38.5 kWh) from Sense. Sunny but cold. Deficit of 61.5 kWh.
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