Northern Cygnus from Green Bank Star Quest 2018
A new image was added today from the recent Green Bank Star Quest.
The bright star in the field is Deneb, one of the stars of the summer triangle. The uncanny likeness of the two closest nebulae to Deneb to the North America continent and a Pelican are remarkable. The Butterfly Nebula is located off of the second brightest star in the image, Sadr. The North American Nebula is a great visual target with binoculars from a dark sky site. It is larger and more diffuse than most observers realize. The highest contrast area is in the vicinity of the Gulf of Mexico. For a detailed notation of the area, please see this link.
Image acquisition: Taken at the Green Bank Star Quest 2018. A test of new Rokinon 85mm f1.4 shot at f4. No guiding for the 20 five minute exposures. All processing in Pixinsight.
NASA Gamma Ray Bursts
A fantastic article on the origin of Gamma Ray Bursts and the multi-device detection system that is now in place.
Three Planets and a Milky Way from Green Bank Star Quest 2018
In the early morning hours of July 14, the astronomers at the Green Bank Star Quest, who were still awake, had a great view of three planets distributed across the sky in nearly equal segments with the Milky Way blazing vertically toward the zenith. A great non-telescopic vision to be sure. I hope you can get out under a dark sky this summer to enjoy the beautiful heavens.
Image acquisition is with a modified Canon T1i and Tokina 11-16mm zoom at 11mm and f2.8 for 30 seconds on a tripod.
West Virginia Dark Skies
it is great to see the WV Department of Tourism putting an effort behind promoting the dark skies of WV. They truly are a treasure and so convenient to many on the east coast. I have been to all of these locations, but Calhoun County park. I hope to visit Calhoun late summer or early fall. Do yourself a favor and get out under a West Virginia dark sky during new moon. You won’t regret it. If you want more details on where to go, just send me an email. Clear skies.
Blackwater Falls Astronomy Weekend September 6-8, 2018
Need a mountain getaway? With some fantastic astronomy lectures and observing? Then come to the mountains of West Virginia for Blackwater Falls astronomy weekend this September new moon. Here is the intro brochure and lecture schedule. I am sure you will have a great time.
Jeff's Blog
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