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25 stl astronomy news items found

Turning discarded astrophotography data into discoveries with SpacePixels

As astrophotographers, we spend so much time using rejection algorithms during stacking to perfectly erase anything that moves across our frames. But I started thinking about all the dynamic data we are throwing away, like faint asteroids, satellites, comets, streaks and other slow moving objects that happen to drift through our target fields. It turns out those so call...

Astrophoto processing: when you've gone too far

I have two truths rattling around in my head every time I sit down to process a deep sky target. The first is that we are standing on a pile of new tools that really do make this hobby easier. The second is that the same tools can quietly move us from astrophotography into something closer to digital illustration if we do not keep a hand on the wheel. "Should th...

OpenAstro AlpacaBridge launches and why it matters

After spending decades in the field setting up mounts in the dark, chasing cables across frozen ground, and trying to make mismatched software talk to hardware it barely understands, I have learned to pay attention when someone tries to solve a real problem instead of adding another layer of noise. AlpacaBridge from OpenAstro is one of those efforts that comes from live...

Yuri Petrunin: The man behind TEC Telescopes

When you sit down with Yuri Petrunin, founder of Telescope Engineering Company, the first thing you notice is his strong Russian accent. The second is how little he seems to care whether or not you’re impressed by it. He speaks modestly, carefully, and without pretense. He’s not trying to sell you something. He’s just telling you what he knows. And wha...

Five lies about smart telescopes

In a recent article I wrote, published on the ZWO website, I take a hard, honest look at some of the most persistent myths surrounding smart telescopes - and why those myths no longer hold up. It's a piece I believe anyone interested in modern astronomy should read, whether you're just starting out or you've been under the stars for decades. Not because it&#...

What was the Star of Bethlehem

As we consider the Star of Bethlehem one of the most endearing and yet mysterious aspects of the Christmas story. I say mysterious because it is only mentioned in one of the four New Testament Gospels, the Gospel of Matthew, and even there, it occupies a mere 8 verses, providing tantalizingly few clues as to its nature. That has not stopped people from speculating on wh...

The startup bringing space telescopes to everyone

What if you could schedule your own cosmic observation from space - no clouds, no light pollution, no billion-dollar budget? In a world where most CubeSats stare hungrily back at Earth, a small team is flipping the narrative. Bueche Labs, driven by startup veterans with a restless love for the stars, is on a mission to point affordable telescopes outward, opening the...

The smart telescope head fake

As many of you know, I love astronomy and astrophotography, and over the years I've poured more into telescopes and cameras than I'd care to admit. So when I see a smart telescope on the market for a few hundred dollars promising gorgeous cosmic photos with the tap of an app, like many of you, I can’t help but raise an eyebrow. Some newcomers tru...

OMI Astro remote telescopes are ready for new astrophotography season

OMI Astro remote telescopes offer astronomers and astrophotography enthusiasts the opportunity to conduct imaging sessions using professional-grade telescopes without traveling to observatories. The service provides users with online access to equipment located in optimal viewing locations, allowing for clear and precise celestial observations. Accessing profession...

Astronomy in November 2025

This month offers a bit of everything: a once-in-a-lifetime interstellar visitor passing through, a brilliant supermoon lighting up the sky, two bright comets fading out after their October glory, planets dancing in interesting ways, and even a couple of meteor showers (plus the promise of the auroras glimmering for those far north). It&rsq...

Night Sky Festival 2025 event details

The Night Sky Festival is an annual celebration at Joshua Tree National Park organized by Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center (STL) in partnership with the Joshua Tree National Park Association. The event raises funds for both nonprofits and provides an opportunity for the public to experience astronomy, natural science, and desert culture through lectur...

AM3N harmonic equatorial mount arrives

There’s a special kind of relief that washes over a backyard astronomer when setting up under the stars becomes easier. I remember nights wrestling with a bulky mount and a counterweight heavy enough to anchor a canoe (anyone rememember the Atlas mounts?). If old Mark Twain were here, he might chuckle at the sight of me tiptoeing around a tripod, trying not to dro...

How ZWO changed amateur astronomy

There was a time in amateur astronomy when photographing the heavens felt as challenging as lassoing the moon - I've been there. A decade or two ago, if you told a backyard stargazer they could capture stunning nebulae and galaxies with affordable gear, they might’ve raised an eyebrow. Astrophotography was often the realm of costly CCD cameras, modified webcam...

Seestar accessories you need now

When I first unboxed the Seestar I was honestly surprised at how simple it felt. I popped it out of the case, set it on the tripod, hit the power button, and even with the battery only factory charged - not fully topped off - it just worked. All that was left to do was wait for the sky to darken. It felt almost brainless, and I mean that in the best way. Still, after a ...

Askar 80ED refractor tested with the ASI2600MC and ASI585MC

The Askar 80ED is a compact, lightweight refractor that comes in around $400, making it an attractive option for beginner astrophotographers or anyone looking for a grab-and-go setup. It’s an 80mm doublet with a straightforward design, one ED glass element paired with a standard crown lens. With a focal length of 560mm and an f/7 ratio, it's built for simplici...

Peach State Star Gaze 2025

The Peach State Star Gaze (PSSG) is one of the longest-running annual star parties in the southeastern United States. Set to return for its 31st year, the 2025 event will be held from October 19 through October 26 at the familiar grounds of Deerlick Astronomy Village in Georgia. Organized by the Atlanta Astronomy Club, this event offers amateur astronomers a week-long o...

Gskyer 70MM telescope impressions

The Gskyer 70MM refractor telescope is designed with one goal in mind, accessibility for beginners, particularly children and families who want a simple way to observe the night sky. While it's often labeled as a “kid’s telescope,” that doesn’t mean it lacks value for adults seeking their first experience with astronomy. This compact and ligh...

Complex planetary nebula traced by Webb

Since their discovery in the late 1700s, astronomers have learned that planetary nebulae, or the expanding shell of glowing gas expelled by a low-intermediate mass star late in its life, can come in all shapes and sizes. Most planetary nebula present as circular, elliptical, or bi-polar, but some stray from the norm, as seen in new high-resolution images of planetary ne...

Astro flea market 2025

The New Jersey Astronomical Association (NJAA) is once again opening its doors to the public for an exciting day of astronomical exploration, hands-on learning, and telescope trading at the 7th annual NJAA open house and astro flea market. Taking place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the NJAA Observatory in Voorhees State Park, High Bridge, ...

The golden age of amateur astronomy is finally here

Not long ago, the kind of jaw-dropping space photos we see today were out of reach for all but professional observatories. A decade ago, a backyard astronomer would have dreamed of capturing images that could rival those taken with million-dollar telescopes. Fast forward to now: technology has unleashed a revolution in amateur astronomy. Affordable high-end cameras, exq...

Dual channel dew controller

Controlling dew buildup on optics has always been a persistent challenge in astronomy, particularly for those who observe under varying humidity and temperature conditions. For users of R-Sky Astro Instruments heaters and similar dew prevention accessories, the newly released Dual Channel Dew Controller offers a practical and affordable solution to this problem. Enginee...

Life precursors may develop in the lakes of Saturn's moon Titan

Recent scientific investigations have unveiled the possibility of life precursors forming in the methane-rich lakes of Titan, Saturn's largest moon. According to new research, cellular structures, which are the initial step toward forming protocells, could potentially develop in this alien environment. These protocells are considered the precursors of life, raising ...

So a pair of SRBC APO 32mm binoculars walks in to a bar

The SRBC APO 32mm binoculars mark an interesting moment in modern optics, blending historical inspiration with cutting-edge innovation. This new addition to the Banner Cloud APO series has been anticipated by bino enthusiasts, and while its release was delayed to ensure perfection (according to their website), the result is a product that rewrites the rules of ultra-wid...

Rigel Systems usb-nFRAME

When we think about astrophotography, there’s one humble but absolutely crucial piece of gear that rarely gets the spotlight: the camera rotator. Cue dramatic music, maybe a slow zoom in with a single tear rolling down its shiny metal housing... At first glance, rotating a camera may sound simple or even trivial. You might think it is just about turning th...

Washington State Star Party 2025

If you've ever looked up at a clear, dark sky and felt small, curious, or just completely amazed, you're not alone. That feeling is exactly what brings hundreds of people together every summer at the Washington State Star Party. It’s not just about telescopes and star charts—it’s about stepping away from the daily grind, sitting under a sky ful...

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