Latest Imaging Session on Comet Lemmon

Well, I tried to image comet Lemmon from my church property in Westminster last evening (Oct 20th). Let's say it didn't go so well.

The weather was great; the skies were clear. It was a bit windy and since the church is on top of a hill the wind can be rather intense. I set up the GT102 with ASI533mc well before dark. My biggest concern, and the issue that ultimately contributed to the failed attempt at imaging, was the mount.

A couple of weeks ago I accidently plugged in the computer cable to the PORT socket on the iOptron iEQ30 mount while prepping for this outing and not the RS232 port. Smoke ensued and the cable plug melted in place. I had to pull the plug out with needle nose pliers. Before I could do anything else with the mount I needed a new RS232 cable. I ordered a replacement from iOptron which arrived a few days ago.

I reconnected the cable but the mount refused to connect. Checking the USB To RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable, I found out that Windows claimed the USB device to be faulty. My guess is that the circuitry in the adapter fried when I attached the cable to the mount's PORT. I think the iOptron motherboard is OK as I could still use the mount with the handset. So, I'm waiting on the new adapter.

That brings me back to the imaging session last night. Without computer control of the mount to do plate solves I was forced to try old school methods of sighting the comet's location with the guide scope. Although the comet was visible in binoculars, it was not a naked eye object, at least not from my location. I was expecting the comet to be much brighter. Homing in on the comet's location was just a nightmare. I just couldn't get it into the FOV of the camera. I guess in retrospect I should have used a wide field eyepiece, located the comet, and then replaced the camera, but I continued to try hit and miss with the camera. After about 90 minutes I gave up. 

I also had my Canon 70D with telephoto lens on a tripod, but the hands-free remote shutter release was also giving me issues. The few photos I got were dim and trailed.

So, I packed up and will try again later in the week when the new adapter arrives. 

Oh, and did I mention I also fried my new ZWO Autofocuser? Yep. The new focuser uses a USB-C connector. My MeLE NUC also uses a USB-C connector for the 12v DC power (instead of the normal barrel type connector everything else uses). You can quess where this is going. When setting up the telescope I plugged in the hot power cable to the focuser thinking I had the computer data USB cable. I'm still evaluating the unit but I think I may need to send it to ZWO for repair.

What a couple of weeks!

Update on Comet Lemmon

Comet Lemmon is still on track to be a naked eye comet in dark skies. It is now getting close to the sun, so is a bit harder to see. I managed to capture it with my GT102 which I setup on it's portable iOptron mount in my front yard where I can get a bit lower in the NNE than from my semi-permanent location. 

Comet Lemmon - October 10, 2025
25x60 sec subs - GT102/ASI533mc

I am praying that I can get a better image later in the month when I'll image both from my church in Westminster with the GT102 and from my home with the Edge11. I'll be imaging in the evening (western skies) where the light pollution is minimized.

Here is the latest data from COBS.

Astronomy Programs: Friday and Saturday this week

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Cosmos

This Friday, October 17, 2025, at 6:30pm I will be giving a special presentation to the Natural History Society of Maryland, hosted at Crosslife Bible Church in Westminster, MD. Whether you’re curious about stars, galaxies, nebulae, supernovae, or black holes, this presentation will guide you through the celestial wonders that have fascinated humanity for centuries. Discover the mesmerizing diversity of galaxies. From majestic spirals adorned with radiant arms to enigmatic irregular shapes, each galaxy tells a cosmic tale. Peer into the heart of the Milky Way, our home galaxy, and unravel its secrets. What lies at the center? How do stars form in its spiral arms? Witness galactic collisions—a cosmic ballet where stars swirl and merge, forever altering their destinies.

Stars, those celestial beacons, ignite our night sky. Learn about their life cycles, from birth in stellar nurseries to fiery supernova finales. Explore the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, where luminosity and temperature reveal stellar classes. Marvel at blue giants, red dwarfs, and everything in between. Gaze upon constellations—the ancient stories etched in star patterns. Orion, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Major beckon us to connect with the cosmos.

I will also be sharing my setup for astrophotography and showing some of my photographs too. 

Outside viewing with my William Optics GT102 refractor telescope and the larger 11” Edge Cassegrain will be available after the presentation, weather permitting. In case of cloudy weather, we will participate in a class exercise indoors.

Children ages 8 and up who can listen to our presentation are welcome to attend.

Registration is required (click here):   Natural History Society of Maryland - Unraveling the Mysteries of the Cosmos

Our Closest Neighbor - Luna, the Moon

Then, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 6:30pm, join us at the Soldiers Delight visitor center for a presentation on "Our Closest Neighbor - Luna, the Moon". 

The exploration of the moon has been a fascinating journey, spanning decades and involving numerous countries and space agencies. Overall, the exploration of the Moon has been a testament to human ingenuity, curiosity, and collaboration. As we look to the future, the Moon will likely serve as a steppingstone for further exploration of the solar system and beyond. In this presentation, we will traverse the annals of history, from the early days of lunar observation to the monumental achievements of the Apollo program and beyond. We will delve into the triumphs and tribulations of those intrepid explorers who dared to reach for the stars and touch the lunar surface.

All programs are Rain or Shine. Time machines will be provided by the Westminster Astronomy Club.

Activity: Exploring Moon Phases

Note: Starting this month, through March 2026, time will be 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117 

Comet Lemmon continues to brighten

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) continues to brighten as it approaches perihelion on November 7, 2025. In dark skies with good seeing amateurs have photographed Lemmon showing a lovely, thin, long tail and prominent green coma typical of many comets. 

But in my light polluted skies in Maryland imaging comets tends to be problematic. Adding to the situation is that my tree line prevents viewing anything under 20-25 degrees in altitude. This is generally not an issue with deep sky objects as I just need to wait for them to rise high enough. But comets tend to stay close to the sun and typically low on the horizon. In the east, the sky brightens before they get high enough and, in the west, the opposite is true. Good news is that Lemmon will be better placed when it can be seen in the western skies about 30-60 minutes after sunset towards month's end. My western skies have the minimal amount of light pollution. My latest attempt on imaging Lemmon is shown below. No long tail but showing a well-defined nucleous and coma. In addition, the red giant star Tania Australis makes a nice contribution to the photo, contrasting with the green glow of Lemmon's coma.

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)
October 6, 2025, 5:40AM EDT - 19 stacked 90sec Subs
William Optics GT102 APO and ZWO ASI533mc camera 

Observational data in the Comet Observation database (COBS) show that the current light curve for Lemmon is holding true and the estimates of maximum brightness (anywhere from magnitude 3.5 to 5.5) are still on track. Let's hope so.

Comet Updates

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) continues to brighten but is still very low in the western sky. It has already passed perihelion and is now on its way out of the solar system. Recent observations put SWAN at magnitude 6.5 to 6.0, probably not visible with the unaided eye, but should be visible in binoculars and small telescopes.

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) is currently magnitude 6.0, and steadily brightening in the early morning sky. Look for it around 3:00 am in the morning due NE. Follow the three lower stars of the big dipper, and they should direct you to Lemmon, which will be about 10-15 degrees above the horizon. Expectations are still high that Lemmon will reach naked-eye visibility by mid-October. Because of its orbital position Lemmon can be seen both in the early morning hours and early evening hours around 7:00 - 7:30pm.

Comet Lemmon - October 5, 2025 - 3:00 am EDT

Special Presentation - Mysteries of the Cosmos - October 17, 2025

Special Presentation - October 17, 2025

Join us as we explore the universe with local astrophotographer and Westminster Astronomical Society member Michael J. Mangieri. Whether you’re curious about stars, galaxies, nebulae, supernovae, or black holes, this presentation will guide you through the celestial wonders that have fascinated humanity for centuries. Discover the mesmerizing diversity of galaxies. From majestic spirals adorned with radiant arms to enigmatic irregular shapes, each galaxy tells a cosmic tale. Peer into the heart of the Milky Way, our home galaxy, and unravel its secrets. What lies at the center? How do stars form in its spiral arms? Witness galactic collisions—a cosmic ballet where stars swirl and merge, forever altering their destinies.

Stars, those celestial beacons, ignite our night sky. Learn about their life cycles, from birth in stellar nurseries to fiery supernova finales. Explore the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, where luminosity and temperature reveal stellar classes. Marvel at blue giants, red dwarfs, and everything in between. Gaze upon constellations—the ancient stories etched in star patterns. Orion, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Major beckon us to connect with the cosmos.

Michael will share his setup for astrophotography and his photographs too. Check out his work here: https://mdastro.com/

Outside viewing with a smaller refractor telescope and a larger 11” Edge Cassegrain will be available after the presentation, weather permitting. In case of cloudy weather, we will participate in a class exercise indoors.

Children ages 8 and up who can listen to our presentation are welcome to attend.

Registration is required (click here):   Natural History Society of Maryland - Unraveling the Mysteries of the Cosmos

Two Comets in the Same Sky! - October 2025

During the month of October, there will be not one, but two comets in the western sky. Although not unheard of, it is very rare for more than one bright comet to be visible in the same section of the sky at the same time. But next month, comets C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN) will be visible in the western sky about 30 minutes to an hour after sunset. Lemmon is expected to be the brighter of the two.

As seen in the diagram below, Lemmon (yellow path) moves from very low in the NW on Oct 11 to a more favorable position (20 degrees above the horizon) on the 21st. While comet SWAN (blue path) rises steeply from Oct 6 to Oct 21 and into November. 

SWAN will continue to rise high in the sky over the weeks to come, and although it will be decreasing in brightness a little bit (as it moves farther from the sun) it will be in dark skies and will remain visible with optical aid through November. Lemmon is in an orbit that limits its continued view for the northern hemisphere as it will start to sink lower in the sky soon after Oct 30. 

How bright will these be? That's a good question, and difficult to answer. Best estimates are looking good, however, especially for Lemmon.

On October 21st, comet Lemmon will be closest to Earth, very well placed in the sky and may reach magnitude 3.0, a very bright comet indeed! Anything under magnitude 6.0 is visible with the naked eye in good dark locations (brightness goes up as the magnitude number decreases). If it actually reaches that brightness it will be very easy to see with the unaided eye. On November 8th it reaches perihelion (closest to sun) and will be a little brighter but also lower in the sky. You'll need to view it 30 minutes after sunset (6:30pm). 

Comet Lemmon - October 21, 2025 - 7:20pm

Comet SWAN on the other hand remains at about magnitude 7.0 throughout its appearance. But it is a newly discovered comet, and the jury is still out on the magnitude estimates.

Comet SWAN - October 21, 2025 - 7:20pm

Binoculars will enhance the view for both of these and may be required to see comet SWAN. I'll post updates on or around October 5 when more data comes becomes available.

Titan's Shadow Transit

Once every 15 years, the orbital mechanics of the solar system brings the orbital path of Saturn's moon Titan into an edge-on alignment with Earth, opening a window during which the moon's colossal shadow can be spotted sweeping across the surface of the gas giant. There were three opportunities to capture this event starting in August (Aug 3, Aug 19, Sept 4) and then two more on Sept 20 and finally October 6 where the shadow can be seen just skimming the northern face of Saturn. 

The first three were clouded out at my location. I will be planning to see the Oct 6th one, but early this morning I was able to capture the event, albeit not very well. Seeing was pretty bad (it usually is at my site which is why I don't typically do any serious planetary imaging). 

Here is the sequence, from 1:08am to 2:58am. The dark spot at the top of the planet is Titan's shadow on the planet. It appears a bit elongated, due to its location on the planet, but also because Titan itself is very close to the shadow and resolution of the image couldn't separate the two, although you can see a hint of separation in the image on the bottom left. At top right is the simulation from Stellarium. 

Soldier's Delight Star Party - This Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 8:30pm

 

Soldiers Delight Star Party - September 20, 2025

Don't miss the next SD Star Party, where we will be discussing all things about the cosmos. Well, maybe not all, but lots! Stars, galaxies, black holes and dark matter. Join us this Saturday.

"Unraveling the Mysteries of the Cosmos"

Join us for an awe-inspiring exploration of the universe! Our host will guide you through the celestial wonders that have fascinated humanity for centuries. Discover the mesmerizing diversity of galaxies. From majestic spirals adorned with radiant arms to enigmatic irregular shapes, each galaxy tells a cosmic tale. Peer into the heart of the Milky Way, our home galaxy, and unravel its secrets. What lies at the center? How do stars form in its spiral arms? Witness galactic collisions—a cosmic ballet where stars swirl and merge, forever altering their destinies.

Stars, those celestial beacons, ignite our night sky. Learn about their life cycles, from birth in stellar nurseries to fiery supernova finales. Explore the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, where luminosity and temperature reveal stellar classes. Marvel at blue giants, red dwarfs, and everything in between. Gaze upon constellations—the ancient stories etched in star patterns. Orion, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Major beckon us to connect with the cosmos.

From the fiery birth of stars to the cataclysmic demise of galaxies, the cosmos is a stage upon which an array of spectacular events unfolds. We will delve into the depths of space and time, encountering phenomena that challenge our understanding of the universe and ignite our imagination - the dazzling brilliance of supernovae, the dance of black holes and gravitational waves, pulsars and more. We will discuss how scientists study these phenomena and what they reveal about the nature of 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: TBD

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

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area - Visitor Center

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117

The Black Hole Nebula - LDN 323

Nestled within the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud, the Black Hole Nebula—formally known as Barnard 92 or LDN 323—appears as a haunting void in an otherwise star-rich field. This dark nebula, discovered by Edward Emerson Barnard in 1913, earned its nickname from its striking resemblance to a cosmic abyss, though it is not a black hole in the astrophysical sense. With an opacity rating of 6—the darkest on Barnard’s scale—it obscures background starlight with remarkable density, creating the illusion of a celestial shadow cast across the Milky Way.

LDN 323 (Black Hole Nebula)
August 11, 2025 - GT102/ASI533
26x120sec - 52min total integration time

Since I only collected 26 subs and limited the exposure to 120 sec (moon near full) I did not get as much of the rich star field behind B92 that I would have liked.

Telescope Maintenance Completed

It took about 8 hours total to do the mount and OTA maintenance. This included a complete cleaning and regreasing of both motor boxes and both RA and DEC axis worms and main gears. In addition, I added a new USB cable and cleaned up the wiring on the outside of the OTA.

A new PEC file was created using about an hour of acquisition time and 9 cycles of the worm gear using PemPro V3 (v3.10.09). Peak to peak after quadratic fitting was 6.5 arc seconds.

Analysis

Quadratic Fit (6.5 arc sec)

After loading the new PEC file to the mount and running the new analysis (3 worm cycles), the resultant peak to peak is now 0.65 arc seconds.

Corrected

This evening, I spent time (about an hour) collimating the OTA.

Here is a single 30 sec image of NGC 6811, and open cluster in Cygnus. Stars look perfect.

Later tonight I will be doing the final tests to see that the mount runs as smooth as possible. 

Mount Maintenance - have to do it!

Maintenance is crucial for all mechanical devices and needs to be done regularly. Telescope mounts are no exception. To keep that smooth, precise tracking functioning properly, you need to dedicate time to perform maintenance. 

But when? It seems like we always push it off until next week, next month, or even next year. Those clear nights are so rare, and you definitely don’t want your scope out of commission for any significant amount of time. But eventually it has to be done. And since I haven't done a re-grease since I've owned the mount (over 4 years) it's way overdue. So today was the day.

I ordered my re-grease kit from Astro-Physics on Friday and it arrived today (Sunday) by FedEx. Thanks AP!

After church, once the weather cleared up from the morning rain, I began the job. I removed the OTAs and stored them in my workshop. I then took out both motor boxes and managed to clean and regrease the Dec axis. As it was nearing 7:30 pm, I decided to finish the job tomorrow.

I'm also using this opportunity to add a new USB-C to USB-C cable for the replacement autofocuser on my GT-102. The new model, the ZWO EAF for 2025, features a USB-C connector, so the new cable was necessary to route through the mount.

Once I complete the re-grease and the new cable installation, I'll need a few hours with a reasonably clear sky to calibrate the mount and make sure everything is working OK.

New Comet on the Way

While sitting in my hotel room in Vancouver after a wonderful cruise to Alaska, reviewing my notes and information on my plans to photograph comet ATLAS (C/2025 K1) later this week I came across an announcement in SkyAndTelescope magazine that a new comet, potentially naked eye, is making its approach and will be well placed in October.

Colorful and diffuse, Comet Lemmon shines at around magnitude 10.8
and exhibits a short, spiky tail pointing northwest on August 25th.
Photo by Dan Bartlett

Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) has been brightening rapidly since early August and now glows at around magnitude 10.5. As reported in SkyAndTelescope, Lemmon was discovered during the Mount Lemmon Survey (part of the Catalina Sky Survey near Tucson, Arizona) this past January. It was initially thought to be a faint asteroid. Later, recovery images revealed a tiny coma, tagging it as a comet. In early August, after Lemmon emerged from the solar glow at dawn, it was a dim, 14th-magnitude mote. But it quickly brightened to 11 by month's end. Will it live up to expectations? Who knows. Like I always say: "comets do what they want, whenever they want".

Once I'm back home I will post details on this new comet, with star charts and detailed info on when and how to see it. Stay tuned!

Aurora at Alaska

During my cruise to Alaska, at the Princess Denali Lodge the skies were exceptionally clear (we had overcast skies and rain leading up to the stay at the lodge). but because I had a bad headache, I didn't go out during the clearest night they have had in weeks (I also forgot to have the lodge phone me if the aurora made an appearance). SO, the astronomer of our tour group missed out on a fairly nice aurora. I was a little upset that I had passed up this opportunity.

The next day I checked the weather forecast as it was overcast outside. There seemed to be a clear spot just south of us, small but rather persistent and moving north towards the lodge. I put in a request to be waken if the northern lights made an appearance - not likely, but I wasn't going to miss out this time.

At 2:10am I got the call. Joan and I went out and sure enough, there was a clear section of the northern sky. Some clouds were in the area, but the Aurora appeared and actually got stronger and stronger as the morning progressed. It was brighter than the night before and you could actually see the brighter green sections of the curtains with the naked eye. I got my photo!

A tiny nebula and the Milky Way's twin

On July 25 I took the opportunity to take advantage of some relatively clear skies (for a change) and point my scope to NGC 7331. The reason I picked this galaxy at this time is because a supernova was recently discovered very close to the nucleus of the galaxy (and because I wanted to compare my recent image of NGC 7331 with one I took back in 2017).

NGC 7331

Here is my latest image of NGC 7331.

NGC 7331 - July 25, 2025
EdgeHD11/ASI2600mm - LRGB - 3h 36m integration time

NGC 7331, often dubbed the “Milky Way’s twin,” is a striking unbarred spiral galaxy located about 40 million light-years away in the constellation Pegasus. With its elegant, moderately wound spiral arms and bright central bulge, this galaxy spans roughly 120,000 light-years, making it slightly larger than our own Milky Way. Viewed at a steep angle of 77 degrees, NGC 7331 presents a dramatic, elongated profile that reveals intricate dust lanes and a subtle asymmetry in its disk. Its core rotates in the opposite direction to the surrounding disk—a rare and intriguing feature. It is the brightest member of the Deer Lick Group.

The Deer Lick Group is an apparent galaxy grouping centered on NGC 7331. Surrounding it are several smaller galaxies—NGC 7335, NGC 7336, NGC 7337, and NGC 7340—that appear nearby in the sky but are actually much farther away, lying between 294 and 365 million light-years distant. This visual proximity is a result of line-of-sight alignment rather than gravitational association, rendering the “Deer Lick Group” a false group. Despite lacking physical interaction, the composition offers valuable insight into galactic structure, morphology, and scale.

Although a bit difficult to see the supernova, SN 2025rbs, is just to the right of the galaxy's central core. The image below, enhanced with high dynamic range (HDR) processing and cropped to show just the central core, shows the bright blue supernova glowing about as bright as the whole nucleus of the galaxy. 

SN 2025rbs was discovered on 14 July 2025 and it is a type Ia supernova. A supernova is a massive explosion that occurs when a star reaches the end of its life and can no longer hold itself together. In just a few moments, it releases an enormous amount of energy, briefly shining brighter than entire galaxies.

NGC 6210 - Turtle Nebula

NGC 6210, also known as the Turtle Nebula, is a striking planetary nebula located about 6,600 light-years away in the constellation Hercules. This cosmic sculpture marks the final breath of a sun-like star, which shed its outer layers to form a glowing shell of gas and dust. The nebula’s inner region resembles a delicate bluish “nautilus shell,” pierced by symmetrical jets of material streaming outward, while its fainter outer structure evokes the shape of a tortoise shell.

I'm not sure I see all the resemblance to a turtle but so be it.

NGC 6210 - The Turtle Nebula - July 4, 2025
EdgeHD11/ASI2600mm
LRGB - 1h 50m integration time

Although there is probably some significant Ha and Oiii signal in the object I chose not to capture that NB data since the broadband signal was so strong and I didn't want to spend the imaging time on this object.

A couple of more images from Mikey's Place

NGC 5906 - the Splinter Galaxy

NGC 5906, commonly known as the Splinter Galaxy, is a striking edge-on spiral galaxy residing approximately 50 million light-years from Earth in the Draco constellation. Its slender profile results from our vantage point, which aligns almost perfectly with the galaxy's disk plane—offering minimal view of its spiral arms but a spectacular showcase of its dust lanes and stellar population gradients. The central bulge appears subdued due to the edge-on perspective, while extended regions of neutral hydrogen and active star formation highlight dynamic processes within its disk.

I was able to capture this in a single evening due to its circumpolar location in the sky; away from my southern light pollution and providing basically the whole night of time available for imaging. As been the case here in Maryland there are very few clear nights and so I wanted to take advantage of this one. The only issues were the quality of the blue subs, which suffered a bit from low altitude and some thin clouds, and some image artifact in the bottom left corner. I specifically de-centered the galaxy as I was imaging it and cropped the final image to eliminate the artifact from showing in the final cut. I'm starting to think that these artifacts (I've had this happen before) may be due to reflections off the OAG pick-off prism due to a close bright star. Need to investigate this further. Revision B is the full frame view showing the artifact.

NGC 5906 - The Splinter Galaxy
June 25, 2025 - EdgeHD11 w/ASI2600mm Camera
5 hours integration time - LRGB

Abell 39

Abell 39 is a nearly spherical planetary nebula located roughly 7,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Hercules. Spanning about five light-years in diameter, it showcases remarkable geometric symmetry—suggesting minimal interaction with the interstellar medium. The nebula’s faint, predominantly bluish glow arises from doubly ionized oxygen ([O III] emission), while its central progenitor star, once similar to our Sun, has shed its outer layers during the asymptotic giant branch phase.

Taken over a number of days in both 2024 and 2025 I ran into issues with smoke in the Maryland skies and a bit of an unplanned change of exposure durations in the RGB subs (2024 they were 120sec; 2025 60sec - my planning spreadsheet had marked the wrong sub-exposure times!).

Would love to add more data to this object but considering the number of nights I get to image I am on to other opportunities and I'm not even sure the added time would make a difference.

Abell 39
Sept 8, 2024 and July 4, 2025
EdgeHD11 w/ASI2600mm Camera
RGB (4hr 27min) & Oiii (5 hrs)

Some new images from Michael

Here are a few new images taken from my home in Reisterstown, MD.

PGC 16052

This object, designated as NGC 1573 in Stellarium, is more correctly identified as PGC 16052. Stellarium has another galaxy, an elliptical galaxy discovered by Wilhelm Tempel (PGC 15570) also identified as NGC 1573.  The confusion arises because Stellarium includes both NGC 1573 and PGC 16052, which is sometimes referred to as NGC 1573A. 

PGC 16052 is an intermediate spiral galaxy located in the constellation Camelopardalis. It has an apparent magnitude of about 14.0. This galaxy is sometimes informally referred to as NGC 1573A, though it is not officially part of the NGC catalog and is not physically associated with NGC 1573. NGC 1573 is just about 0.25 degree south of PGC 16052.

An interesting feature in the image is the cascade of stars pointing right to the galaxy. 

PGC 16052 - Nov 3 and 30, 2024
EdgeHD 11" / ASI2600mm Camera
Total integration time 4h38m

Jones-Emberson 1 (Headphone Nebula)

Jones-Emberson 1 (PK 164+31.1) is a planetary nebula located 1,600 light-years from Earth in the constellation Lynx. The nebula consists of ionized gas ejected from a central white dwarf star during its final evolutionary stage. Its distinctive blue-green coloration is primarily due to doubly ionized oxygen (OIII) emission at 500.7nm wavelength. The nebula maintains a nearly spherical morphology with an apparent diameter of 5.5 arcminutes, though its surface brightness is relatively low at magnitude 17.0. Discovered in 1939 at McDonald Observatory, it represents a typical example of a late-stage planetary nebula.

I imaged this object over the period April 16,17,28 and 29 2025, while thin clouds and equipment problems prevented me from getting the number of subs I had planned. All the data on the 29th couldn't be used because of registration issues (not enough stars). But the existing ones proved good enough for me to give it a go and process this PN.

Jones-Emberson 1
EdgeHD 11"/ ASI2600mm Camera
RGB Ha and O3 - Integration time: 5h55m

M53

Messier 53 (NGC 5024) stands as one of the more remote globular clusters in the Milky Way's halo, situated approximately 60,000 light-years from Earth and 58,000 light-years from the galactic center. This class V cluster spans roughly 220 light-years in diameter and exhibits notably low metallicity, with a metal abundance only about 1% that of our Sun. Its estimated age of 12.67 billion years places it among the oldest known stellar populations in our galaxy. M53's integrated spectral type is F6, and it has an absolute magnitude of -8.77. The cluster's core radius measures 2.18 light-years, while its half-light radius extends to about 12.6 light-years. Notably, M53 contains a significant population of RR Lyrae variable stars and blue stragglers, making it a valuable target for studying stellar evolution in metal-poor environments.

Lost in my collection of 'to-be-processed' objects, I recently found this already post-processed globular cluster while I was searching for new objects to image. I figure it is about time I posted it.

M53 - May 6, 2023
EdgeHD 11" / ASI533mc Camera / Astronomik L-2 Luminance UV/IR Block filter
53x180sec exposures - Total integration time: 2h39m

Arp 269 (Cocoon Galaxy)

Arp 269, also known as the Cocoon Galaxy, is an interacting galaxy pair comprising NGC 4490 and NGC 4485, located approximately 45 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. The gravitational interaction between these galaxies has triggered intense star formation, particularly in NGC 4490, where tidal forces have distorted its structure and fueled regions of high-density gas compression. The exchange of material between the two galaxies has led to the formation of extensive starburst regions and a prominent bridge of stellar debris connecting them.

Arp 269 - May 20, 2025
EdgeHD 11" / ASI2600mm
LRGB Total Integration: 4h48m

Soldier's Delight Star Party - This Saturday, June 21, 2025

 

Soldiers Delight Star Party - June 21, 2025

Looking for something to do this Saturday night? Want to expand your knowledge of Astronomy? Interested in buying a telescope for a child or friend, or yourself, but are not sure what to get? Then why not join us for a discussion on Telescopes - history, types and future, with Q&A on what to look for when purchasing a telescope.

"The Role of Telescopes in Astronomy"

"Welcome to our lecture on The Role of Telescopes in Astronomy! Telescopes have been instrumental in transforming our understanding of the universe, from Galileo's first observations to the cutting-edge technology of today. In this session, we'll explore the fascinating history and evolution of telescopes, delve into the different types and their unique contributions, and highlight the incredible discoveries they've enabled. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just curious about the cosmos, this lecture will offer insights into how telescopes have revolutionized our view of the stars and beyond. Let's embark on this journey through the lens of these remarkable instruments!

All ages welcome.

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

Activity: TBD

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

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Eastern

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117

Soldier's Delight Star Party - Einstein's Theories of Relativity - May 17, 2025

Soldiers Delight Star Party - May 17, 2025

Looking for something different to do on a Saturday night? Want to expand your knowledge of Astronomy? Then why not join us this Saturday, May 17, for a discussion of a fascinating field in physics - Einstein's theories of Special and General Relativity:

"From Space-Time to Black Holes: Exploring Einstein's Relativity"

In a riveting lecture on spacetime physics, the speaker will delve into the intricacies of special and general relativity, captivating the audience with both theory and practical examples. The lecture begins with an introduction to special relativity, explaining how it revolutionized our understanding of space and time by showing that they are interwoven into a single continuum. This will be illustrated with the famous example of time dilation, where time slows down for an object moving at high speeds, such as an astronaut traveling near the speed of light. Transitioning to general relativity, the lecture will highlight how Einstein's theory describes gravity not as a force, but as a curvature of spacetime caused by mass. This is vividly demonstrated with the analogy of a heavy ball placed on a stretched rubber sheet, bending the surface around it. The speaker will also discuss real-world applications, such as the precise calculations needed for GPS satellites, which must account for both special and general relativistic effects to provide accurate positioning. Throughout the lecture, the audience will be encouraged to appreciate the profound implications of these theories on our understanding of the universe.

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

All ages welcome

Activity: Gravity Bucket

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

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Eastern

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117

New AstroPhotos from Mikey's Place

Been awhile since I posted my latest captures here on the blog. Here are a few of them. Hope you enjoy them.

The Rosette Nebula

The Rosette Nebula is a stunning emission nebula located in the constellation Monoceros, about 5,200 light-years away from Earth. It spans approximately 130 light-years across and is closely associated with the open star cluster NGC 2244, which lies at its center. This cluster's young, hot stars ionize the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing the nebula to glow in beautiful shades of red.

Rosette Nebula - January 17-20, 2024
WO ZS61/ASI1600mm/HaO3RGB 8hrs integration

The Rosette Nebula is a stellar nursery, home to thousands of young stars and fascinating features like dark dust filaments, often called "elephant trunks," shaped by stellar winds and radiation.

Been over 4 years since I imaged the Rosette. Last time was with my WO GT102 and the sky conditions weren't all that great. I wanted to try a wider field capture and so here is the Rosette with the ZS61. Subs were captured this past January and since I didn't have O3 flats (don't ask why) I had to do some creative processing. Only got around to doing that recently. Although the data was captured in Jan 2024, this was only just processed in November of that year.

Thor's Helmet

Thor's Helmet, also known as NGC 2359, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Canis Major. This nebula is approximately 11,960 light-years away from Earth and spans about 30 light-years in size.

The nebula gets its name from its resemblance to the helmet worn by the Norse god Thor. At its center lies a Wolf-Rayet star known as WR 7, which is an extremely hot and massive star in a pre-supernova stage. The intense stellar winds from WR 7 have shaped the surrounding gas into the helmet-like structure we see.

Thor's Helmet (NGC 2359) - Feb 2-3, 2025
EdgeHD11/ASI2600mm/HaO3RGB 4.5 hours integration

I didn't get a lot of data on this object as the weather went sour but decided to process it anyway.  My previous attempt was a while ago back in 2018 and a lot has changed since then - equipment and the largest change, new software. Now I realize there is a lot more nebulosity around this object beyond the FOV of the native f/10 on the Edge but I was curious as to what I would get if I went really deep inside.

The Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443)

IC 443, also known as the Jellyfish Nebula, is a supernova remnant located in the constellation Gemini. Approximately 5,000 light years away from Earth it is the result of a supernova that occurred between 3,000 and 30,000 years ago.

The nebula is notable for its complex interaction with surrounding molecular clouds, which has significantly influenced its morphology. It spans about 70 light years in diameter and consists of two connected sub-shells with different centers and radii. The supernova event also created a neutron star, CXOU J061705.3+222127, which is moving away from the explosion site at high speed.

Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443) - March 17-18, 2025
GT102/ASI2600mm/SHORGB 6.5 hours integration

My attempt at the Jellyfish was a tough journey. Once again, my flats would not correct the subs and I need to find out why. Not sure if the image train is moving between the sub exposures capture and the time, I create the flats, or something else. Now that clouds are once again back, I may disassemble the filter wheel and camera and do an aggressive clean up job to remove as much dust as I can. Probably a good thing to do periodically anyway. So, this image was actually processed without any flats or darks at all! After a bit of a long time in postprocessing, this is the result.

The Hamburger Galaxy (NGC 3628)

NGC 3628, also known as the Hamburger Galaxy, is a captivating unbarred spiral galaxy located approximately 35 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. Discovered by William Herschel in 1784, this galaxy is a prominent member of the Leo Triplet, a small group of galaxies that includes M65 and M66. NGC 3628's most striking feature is its broad, dark dust lane that bisects the galaxy, giving it the appearance of a cosmic hamburger. This dust lane, along with the galaxy's 300,000 light-year long tidal tail, is a result of gravitational interactions with its neighboring galaxies.

Hamburger Galaxy (NGC 3628) - March 27-28, 2025
EdgeHD11/ASI2600mm/LRGB 5.5 hours integration

This is not one of my normal captures and processing as I ran into one problem after another. First and foremost were the sky conditions - as usual for Maryland, what appeared to be a clear night actually had a thin upper layer I had to deal with. Astrospheric warned me of that as I could use the NBM cloud cover model which shows layers of clouds that the standard models do not.  Result - I did not get all the Lum subs I wanted. Second, my flats, yet again, did not completely correct for the dust donuts and gradients. Most of the problem was in the Lum and Green subs. Not sure what caused the gradient in the green subs but the misplaced dust donut correction has the hallmark of a filter wheel that did not place the filter in the same spot between the lights and flats. I checked the FW configuration in NINA and, sure enough, unidirectional was off! Not sure why as I always have it set to on, but my guess is that was the problem.

Tiger's Eye Galaxy (NGC 2841)

NGC 2841 is a stunning unbarred spiral galaxy located approximately 46 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. Discovered by William Herschel in 1788, this galaxy is notable for its flocculent spiral arms, which appear patchy and discontinuous. The galaxy's bright nucleus is surrounded by a majestic disk of stars and intricate dust lanes. Unlike many other spiral galaxies, NGC 2841 has a relatively low star formation rate, with fewer pinkish emission nebulae. Its yellowish core and the presence of young blue stars tracing the spiral arms create a striking visual contrast.

Numerous background galaxies can be seen throughout the image.

Tiger's Eye Galaxy - April 2, 2025
EdgeHD11/ASI2600mm/LRGB 3.5 hours integration

Owl Nebula (M97)

Messier 97 (M97), commonly referred to as the Owl Nebula, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Ursa Major, approximately 2,000 light-years away from Earth. It was formed by the outer layers of a dying star, which were expelled during the later stages of its evolution. The nebula displays a roughly spherical shape and is characterized by faint, darker regions resembling "eyes," which give rise to its nickname. These features are caused by variations in the nebula's density and composition. M97 spans approximately 3 light-years in diameter and emits light primarily due to ionized gases, including hydrogen and oxygen, energized by the ultraviolet radiation from the central star—a white dwarf.

Owl Nebula (M97) - April 8-9, 2025
EdgeHD11/ASI2600mm/HaO3RGB 7.5 hours integration

All my images (well, at least most of them) are hosted on Astrobin. You can see them at: 
Michael J. Mangieri - AstroBin

Many are available for sale as metal prints at: MdAstro.com

Astronauts are back from the ISS - but the untold story is scary

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are safely back on earth. But their experience in docking with the International Space Station was far more scary than the original reports from the media.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is pictured docked to the International Space Station.
One of the four doghouses is visible on the service module. Credit: NASA

Head on over to ARS Technica for the full story of that 'overly exciting' docking maneuver.

Soldiers Delight Star Party - April 19, 2025

Soldiers Delight Star Party - April 19, 2025

Looking for something different to do on a Saturday night? Want to expand your knowledge of Astronomy? Then why not join us on Saturday, April 19, for a discussion about a fascinating problem in modern astrophysics:

"Crisis in Cosmology - aka, The Hubble Tension"

Tonight's lecture is on one of the most intriguing puzzles in modern cosmology: The Hubble Tension. This phenomenon refers to the discrepancy between the rate of expansion of the universe as measured by different methods. On one hand, we have measurements from the early universe, such as those from the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), and on the other, we have measurements from the local universe, such as those using Cepheid variables and Type Ia supernovae. Despite the precision of these methods, they yield different values for the Hubble constant, leading to a tension that challenges our understanding of the cosmos. Today, we will delve into the methods used to measure the Hubble constant, explore the possible reasons for this discrepancy, and discuss the implications for our understanding of the universe.

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

All ages welcome

Note:  Starting this month, and through September, events will be held 8:30 - 10:30 EDT

Activity: TBD

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

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Eastern

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117

Is that Saturn?

On Sunday, March 23, a rare celestial event will temporarily cause Saturn’s rings to seemingly vanish from view. Known as a ring plane crossing, it is the result of the planet’s tilt and orbital mechanics. Because they are incredibly thin compared to their vast width, they become nearly invisible when viewed from the side. So, for a few days before and after the 23rd, Saturn would appear to look like Jupiter.

Simulation from Stellarium

However, you would need a telescope and really excellent sky conditions to see this event, since Saturn is so close to the sun. The rings should reappear soon and will be getting wider as the years march on, fully opening again in 2032.

Total Lunar Eclipse of March 14, 2025

The eclipse was wonderful, even though the weather didn't fully cooperate. The events from the start of the eclipse occurred in clear skies but clouds quickly obscured the sky soon after the start of totality until a few minutes after mid-eclipse (and then continued thereafter). I was able to capture the first half of the eclipse and a single image at the midpoint. You can view a video of the event on my YouTube page.

And here are two images of the moon near mid-eclipse. The first one is the full frame view where you can see some of the stars of the constellations Leo and Virgo that were captured in the dark sky.

Total Eclipse of the Moon - March 14, 2025 2:41 AM EDT
William Optics GT102 with Canon 50D sensor
ISO 400 - 8sec exposure

The second is a close-up of just the fully eclipsed moon.

Lunar Eclipse tonight - SD Star Party this Saturday

Total Lunar Eclipse

Tonight, will be the first total lunar eclipse in over 2 years. Well, 'tonight' is figuratively correct, the actual start of the total phase won't occur until 2:26 AM Friday morning EDT. In the diagram below times are UT; convert to EDT by subtracting 4 hours.

Timeline of the Total Eclipse
Sky and Telescope

The partial phase (when the moon enters the earth's shadow called the Umbra) begins at 1:09AM where the moon will be due south, about 50 degrees high in the sky. Mid-totality occurs at 2:59 AM. At the end of the partial phase, at 4:48 AM, the moon will have moved across the sky and will be about 30 degrees high in the WSW. This is a most favorable condition for a total lunar eclipse.

Get those cameras out - I will.

You can read more about the eclipse at Sky and Telescope.

Soldiers Delight Star Party

Soldiers Delight Star Party - March 15, 2025

"Astronomical Phenomena: Eclipses, meteor showers, and other spectacular events in the night sky"

Astronomical phenomena such as eclipses, meteor showers, and other spectacular events in the night sky captivate our imagination and offer a glimpse into the vastness of the universe. Eclipses, whether solar or lunar, occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align, casting shadows and creating breathtaking visual displays. Meteor showers, like the Perseids or Geminids, result from Earth passing through the debris left by comets, producing streaks of light as meteoroids burn up in the atmosphere. Other phenomena, such as auroras, are caused by solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field, painting the sky with vibrant colors. These events not only provide stunning visuals but also deepen our understanding of celestial mechanics and the dynamic nature of our cosmos.

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

Activity: Dark Sky Wheel

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

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

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

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117

Commercial Landers on the Moon

Firefly's Success

In a first for a commercial company, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander made a fully successful landing on the surface of the Moon. The landing occurred in the Mare Crisium on the lunar nearside early on the morning of Sunday, March 2nd at 3:34 a.m. EST / 8:34 UT.

Blue Ghost sees its shadow, on the surface of the Moon
Firefly Aerospace

Firefly's Blue Ghost lander witnessed lunar sunrise —
the start of a new day on the Moon and two weeks of activities
NASA

Read the complete story at Sky and Telescope

Intuitive Machines not so successful 

Athena landed in the lunar south pole region but fell on its side. After its batteries quickly depleted, the mission ended. 

This photo of the lunar surface was taken from the Athena lander on approach.
Intuitive Machines

Athena entered lunar orbit on March 3rd and initiated an initial descent orbit insertion (DOI) burn on March 6th at 5:33 a.m. EST / 10:33 UT, snapping images as it went. It touched down in the Mon Mouton region at 12:30 p.m. EST / 17:30 UT. However, early indications showed that the Nova-C lander was "not in the correct attitude," said Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, in a press conference Thursday afternoon. Indeed, a later image from the spacecraft confirmed it had landed on its side, similar to the fate of the company's first attempt, a year ago.

Athena managed to send back pictures confirming its position and activate a few experiments before going silent.

Athena took a picture from the surface of the Moon that showed the lander on its side.
Intuitive Machines

Full story at Sky and Telescope

Jupiter with moon shadows

It's been a long time since I have attempted any planetary photography since I'm generally a DSO (Deep Space Object) imager.  So, while setting up for another run at the IC 417 nebula I slewed the telescope to Jupiter just for the fun of it while I was waiting for the sky to get darker.

Even though I didn't have the planetary camera attached, the mono ASI2600 at the f/10 full FL of the EdgeHD11 did bring out some detail. I noticed the location of two of Jupiter's moons and the shadows they were casting on the planet so I ran a full 5000 frame video capture using SharpCap.

Jupiter - March 4, 2025
EdgeHD11/ASI2600mm f/10
2500 frames stacked in Autostakkert and Processed in Registax

The resultant stacked and processed image (at 50% best frame setting) was quite remarkable. It showed the red spot, numerous cloud belts and the shadows of both Europa and Ganymede. Not in color, I might add, as this was through the mono camera using just the luminance filter.

Maybe I'll get back to some planetary imaging later this Spring before the planets move out of my view. For now, it's back to DSOs.