2020   "Now & laters"

Also take a look at past years for interesting images and projects.

I like to call my Images "Now & Laters".  Observe Now and Share Later.

Images are made from a live stack of many images usually around 3 seconds for each frame. The stack itself is around 3 Minutes in duration.A dark frame is removed for each frame during the live stack.Minimal processing is performed during the live stack.   No post processing is performed on the final image.These images can also be browsed in the object image page.Clicking on an image will open the full size image in another page or a GalleryCheck back often as I work on projects in the observatory

Mind's Eye Observatory in the Press Click Here   

July 2020

Comet Neowise C/2020F3

Comet NEOWISE was right on the cusp of naked-eye visibility in the constellation of Coma Berenices. It could be found about the north-northwest horizon as soon as it gets dark—about 90 minutes after sunset.

Comet Neowise

Striations in the gas and dust trail

Backyard shot of Neowise

Observatory open for business with comet Neowise

Neowise visible before the sun has set

Neowise cloud dancing

Satellite pass through the image

October

March 2020

Comet Atlas 2019Y4   March 28 2020

Video


The Corona Comet!
Distance Kilometers 156,771,172 or AU 1.047951Light 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.

February 2020

GOES 16 Geostationary Satellite Norad ID 41866 01/29/2020

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 affordableoff 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 astrophotographywhile pursuing dark skies.

See more info on this project and the resulting paper here

plate solve

plate solve