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Friday, November 15, 2013

Comet Ison Outburst!

                           It seems yesterdays reports that Comet Ison has brightened dramatically are true.Many people have confirmed it as of this morning.The images of it are beautiful, but I have not been lucky enough to witness it yet.
                           The weather has been cloudy since the morning of the 13th here in Southern Ohio.I am waiting for a chance to get my next image of Comet Ison, so hopefully the weather will break soon.Here are links to a couple different images of Comet Ison from the past two days.Thanks for reading

November 14 SpaceWeather

November 15 SpaceWeather

Space.com Article with Images

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Comet Ison and Other Images

                             I set out this weekend to acquire images of Comet Ison, and several other targets.I wanted to continue to test the new stacking software I recently began using.I took these images on the night of November 9th, and into the morning of the 10th.Each of these images are a result of multiple 30 second images stacked to produce one final image.Thanks for reading, and enjoy.


C/2012 S1 Comet Ison

The Orion Nebula/The Running Man Nebula

The Great Cluster in Hercules

The Perseus Double Cluster

The Andromeda Galaxy

Thursday, November 7, 2013

The Comet Ison Frustration

                                          After Months of waiting on what we were told could be the "Comet of the Century", it seems some are starting to lose hope.C/2012 S1 Comet Ison has not managed to reach the magnitude that was expected at this point, and time is running out for it to brighten, as it inches closer to the Sun each day.Ison will reach the Sun on November 28th, and emerge in our evening skies on the 29th at sunset.I have read a few articles speculating that Comet Ison may not be able to reach naked eye magnitude at this point, which is disappointing, but there are still unknowns.
                                          Comets have been known to brighten unexpectedly,  as was the case with C/2012 X1 LINEAR in late October.Comet Linear brightened dramatically from what was previously expected, by a magnitude of 5.5.The result is a 100 fold increase in brightness of the object.There is also some speculation that Comet Ison may be breaking up, and could be gone sooner than we thought.Although this scenario would be unfortunate, the breaking up of a comet can cause a surge of brightness in some cases.Either of these scenarios could still happen, and could result in a brighter comet even if it is short term.We can only wait, and see.
                                           I have had my own frustrations with Comet Ison, or rather the weather causing a complete absence of Ison in my skies.On the night of Tuesday, November 5th, the weather cleared up a bit for some imaging, and I set out to do just that around 2am.I started with The Pleiades star cluster, taking a series of images to be stacked later.At around 3:30am I switched to a few different targets in the Orion Constellation.Comet Ison was due to be visible in my skies at 4:30am.Only ten minutes before I planned to switch over to Ison, a thick layer of cloud began to move in, and by the time Ison was visible the entire sky was lousy with clouds.Including this evening, I have not had a look at Comet Ison since November 25th.I did manage to get a few good images Tuesday, and have included them.As for Comet Ison, I can't wait to see what happens with it regardless of the outcome, as long as the weather allows my to be a witness to it.Here are the images from Tuesday Night.Thanks for reading.

                                           
                             M45 The Pleiades


                           NGC-2024 The Flame Nebula

                                       

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Review - Celestron Omni Series 40mm Eyepiece 93325

                         I recently purchased a Celestron Omni Series 40mm eyepiece.I wanted the large 40mm lens for observing deep sky objects, but also because Comet Ison will be getting brighter over the next month.The Omni Series is the lowest priced individual eyepieces available from Celestron, but still high quality optics.Simply holding this eyepiece, and you can tell it is well made.It is metal, with a flip up eye cup, and threaded for 1.25 filters.The 40mm Omni boasts multi coated optics with blackened edges, 4-element design, a 42 degree apparent field of view, and 31mm of eye relief.The Omni Series would be a good choice for expanding your collection of low power eyepieces.
                        The 40mm Omni Series eyepiece's performance seems to match it's quality.I tested the eyepiece on The Orion Nebula, The Andromeda Galaxy, and Comet Ison.The light gathering abilities of this eyepiece are phenomenal.Both deep sky objects had great clarity, and were very bright.The view of Comet Ison was equally appealing.I will continue to test this eyepiece over the next two weeks, as the weather has been quite cloudy in my area lately, and shows no sign of relenting.
                         I should also mention that this eyepiece sticks out quite far from the telescope, much farther than any of my other eyepieces,.I actually bumped into it once, and it could be a hazard if you are not careful, possibly breaking the focuser, or even knocking over the telescope.I have not found any other relevant defects, or issues with this product.I am very happy with this eyepiece, especially for the price, and would recommend it to others in the market for a large diameter Plossl eyepiece.Thanks for reading.
                       



Saturday, November 2, 2013

Comet Craziness

                           Why do people insist on freaking out each, and every time a relatively bright comet comes around.Just search Comet Ison on Youtube, and you are met with a barrage of cooky conspiracies, and prophecies of end times.Just like C/2010 X1 Comet Elenin in 2011, which was touted as Nibiru, Planet X, a Brown Dwarf, and even an Alien Spacecraft.
                            The Alien Ship story was rather funny.The whole thing was sparked by one image, pictured at the bottom of this paragraph.The image shows Comet Elenin in the middle, and four bright dots on each side lined up in a peculiar configuration.These eight bright objects are the supposed Alien Fleet.In reality there are only two bright objects in the image, and they are stars.The image is a result of four long exposure images, stacked together to achieve a better, clearer image.Because they are taken over a period of time, the comet's position in relation to the stars has changed.Therefore, when the images are stacked you get a trailing effect.Here is the famed Comet Elenin image.

                                                image credit: Leonid Elenin

                           Well, they are at it again.The funniest attempt to make C/2012 S1 Comet Ison into a crazy doomsday event is equally ill informed.First the video shows images of eruptions on Europa, a moon of Jupiter.The video claims these eruptions happened on August 23rd as a result of Comet Ison passing Jupiter.The images are unfortunately from 2007, and can all be found on NASA websites, at this link.
Europa Eruptions

The other issue with this claim is the location of C/2012 S1 Comet Ison on August 23rd, 2013.I took this image from NASA's small body database but if you want to see for yourself here is the link as well.
Ison Orbit


                           As you can see in the image, NASA shows Comet Ison much closer to Mars on August 23rd, so that claim is easily debunked.But wait....there is more.The video then claims that Comet Ison is interacting with Mars.The first image he uses as evidence in this claim can be found here.
Comet Ison and Mars by Ari Koutsouradis
                           The guy even gets his dates wrong, citing September 10th, 2013, but the Photographer dated the image October 2nd, 2013.Many other image are pictured here, and all can be found in a simple google search for the words "comet ison mars".The claim here, and the title of this video is DID ISON Give MARS a COMA.Yes, this guy is actually claiming that Mars has been transformed into a huge comet, because of interactions with Comet Ison.He uses these images as evidence, due to the vibrant glow around Mars.The effect here is simply caused by the gathering of light during long exposure photography, which is required to capture an image of Comet Ison at this time.These claims are completely fabricated.I would have linked the video here, but I am not willing to drive up hit traffic for this individual.The title of the video is there if you are that curious.
                            It is not that I take that much offense to this particular person's video, or even conspiracy theories in general.I find them rather entertaining to tell you the truth.The issue I have is that many uninformed people become genuinely concerned, some even making doomsday preparations, as was the cause with Comet Elenin, which coincidentally did not even survive it's encounter with the Sun.I can't even tell you how many people asked me Mayan Calendar questions, and even after explaining the truth in all the stories, some people were still convinced something bad would happen on December 21st, 2012.But, nothing did happen.
                            Why are people so enthralled with these kinds of stories?Why do people with absolutely no knowledge of Astronomy, or Astrophotography insist on making crazy claims that they have no basis for?I  am surprised that these individuals do not expect to be proven wrong, by the first legitimate Astronomer, or Photographer that happens to see their video.If you are going to make a video like this one, at least get the dates right, and give the Astrophotographer credit for the image that they no doubt spent hours working on, before you got your slimy conspiracy tentacles all over it.Thanks for reading.

Celestron Collimation Eyepiece 94182

                                 I purchased the Celestron Collimation Eyepiece shortly after the purchase of my first reflector telescope.The collimation of a telescope refers to the alignment of the mirrors, and/or lenses of the telescope.If you have a Newtonian Reflector telescope, at some point you will need one of these tools.
                                 There are two main types of collimation tools, The eyepiece style, and the lazer collimation tool.This style can be more difficult to use, but is also very accurate when used correctly.There is not a lot I can tell you about the tool without attempting to explain the process, but I plan to soon make a few videos explaining collimation, and other tasks/skills useful for amateur Astronomers, and Astrophotographers.The tool is made of metal entirely, and comes shipped in a white cardboard box.Sorry, no case for this accessory, kind of a bummer.The price for this tool is usually around $30.00, compared to Orion's version of the same tool priced at $50.Most lazer collimation tool are $80-$100 and above.
                                  I am very happy with the tool, and it only took a few days a fiddling with the process to get the hang of it.The included instructions are fairly detailed, and really helpful when starting out.I would recommend it for anyone who wants to use this style of collimation due to the price, and the fact that it is constructed just as well as any comparable collimation tool.Thanks for reading.



Review - Celestron UHC/LPR Filter 94123

                              The Celestron UHC/LPR Filter is a filter generally used for deep sky objects such as Galaxies, or Nebulae.UHC stands for Ultra High Contrast if I am not mistaken, and LPR stands for Light Pollution Reduction.Essentially this filter will block unwanted wavelengths of light, while adding contrast to deep sky objects.
                              The filter is constructed of the right materials, a metal ring, with glass filter, and has the Celestron logo as well as the filter type painted on the ring.The filter comes in a square sliding box, with is sort of standard.Sometimes filter come in round cases, sometimes square, I personally prefer round, they fit in my carrying cases better.It is priced quite conservatively, the 1.25 is $59.99.I have seen others priced at $89.99 for the 1.25.
                              The filter performs very well, giving the target a slight blue color, and much more contrast than just using the eyepiece alone.Most dimmer nearby stars will be blacked out with the rest of the background, any washing of the sky caused by light pollution is greatly reduced with this filter.The downside to a filter like this is that you will need a large scope, or at least a large eyepiece such as a 32mm in order for the filter to be very useful, due to the darkening effect.I have a 127mm that it works quite well with using a 20mm or larger, on my 15 mm it is just a bit dim in my backyard.The 15mm is fine in a dark site situation.
                               I am pretty happy with the filter, it is made well and does what it is supposed to do.I also did not need to break the bank to get it.I would recommend this filter who wants a good UHC/LPR filter, and does not have alot to spend on one.Thanks for reading.



                             

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Review - Celestron Powerseeker Accessory Kit 94306

                         I purchased the Celestron Powerseeker Accessory Kit to compliment my Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ Telescope.The telescope comes standard with a 3xBarlow lens, a 4mm, and a 20mm Erecting Eyepiece.The Powerseeker Accessory kit includes a 9mm Kellner,and 15mm Kellner eyepieces, and a blue, red, and neutral density moon filter, a microfiber cloth, and case.
                         The case is nice enough for the price.It is constructed of heavy plastic, with foam linings.The eyepieces are right away better than the 4mm that comes with a Powerseeker, in construction alone.The views the give are even better.The optics are visibly superior to both of the lenses I recieved with my telescope, giving much clearer views, and better contrast.Also the 9mm is much more suited to be used with the 3x Barlow than the 4mm with a scope this size.I would much rather have had the 9mm Kellner with the scope in place of the 4mm.Overall, both Kellner eyepieces were well worth the $30 price tag alone.
                          The filters included in this kit are a mixed bag.The red, and blue filters are well consturcted glass, and metal with the Celestron logo painted on the side, but the moon filter is plastic.The moon filter does work just fine though, and is extremely useful during a full, or nearly full moon.The blue filter works great for bringing out the features of Saturn, as well as the cloud bands of Jupiter.The red filter on the other hand is practically useless for telescopes smaller than 6 inches.Considering that the largest Powerseeker telescope offered is the 127mm/5 inch, I wonder why the offered a red filter in the Powerseeker accessory kit.I guess they thought it would be useful when you upgrade, maybe even help encourage you to do so, I don't know.
                           The only real downer in the kit is the plastic moon filter, but as I said before, the two eyepieces are worth the price of the kit on their own.The kit is worth every penny, and I would definately recommend it if you own a small Celestron telescope.The kit is available on Amazon for $24.95.Thanks for reading.


The Black Cricket Observatory Project

                         

                            We have begun raising money to build a small observatory in Southern Ohio.We need to raise money for a new telescope, as well as imaging devices.We have opened a few crowd sourcing web pages, and will probably add a few more in the near future.The first of these website is linked at the bottom of this post, and on the side of this page as well.Please help us educate the public, perform legitimate scientific observations, and acquire stunning images of our Universe.

                      Donate to the Black Cricket Observatory Project


Review - Celestron Universal Digital Camera Adapter 93626

                                  The Celestron Universal Digital Camera Adapter is used to mount digital point-and-shoot cameras to the focuser for imaging through the eyepiece.The retail price for the adapter is around $34.95, but if you shop around on Amazon, and Ebay you can sometimes find them as cheap as $25 new in package.
                                   The mount it well built, and very solid, but the padding on the part the attaches to the eyepiece seemed thin, so I added piece of ultra thing, foam rubber tape to the top, and bottom of the mounting bracket.The only downfall to the mount, which is stated in the manual is that not all cameras will work with it, although most do.Every camera I have tried on it have mounted good enoungh to shoot through the eyepiece, some better than others.I have found that digital cameras with a zoom that does not extend the lense from the base of te camera more than an inch are best.For example, my mothers Kodak Easyshare CD1013 mounts very well and can zoom in and out with plenty of room.My Panasonic DMC-LZ3 mounts  correctly but the zoom can only extend a fraction of the cameras capability before colliding with the eyepiece, so it seems the cameras on the lower end of the price range are more suited for this mount.
                                   Planetary, Lunar, and Solar images are all fairly easy to accomplish with this mount, though you need a Solar Filter to view te sun of course.I have not managed to successfully capure an image of any deep sky objects, such as Galaxies, or Nebulae.This may be attributed to the fact that every point-and-shoot camera I own, or have seen are only capable of 60 second exposures.The Kodak Easyshare I have been using only offers a 30 second exposure, and has only managed to capture the bright stars in and around M42/NGC1976/The Orion Nebula, which is by far the brightest nebula in the Northern Hemisphere.Bighter open clusters may be a possibility, though I have not tried to image on yet.
                                   The images I have taken using the mount should by far be the biggest testament of the quality of the mount.The first image was taken on the night of the Harvest Moon, and was selected with as one of 14 featured on Space.com.The second image is a mosaic of 8 images taken on July 4th, 2012.I am personally very happy with with the mount, especially for the price, and is a great item for someone new to astrophotography who wants to give it a try without making a big investment.The images below were taken with the Kodak Easyshare CD1013 that I mentioned above, mounted to a Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ Reflector, using a 20mm lens.Each image was edited for clarity.Thanks for reading