Recent Observations, Projects and News
"Now & Laters"
Click Here for Past Years Observations, Projects and News 2020-2013
Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) 2020
Comet C/2019 U6 (Lemmon) 2020
SN 2020 jfo Supernova 2020
Comet 2017 T2 Panstarrs 2020
Asteroid 1998 OR2 2020
Asteroid 1998 OR2
April 29 2020186 x 3.0 subs The line is the Asteroid moving during the expose stack. The galaxy NGC 3463 sis at 11 o'clock.Center (RA, Dec): (163.899, -26.069)Center (RA, hms):10h 55m 35.850sCenter (Dec, dms):-26° 04' 09.600"Size:42.9 x 32.1 arcminRadius:0.447 deg Pixel scale:1.97 arcsec/pixel Orientation:Up is 86 degrees E of N In the Constellation HydraAsteroid 1998 OR2
Video
Made from 3.0 subs Approximately 23 Minuets of movement across the field.
March 11 2020
March 11 2020
Comet Atlas 2019 Y4 2020
Comet Atlas 2019Y4
Video
March 28 2020The Corona Comet!
Distance Kilometers 156,771,172 or AU 1.047951 Light Travel Time 8 minutes and 42.9323 seconds Estimated Magnitude (JPL) 14.02 Observed Magnitude (COBS )8.2 Coma Diameter (COBS) 11.0'Video using a new CMOS camera ZWO ASI224MC. A new type of imaging for me with subsequent learning curve! Good success for a first light run.
This comet has the potential to become a naked eye object. It very well may breakup before that happens. Only time will tell.In human history Comets have always been associated with bad events. Even in These modern times I predict this will happen again with the coronavirus pandemic. It will be interesting to see if that history repeats itself.
GOES 16 Geostationary Satellite Norad ID 41866 01/29/2020 February 2020
Recent images from an Satellite imaging experimentation project with PhD student David Zuehlke and advisor Dr. Henderson Of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Aerospace engineering department Daytona Florida. Specifically the project involves Multi-site observations using photometry and Astrometry for orbit estimation of satellites using affordable off the shelf equipment.David is teaching and working on his dissertation research involving imaging, tracking and orbit estimation of satellites.He is also an amateur astronomer enjoying astrophotography while pursuing dark skies.Click here for the history of Satellite observing with amateur astronomers.
The history of satellite observing goes way back to "Operation Moonwatch" an amature science project initiated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in 1956. Its initial goal was to enlist the aid of amateur astronomers and other citizens all over the world who would help professional scientists spot the first artificial satellites. Until professionally manned optical tracking stations came on-line in 1958, this network of amateur scientists and other interested citizens played a critical role in providing crucial information regarding the world's first satellites.
Amateurs continue to make their sightings and analysis public on the internet via electronic mailing list such as SeeSat-L just as they have since those early days of the first artificial satellites.