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Developer news items we found relating to exploration

24 results

Hubble zooms deep into M31 galaxy to Rosy Tendrils

Saturday, August 31, 2024 by Richard Harris

The Hubble Space Telescope, our window into the cosmos (eh-hum, still..), has once again turned its keen eye towards our galactic neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy, also known as M31. This time, Hubble has captured an intricate dance of dust and star formation in unprecedented detail, revealing the rosy tendrils of Andromeda's spiral arms where new stars are born. A...

The Giant Magellan telescope mount fabrication starts

Thursday, August 29, 2024 by Richard Harris

In an exciting development for the world of astronomy, the fabrication of the mount for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) has officially commenced in Rockford, Illinois. This marks a significant milestone for what is set to be one of the most powerful telescopes ever constructed, promising to unlock new secrets of the universe with unprecedented clarity. The Heart o...

Unlocking the Cosmos: The thrilling journey of Kilonova Seekers

Sunday, August 25, 2024 by Richard Harris

Above is and Artists’ impression of a binary neutron star merger leading to a kilonova, the target of Kilonova Seekers. Image credit NSF/LIGO/Sonoma State University/A. Simonnet. Imagine being part of a cosmic treasure hunt where the treasures are not gold or jewels but the rarest events in the universe—kilonovae. This isn't science fiction; it's ...

Wide field instrument for NASAs Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

Thursday, August 15, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

The primary instrument for NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a sophisticated camera that will survey the cosmos from the outskirts of our solar system all the way out to the edge of the observable universe. Called the Wide Field Instrument, it was recently delivered to the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Photo credit...

Beaverlab Finder TW2 AI telescope

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

BeaverLab has announced the upcoming release of its latest product, the Finder TW2, an AI-powered telescope designed for astrophotography enthusiasts. The TW2 is designed to simplify the complexities of stargazing and astrophotography, combining advanced optics with integrated AI technology to deliver high-quality images and videos of celestial objects. Beaverlab Fin...

Inflatable space habitats introduced by Max Space

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 by Richard Harris

Max Space, an entrepreneurial space company, recently introduced its unique expandable habitat architecture. Max Space has demonstrated that its proprietary expandable technology can be scaled upwards in size indefinitely while maintaining structural predictability. This attribute makes the company peerless in the space habitation market by opening the door to large-sca...

The colors of the moon

Thursday, July 25, 2024 by Alain Paillou

Even if the Moon appears essentially gray, we can distinguish fine nuances of color (mainly blue and orange; these colors are mostly due to metallic oxides present in silica beads) particularly on the seas. Bringing out the color of lunar soils is theoretically simple: increase the color saturation. In practice, it is relatively complex. The colors of the moon hel...

Luminos Pro app adds support for stellarium landscapes

Thursday, July 4, 2024 by Richard Harris

If you are not familiar with the Luminos Pro app, it is an astronomy app that offers a wide range of features for both star gazing and 3D galaxy exploration. The app includes built-in databases and provides personalized recommendations based on the user's location. Luminos Pro app 11.1 update introduces Stellarium landscape support The Luminos Pro 11.1 up...

Light pollution decreased in LA county thanks to Kathryn Barger

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 by Richard Harris

Rod L. Kaufman, the chair of the light pollution committee for the Los Angeles Astronomical Association, recently awarded a plaque of appreciation to county Supervisor Kathryn Barger at the Mount Wilson Observatory. This recognition was for her contributions to reducing light pollution in the Santa Clarita Valley. Light pollution decreased, and Kathryn Barger recogni...

Jammed door on XRISM telescope blocks low-energy X-ray observation

Saturday, June 15, 2024 by Richard Harris

Astronomers were thrilled at the prospect of uncovering new insights into the universe's formation and dark matter through the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), a collaborative project between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA. The telescope, launched successfully in September 2023, encountered an unexpected problem: one of the ...

Stellar Dreams program gifting 100 telescopes

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

An illuminating new program, Stellar Dreams, has stargazers and science educators aglow with inspiration. Run by the nonprofit organization The Science Haven, it aims to spur interest in STEM among underrepresented and underprivileged families by gifting 100 telescopes. Founded by molecular biologist Raven Baxter, The Science Haven promotes science accessibility and inc...

NASA to adjust Hubble Space Telescope orientation

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 by Richard Harris

NASA is set to change how it directs the Hubble Space Telescope, transitioning it to operate using only one gyroscope (gyro). This decision follows a series of tests and careful considerations. The telescope, which entered safe mode on May 24, will remain in this state until the transition is complete. This adjustment will allow Hubble to continue its astronomical obser...

LSST camera reaches Rubin Observatory in Chile

Monday, June 3, 2024 by Richard Harris

The largest camera ever built for astrophysics has made its way from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California to the summit of Cerro Pachon in Chile. This camera, known as the 3200-megapixel LSST Camera, is at the heart of the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory and promises to unveil the Universe’s mysteries. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and...

Low cost telescope SVBONY SV48P review

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

The SVBONY SV48P 90mm F5.5 Refractor Telescope is currently priced at $229.99, down from its list price of $339.99, this telescope is designed to meet the needs of both novice and experienced astronomers. The SV48P is particularly well-suited for deep sky astrophotography and visual astronomy, boasting outstanding optics and high-quality mechanical components. Low co...

Southern Maine Astronomers 2024 event schedule

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

For those living in or visiting Maine, Southern Maine Astronomers (SMA) have unveiled their highly anticipated 2024 Star Party schedule. These events welcome everyone, from beginners to seasoned astronomers. The SMA website also features schedules and information about astronomy events across Maine, including those held in recognized Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering excep...

$APM-LZOS-telescope-APO-refractor-available-for-pre-order$

APM LZOS telescope APO refractor available for pre-order

Thursday, May 23, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

The APM - LZOS 3-lenser SuperED, presented in a new special package, features a 130 mm aperture combined with a 1200 mm focal length. This model is distinguished by its 3.7" APM focuser, which provides 360° rotation, ensuring a versatile and user-friendly experience. The 130 mm APM - LZOS 3-lenser SuperED in the new inexpensive special package with 3.7"...

New Milford Observatory unveils advanced 17-inch PlaneWave telescope

Friday, May 17, 2024 by Richard Harris

The John J. McCarthy Observatory in New Milford has recently upgraded its capabilities with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art PlaneWave telescope, thanks to the generous contributions of donors and the local community. The observatory's original 16" Meade LX200 telescope, installed in the summer of 2000, and costing $15,000, was recently upgraded to a cu...

Moon exploration bundles from SVBONY

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and been captivated by the beauty of the Moon? As our closest celestial neighbor, the Moon presents a fascinating, accessible target for amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers alike. Svbony recently announced the details for three new observation bundle sets, each specifically designed to enhance your lunar exploration....

University of Arizona chooses OVNI night vision eyepeices

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

The University of Arizona has made history as the first university in the U.S. to introduce OVNI Night Vision eyepieces at the Biosphere 2 Space Domain Awareness Observatory. In the USA, the Biosphere 2 Space Domain Awareness Observatory will have OVNI Night Vision eyepieces. This cutting-edge observatory boasts a diverse collection of telescopes, notably a 36-inc...

Powertank 12V Power Supply from Celestron

Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

The Celestron Powertank 12V portable rechargeable power supply was specifically designed to meet the needs of amateur astronomers with a penchant for exploration. This power supply is compatible with any Celestron computerized telescope, ensuring you can enjoy stargazing from any location. The device is not just an essential companion for powering your telescope; i...

Vespera II smart telescope launches from Vaonis

Sunday, April 21, 2024 by Richard Harris

The Vespera II smart telescope represents a significant leap in stargazing technology, blending the capabilities of a sophisticated camera with the power of a traditional telescope into a portable, user-friendly device. It simplifies astronomy, allowing for live observations and astrophotography with up to 24-megapixel images, all through an apparatus that's easy to...

EVSCOPE 2 smart telescope from UNISTELLAR

Sunday, April 21, 2024 by Richard Harris

The EVSCOPE 2 epitomizes the next generation of smart telescopes, pushing the boundaries of astronomical exploration and participation. This innovative telescope, equipped with cutting-edge technology, not only offers users a unique way to gaze upon the stars but also enables them to play an active role in the scientific community through the UNISTELLAR Citizen Science ...

Luminous Pro 11 introduces deep space imaging capabilities

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 by Richard Harris

Luminos Pro 11 brings the universe to your fingertips with its latest iOS update, offering enhanced star databases, weather forecasts for stargazers, and innovative eclipse tracking features. John Stephen, a key supplier of Luminos software, highlights the update’s commitment to improving user experience for both amateur and professional astronomers. With new widg...

Gift ideas for astrophotographers

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 by Richard Harris

Delve into the celestial wonders with the perfect astronomy-themed gifts for the stargazer in your life. Whether they're an amateur astronomer or simply captivated by the cosmos, these stellar gifts are sure to ignite their passion for the universe. Gifting Ideas for astronomy enthusiasts Telescope for Beginners: Introduce the gift of exploration with a qua...