New Discovery in the famous Ring Nebula

A recent study has identified a previously undetected iron bar within the well-known Ring Nebula, an astronomical object extensively examined by both professional and amateur astronomers for centuries.

Image via Royal Astronomical Society/ University College London.

The Ring Nebula is composed of gas and dust expelled by a progenitor star as it exhausted its nuclear fuel, resulting in the formation of a central white dwarf.

Here is my photo of the Ring taken back in 2024:

And here is the Ring by the Hubble telescope:

Image via The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScI/NASA)

At the core of this nebula, the research has uncovered a bar-shaped cloud of iron. This structure measures approximately 500 times the length of Pluto's orbit around the Sun and possesses a mass comparable to that of Mars. The origin of this feature remains uncertain within the astronomical community.

Latest Photos from Mikey's Place

Spider Nebula

IC 417, known as the Spider Nebula, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Auriga, roughly 7,100–10,000 light-years from Earth. Spanning about 13 by 10 arcminutes, it is part of the Aur OB2 association on the near side of the Perseus Arm of our galaxy. This active star-forming region contains the young open cluster Stock 8, whose massive stars ionize surrounding hydrogen gas, creating the nebula’s vivid glow. Its intricate, web-like filaments of gas and dust make IC 417 a striking example of stellar birth and evolution in the Milky Way (Wiki +).

IC 417 - Jan 21, 2026
GT102/ASI533mc/TriBand filter
54x300 sec subs

This image was an effort on my part to test the new Antlia Triband RGB Ultra filter for use on my EdgeHD11 in Hyperstar configuration. But alas, I ordered the wrong bracket for my ZWO EAF and so I decided to try it out on my GT102 instead. The filter is basically a light pollution filter, with transmission bands that are much wider than typical NB filters and centered on the Ha, O3, S2 and N2 lines with a band also in the deep blue spectrum. It supposedly can produce some reasonable SHO images with the proper processing techniques. And, according to Starzona (where I purchased the filter) it can handle the f/2 fast optics of the Hyperstar.

Medusa Nebula

The Medusa Nebula (Sh2-274), also known as Abell 21, is a striking planetary nebula located about 1,500 light-years away in the constellation Gemini. Spanning roughly 4 light-years across, its delicate, serpentine filaments of glowing gas inspired its name, recalling the snake-haired Gorgon from Greek mythology. Formed when a dying red giant shed its outer layers, the nebula’s intricate structure is illuminated by the ultraviolet radiation of its hot central star, now transitioning toward a white dwarf. This ethereal remnant offers a glimpse into the final stages of stellar evolution and the beauty of cosmic transformation.

Sh2-274 - Jan 21, 2026
GT102/ASI533mc/TriBand filter
46x300 sec subs

This is my second DSO imaged with my new Altlia Triband RGB Ultra filter. Some of the takeaways on this as well as on IC 417 - the Spider Nebula is the need for more integration time and probably longer exposures (600sec vs 300sec). The dynamic range just isn’t quite there! And, of course, the details are minimal in the interior of the nebula unlike the much better resolution achieved with my EdgeHD11 (Abell 21, Sh2-274: The Medusa Nebula. A Michael/Uwe teamwork - AstroBin ). Lots more experimenting to do.

Blue Snowball

NGC 7662, known as the Blue Snowball Nebula, is a striking planetary nebula about 2,000 light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. Its vivid blue hue comes from ionized oxygen gas illuminated by the intense ultraviolet radiation of its central white dwarf star. Measuring roughly 0.5 arcminutes across and shining at an apparent magnitude of about 8.6, this nebula represents the final evolutionary stage of a Sun-like star, showcasing intricate shells of gas expanding into space.

NGC 7662 - Sept and Nov 2025
EdgeHD-11/ASI2600mm
LRGBHaO3 - 5 hrs integration time

This was a real challenge to process and keep the core from being blown out. While processing this DSO I uncovered some flaws in some of my existing processing steps which I’ve corrected - and added the newer tools such as MAS to my new processes.

Hopes are High for a new Sun grazing Comet

C/2026 A1 (MAPS)

A new sun grazing comet could become quite bright! Sky watchers are excited about this newcomer heading toward the inner solar system, as it's already appeared large and visible at 18th magnitude even while still twice as far from the sun as Earth is. Although magnitude 18 is much too dim for unaided eyes, that level of brightness is impressive for a comet at such a distance.

This could be the most distant observation ever made of a comet like this—a suspected Kreutz sungrazer, belonging to a group of comets known for passing very close to the sun. The comet—now officially named C/2026 A1 (MAPS)—is traveling toward its closest approach to the sun, or perihelion, which will occur on April 4-5, 2026. Detecting it early indicates it’s probably fairly large, so there’s a chance it will get quite bright—even potentially easy to spot in our skies.

Early measurements estimate that the comet’s nucleus could be as much as 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide.

Can this sun grazing comet survive?

Comet C/2026 A1 MAPS will pass just 487,088 miles (783,892 km) from the sun, with the sun’s diameter at 865,370 miles (1,392,678 km).

At such close range, comets often disintegrate due to intense heat and the sun’s gravity, but if this one survives, it could shine brightly in our skies at dusk after its closest approach in early April.

There’s reason for optimism—comets like C/1965 S1 (Ikeya–Seki) and C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy) survived even closer solar encounters and became extremely bright, with Ikeya–Seki reaching magnitude -10 and Lovejoy matching Venus at magnitude -3 or -4.

 

No, it won't look like that!

Has anyone seen the latest (although this Facebook post has been around for a number of years) Facebook post showing the Jan 23, 2026 conjunction of the Moon, Saturn and Neptune? Here are text and image from the post:

Tomorrow — January 23 | Moon Meets Saturn & Neptune
Look up tomorrow evening for a beautiful triple conjunction in the sky! The Moon, Saturn, and distant Neptune will appear close together, creating a peaceful and eye-catching celestial scene.
What to look for: • The Moon and Saturn will be easy to spot with the naked eye
• Neptune will be very faint — binoculars or a telescope needed
• Best viewed just after sunset, low in the western sky
This rare alignment is perfect for sky watchers, photographers, and anyone who loves the night sky. Don’t miss this cosmic smile in the heavens!

Ok. Now that would be cool to see, if only it were true! In reality, there are the obvious reasons this is nonsense.

First and foremost, the actual placement of the objects is just unequivocally incorrect, especially the location of the planets IN FRONT OF THE MOON. 

Here is an illustration of where the objects really are in the sky (with the red reticle marking the location of Neptune). Note the size of the moon!

Second, although the text in the post did say Neptune would be dim and a telescope or binoculars would be needed, it is really dim - at 8th magnitude you'd better have a good set of binoculars and a dark sky. And based on the actual positions of the objects in the sky you can't get the Moon, Saturn and Neptune in the same field of view in binoculars (in fact, no two of these objects can). 

These posts, seemingly from 'notable' sites (note the "Science and Astronomy Lovers" tag line) are getting more and more frequent and most of them are misleading and downright untrue. I've even seen posts claiming to be from NASA or NASA related sites - ridiculous. 

So, beware what you read. 

Sorry, but I just had to post this.

NightSky Observatory is happening soon

It’s been a long time coming—and no shortage of tough deliberation—before finally deciding to invest in a permanent observatory on the Mangieri estate. But the wheels of progress are officially in motion.

My original plan was to build a roll‑off roof (ROR) observatory from SkyShed: essentially a wooden structure whose roof slides away to give the telescope(s) an unobstructed view of the sky. It’s a relatively cost‑effective approach, though not without its challenges, particularly the need for a robust foundation and a long north–south footprint.

Recently, however, SkyShed introduced their new POD‑S series: a fully automated, classic domed observatory.

It’s a more expensive option than the ROR, but it offers significantly greater capability and a slightly smaller overall footprint. After weighing the pros and cons, I opted for the 5‑bay POD‑S. The order went in back in December, with delivery expected sometime between March and April. Once assembled (yes, it’s a DIY build), it will become a state‑of‑the‑art permanent home for my EdgeHD11 and GT102 telescopes. The new observatory will be named NightSky (yes I know, not very original, but it is the name of my videography side-line business).

More updates to come as this project takes shape.

Experimenting with the new PixInsight Tool - VeraLux HMS

Like in any tech field, advancements in technology, tools, and processes keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and astrophotography is no exception. Just last week, a new tool called VeraLux HyperMetric Stretch, originally created for Siril/Python by Riccardo Paterniti, was released as a script for PixInsight, my preferred processing software. Touted as the “next best thing since sliced bread” and a “game changer” for astrophotographers, I couldn’t resist giving it a try to see what all the buzz was about.

Although I first tried it on my latest photo of the M35 star cluster (shown below), I was eager to really put it to the test on a narrowband image.

I chose IC1848, the Soul Nebula, for its expansive nebulosity and rich stellar gas. I first photographed it in November 2022 and added more data in December 2023. The original 2022 image was over-processed, with excessive vibrancy. After adding the new subs in 2023, I re-processed the image using some new software tools that weren’t available back in 2022—Russell Croman’s BlurXterminator and NoiseXterminator - and with new wisdom of how to properly handle image stretching and color enhancement.

November 2022

December 2023

The difference is clear. The 2022 image was a bit over-the-top, with overly saturated colors and contrast so strong it hid some details in the heart of the nebula. The 2023 image, on the other hand, offers a more subdued and realistic look, revealing intricate details throughout the inner nebula. While the additional data from 2023 played a big role in enhancing the detail, the processing was also done with a softer, more refined touch.

December 2025 - enter VeraLux HyperMetric Stretch. VeraLux operates on a fundamental axiom: standard histogram transformations often destroy the photometric relationships between color channels (hue shifts). And although one can (and I have) spend hours using the existing stretching tools to accomplish the same task Veralux does it with a single push of a button (well, maybe two). Here is the result of taking the original calibrated subs from the 2023 version of the nebula and using Veralux as the only stretching process.

The results are impressive. With minimal effort, I matched the outcome without the tedious manual stretching required by HistogramTransformation (HT) or GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch (GHS). The stars look less bloated and more vibrant, and the subdued star field really makes the nebula stand out as the focal point of the image. I do wonder about the authenticity of some of the star colors, but overall, the result is solid.

VeraLux is still in its beta stage, and I expect it to keep improving, but it has already secured a spot in my toolbox as my go-to stretching software.

Soldiers Delight Star Party - December 20, 2025

 

Soldiers Delight Star Party - December 20, 2025

Don't miss the next SD Star Party, where we will be discussing Exoplanets. 

"The Search for Exoplanets"

Tonight we embark on an exciting journey beyond our solar system to explore the fascinating world of exoplanets and the quest for habitable zones. The search for exoplanets—planets orbiting stars outside our solar system—has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and our place within it. With advancements in technology and the dedication of astronomers worldwide, we have discovered thousands of these distant worlds, each with its own unique characteristics. Our discussion will delve into the methods used to detect these planets, the criteria that define a habitable zone, and the implications of finding potentially life-supporting environments beyond Earth. Join me as we unravel the mysteries of these distant realms and consider the profound question: Are we alone in the universe?

Whether you’re a stargazing novice or an astrophysics enthusiast, this lecture promises wonder, knowledge, and cosmic camaraderie."

All ages welcome.

All programs rain or shine. Time machines will be provided by the Westminster Astronomy Club.

Activity: Where Are the Distant Worlds? and "What is the "Habitable Zone"?

You can find out about special local events by contacting us at https://www.westminsterastro.org/

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area - Visitor Center

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117

NGC 1579 - The “Northern Trifid" nebula

NGC 1579, often called the “Northern Trifid,” is a striking star-forming nebula in Perseus. About 2,100 light-years away and spanning roughly 3 light-years, it blends glowing red hydrogen emission with vivid blue reflection nebulae, all threaded by dramatic dark dust lanes. At its heart lies the massive young star LkHα 101, whose intense radiation illuminates the surrounding gas and dust, creating a vivid contrast of colors and textures. This dusty stellar nursery, part of the California Molecular Cloud, mirrors the beauty of the more famous Trifid Nebula in Sagittarius.

With my Bortle 5-6 skies it is a challenge to get decent RGB images, and I am still learning all the techniques that contribute to accomplishing this ‘feat’. Although I see now that more data is needed, this attempt was satisfying enough for me to post.

Image captured using my EdgeHD-11 telescope and ZWO-ASI2600mm camera. This is a SHORGB image, mixing the narrowband SHO subs and the broadband RGB subs. Taken over the period November 23-29, 2025, a total of just over 12 hours integration time.

Comet 3I/ATLAS now leaving the Solar System

When Comet 3I/ATLAS streaked into our solar system in 2025, it became only the third confirmed interstellar visitor ever observed. Discovered in 2017, ‘Oumuamua was the first known interstellar object; the second was 2I/Borisov, which was discovered in 2019. Unlike the countless comets born in the Oort Cloud, 3I’s hyperbolic orbit revealed it was just passing through—an icy messenger from another star system. First spotted by the ATLAS survey in Chile, the comet quickly drew attention for its unusual behavior: it brightened far more rapidly than typical comets, driven by volatile gases like carbon dioxide and cyanide that vaporized as it neared the Sun. Its striking bluish glow, dominated by gas emissions rather than dust, set it apart from the more familiar yellow-white comets of our own system.

www.ibtimes.com

For astronomers, 3I/ATLAS is a time capsule billions of years in the making. Observations from Hubble, Webb, and other telescopes suggested a nucleus less than a kilometer wide, cloaked in a vast coma rich in exotic ices and metals. These findings hint that the comet may have formed in the earliest days of its home system, long before our Sun was born. 3I just swung past perihelion two days ago when it came as close as 130 million miles of our star and will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, at a safe distance of 270 million kilometers, before fading from view and returning to interstellar space. Comet 3I offered a fleeting but profound reminder: our solar system is not an island. Every so often, the galaxy sends us a visitor carrying whispers of distant worlds, and 3I/ATLAS was one of those rare cosmic emissaries.

Oh, and BTW, it's not an alien spacecraft.

Comet Lemmon still holding it's own

We are just 8 days to perihelion for comet Lemmon. Although the comet's distance from the earth is increasing, Lemmon remains quite bright, maintaining an estimated magnitude of 4.2. Weather prospects for the Maryland area are so-so with this Friday and Tuesday looking good. Lemmon remains about 10-15° above the horizon at 6:30pm EST on November 2nd. After that, the orbit places the comet lower and lower, making it harder to see. And with the moon waxing large, and full on the 4th, these two dates may be the best and last to capture the comet.

Two Comets; My Best Photos of Lemmon and SWAN

Comet Lemmon

Yesterday I posted my best photo of comet Lemmon with hopes that I would be able to image it at least one more time from my home with my larger telescope. As I watched the clouds thickening and moving in from the west and south, prospects for getting a good image of the comet were dwindling. The Windy app was showing the situation to get worse as time draws on. At 5:00pm I decided to power off the telescope and pack things up.

I went out to check on my dogs at 5:40 and wouldn't you know it, the skies over the western horizon were relatively clear - still some very thin high clouds but nothing like it was looking earlier. I checked Windy's satellite feed and yep, a clearing that would last about an hour or so. I went into full gear setting up the equipment at record speed. Making matters even more challenging I decided to configure the telescope in the Hyperstar configuration, allowing me fast optics (f/2) and wide field. This required me to remove the secondary mirror from the front of the scope, add the Hyperstar lens and mount my ASI533 camera. Focus had to be drastically changed, but what could I point to since it was still rather light. The moon of course! Got the focus set pretty good and before I went into the house located a bright star near where the comet would be to get the focus dialed in as best as I could (the autofocuser on my Edge wasn't working so I had to focus by hand).

I think the effort was worth it all as I finally got some pretty good data on the comet's tail. I took 10 second, 30 second and 60 second subs before the comet went behind my tree line. I decided to use only the 30 and 60 second ones.

Processing was a real effort as the CometAlignment tool in PixInsight refuses to lock onto the overexposed comet nucleus. I went with Astro Pixel Processor (APP) which I use almost exclusively for calibrating and stacking comet images. APP worked like a charm and I used PixInsight to finish the process.

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) - October 27, 2025
EdgeHD11-Hyperstar / ASI533mc Camera
40x30sec and 8x60sec subs

Comet SWAN

You might recall that back in October I discussed the fact that two comets would be visible in the skies at the same time. Lemmon turned out to be the best by far, but SWAN was visible in small telescopes. On October 23rd I did image comet SWAN. There was only the hint of a very small tail but the halo around the comet's head came out rather nicely.

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) - October 23, 2025
William Optics ZS61 - ASI533mc
48x60sec subs

The next few days look to be cloudy, with clearer skies forecasted for Friday and Saturday. Comet Lemmon will reach perihelion on November 8, 2025.That’s the date when it comes closest to the Sun—about 0.53 astronomical units (AU), or roughly 49.25 million miles away. This marks the peak of its solar proximity and typically coincides with its brightest appearance in the sky. But it will also be sinking lower in the WSW skies making it difficult, if not unlikely, to be seen clearly from my home. I may try at the church property with my portable scope(s).

As shown below, comet Lemmon will still be visible for the next couple of weeks, but it will be losing altitude about 5° every 3 days (about 20° on the 28th to only 5° on Nov 12). The chart shows the position of the comet at 7:30pm EDT from October 28 to Nov 12, 2025, with each horizontal line representing 5° of altitude (Note: comet location against the stars is not accurate in this view).