Stella-Luna Observatory
@stellalunaobs.bsky.social
A private observatory in Medina, Ohio. Interested in astronomy, solar observations, astronomy outreach, astrophotography, science.
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
17 Feb: New Moon at 12:02 UT (now). Start of lunation 1276
🌟 The next few days remain a great time for evening #stargazing. Download The Evening Sky Map (PDF) (skymaps.com/tesm/) and enjoy exploring the Universe with just your eyes, binoculars or a telescope! 🔭
#space
🌟 The next few days remain a great time for evening #stargazing. Download The Evening Sky Map (PDF) (skymaps.com/tesm/) and enjoy exploring the Universe with just your eyes, binoculars or a telescope! 🔭
#space
February 17, 2026 at 12:02 PM
17 Feb: New Moon at 12:02 UT (now). Start of lunation 1276
🌟 The next few days remain a great time for evening #stargazing. Download The Evening Sky Map (PDF) (skymaps.com/tesm/) and enjoy exploring the Universe with just your eyes, binoculars or a telescope! 🔭
#space
🌟 The next few days remain a great time for evening #stargazing. Download The Evening Sky Map (PDF) (skymaps.com/tesm/) and enjoy exploring the Universe with just your eyes, binoculars or a telescope! 🔭
#space
Here's a full-disk view of Sun as it appeared yesterday. We were so excited capturing the filaprom that we let the full disk view go. This really shows off the extraordinary prominence activity that was going on midday, February 16! #sun #astronomy #solarobserving
February 17, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Here's a full-disk view of Sun as it appeared yesterday. We were so excited capturing the filaprom that we let the full disk view go. This really shows off the extraordinary prominence activity that was going on midday, February 16! #sun #astronomy #solarobserving
Sun was particularly busy today producing many around its rim. Also visible were intriguing filaments including one showing its true nature: a dark filament in the chromosphere, and as a bright prominence contrasted against the blackness of space. A first for me and delightful to observe! #astronomy
February 16, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Sun was particularly busy today producing many around its rim. Also visible were intriguing filaments including one showing its true nature: a dark filament in the chromosphere, and as a bright prominence contrasted against the blackness of space. A first for me and delightful to observe! #astronomy
A view of Sun's western horizon. There was plenty of prominence activity along the limb -- some more prominent than others -- a few filaments, much turmoil around Active Region 4373, near the top-center of this image. This is a monochrome image of Sun in hydrogen-alpha light -- false color applied.
February 14, 2026 at 3:39 PM
A view of Sun's western horizon. There was plenty of prominence activity along the limb -- some more prominent than others -- a few filaments, much turmoil around Active Region 4373, near the top-center of this image. This is a monochrome image of Sun in hydrogen-alpha light -- false color applied.
Finally a day of clear skies and good seeing; we were able to image Sun without dodging clouds!! Very pleased with the results, as well. This is the Solar eastern limb with several "small-ish" prominences, assorted filaments, and the sunspot 4374 surrounded by magnetic field lines traced in plasma.
February 13, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Finally a day of clear skies and good seeing; we were able to image Sun without dodging clouds!! Very pleased with the results, as well. This is the Solar eastern limb with several "small-ish" prominences, assorted filaments, and the sunspot 4374 surrounded by magnetic field lines traced in plasma.
I wasn't going to do it. I was sure the sky would be cloudy and the sunspot gone. Today, however, I could see Sun (sort of) so I had to try. Seeing conditions were not poor, they were bad. The atmosphere was stirred up and clouds were present -- at times blocking the view entirely.
February 10, 2026 at 11:02 PM
I wasn't going to do it. I was sure the sky would be cloudy and the sunspot gone. Today, however, I could see Sun (sort of) so I had to try. Seeing conditions were not poor, they were bad. The atmosphere was stirred up and clouds were present -- at times blocking the view entirely.
Farewell to Active Region 4366 -- Giant sunspot complex seen in Sun's northwest. The region continues to issue flares but is showing signs of decay. Soon the sunspot will disappear over the Solar limb. Sky was clear, and winds were light, but seeing was not good. We take what we can get! #sunspots
February 8, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Farewell to Active Region 4366 -- Giant sunspot complex seen in Sun's northwest. The region continues to issue flares but is showing signs of decay. Soon the sunspot will disappear over the Solar limb. Sky was clear, and winds were light, but seeing was not good. We take what we can get! #sunspots
Though seeing was predicted to be "bad", the sky was clear and blue, and transparency was very good. So, with the temperature at 14°F, and the wind ripping around the observatory, we recorded images of the sunspot at AR4366.
February 8, 2026 at 4:27 AM
Though seeing was predicted to be "bad", the sky was clear and blue, and transparency was very good. So, with the temperature at 14°F, and the wind ripping around the observatory, we recorded images of the sunspot at AR4366.
I knew conditions would be dicey but had to try; the gigantic sunspot complex at AR4366 was something I really didn’t want to miss. So I pulled the telescope out and set it up and waited. A gap between the clouds, a quick imaging run, then wait. Another gap, another run, then wait.
February 5, 2026 at 1:40 AM
I knew conditions would be dicey but had to try; the gigantic sunspot complex at AR4366 was something I really didn’t want to miss. So I pulled the telescope out and set it up and waited. A gap between the clouds, a quick imaging run, then wait. Another gap, another run, then wait.
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
Me, on astronomy funding crisis, on the @ox.ac.uk website: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-02... 🔭🧪
Expert Comment: Cuts to fundamental research will hurt the UK’s
Chris Lintott, Professor of Astrophysics at Oxford’s Department of Physics, responds to the news that University funding for astronomy and physics research will be cut by almost a third.
www.ox.ac.uk
February 2, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Me, on astronomy funding crisis, on the @ox.ac.uk website: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-02... 🔭🧪
Astronomers breath sigh of relief in Chile. A proposed green hydrogen plant in Chile that astronomers said would cause devastating light pollution and atmospheric turbulence near some of the world’s most powerful telescopes has been cancelled.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Controversial Chilean energy project scrapped, relieving astronomers
Light pollution from green hydrogen plant would have threatened world’s largest telescopes
www.science.org
January 29, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Astronomers breath sigh of relief in Chile. A proposed green hydrogen plant in Chile that astronomers said would cause devastating light pollution and atmospheric turbulence near some of the world’s most powerful telescopes has been cancelled.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
First Light image from our new hydrogen-alpha telescope, on a day of poor seeing. The sky, typically cloudy in winter, was clear though unsettled, allowing at least a trial of the new scope. We're also experimenting with new software so that when good skies return, we'll be ready!
January 24, 2026 at 10:33 PM
First Light image from our new hydrogen-alpha telescope, on a day of poor seeing. The sky, typically cloudy in winter, was clear though unsettled, allowing at least a trial of the new scope. We're also experimenting with new software so that when good skies return, we'll be ready!
With a beautiful clear, blue sky today, we recorded Sun in hydrogen-alpha light. Of particular interest, active region 4341 and it was particularly active right after we imaged it. “Sunspot 4341 erupted today (Jan. 18 @ 1809 UTC),” reported Spaceweather .com, “producing an X1.9-class solar flare.”
January 18, 2026 at 11:53 PM
With a beautiful clear, blue sky today, we recorded Sun in hydrogen-alpha light. Of particular interest, active region 4341 and it was particularly active right after we imaged it. “Sunspot 4341 erupted today (Jan. 18 @ 1809 UTC),” reported Spaceweather .com, “producing an X1.9-class solar flare.”
Our first sun shot of 2026 relied upon our DSLR rig and sub-optimal seeing conditions. Still, we imaged Active Region 4336 with its large spot, which produced the majority of recent flare activity on the Earth-facing disk. The region is observed to be weakening.
#solar #astronomy
#solar #astronomy
January 12, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Our first sun shot of 2026 relied upon our DSLR rig and sub-optimal seeing conditions. Still, we imaged Active Region 4336 with its large spot, which produced the majority of recent flare activity on the Earth-facing disk. The region is observed to be weakening.
#solar #astronomy
#solar #astronomy
NEW YORK (AP) — NASA is cutting a mission aboard the International Space Station short after an astronaut had a medical issue.
The space agency said Thursday the U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four will return to Earth in the coming days, earlier than planned.
apnews.com/article/nasa...
The space agency said Thursday the U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four will return to Earth in the coming days, earlier than planned.
apnews.com/article/nasa...
NASA, in a rare move, cuts space station mission short after an astronaut's medical issue
In a rare move, NASA is cutting a mission aboard the International Space Station short after an astronaut had a medical issue. The space agency said Thursday the U.S.
apnews.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:01 AM
NEW YORK (AP) — NASA is cutting a mission aboard the International Space Station short after an astronaut had a medical issue.
The space agency said Thursday the U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four will return to Earth in the coming days, earlier than planned.
apnews.com/article/nasa...
The space agency said Thursday the U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four will return to Earth in the coming days, earlier than planned.
apnews.com/article/nasa...
December 7, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Satellite trails could taint roughly 96% of the images taken by some space-based telescopes in the next decade, astronomers predict. Around 15,000 satellites currently orbit Earth, but that number could balloon to more than 550,000 ….
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Satellite swarms set to photobomb more than 95% of some telescopes’ images
Planned megaconstellations would contaminate the view of the cosmos of four orbiting telescopes.
www.nature.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Satellite trails could taint roughly 96% of the images taken by some space-based telescopes in the next decade, astronomers predict. Around 15,000 satellites currently orbit Earth, but that number could balloon to more than 550,000 ….
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
NASA has completed the construction of #NASARoman! Last month, technicians joined the inner and outer portions of the observatory in Maryland.
After final testing, Roman will move to the launch site at the Kennedy Space Center for launch preparations in summer 2026: https://go.nasa.gov/48EqnE8 🔭 🧪
After final testing, Roman will move to the launch site at the Kennedy Space Center for launch preparations in summer 2026: https://go.nasa.gov/48EqnE8 🔭 🧪
December 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM
NASA has completed the construction of #NASARoman! Last month, technicians joined the inner and outer portions of the observatory in Maryland.
After final testing, Roman will move to the launch site at the Kennedy Space Center for launch preparations in summer 2026: https://go.nasa.gov/48EqnE8 🔭 🧪
After final testing, Roman will move to the launch site at the Kennedy Space Center for launch preparations in summer 2026: https://go.nasa.gov/48EqnE8 🔭 🧪
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
988lifeline.org
988lifeline.org
988 Lifeline
At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns…
988lifeline.org
November 27, 2025 at 1:50 AM
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
988lifeline.org
988lifeline.org
"Whatever the cost of our libraries,
the cost is cheap
compared to an ignorant nation."
-- Walter Cronkite (1916-2009. American broadcast journalist) in American Library Association "Libraries Change Lives" Campaign, 1995.
the cost is cheap
compared to an ignorant nation."
-- Walter Cronkite (1916-2009. American broadcast journalist) in American Library Association "Libraries Change Lives" Campaign, 1995.
November 26, 2025 at 8:31 PM
"Whatever the cost of our libraries,
the cost is cheap
compared to an ignorant nation."
-- Walter Cronkite (1916-2009. American broadcast journalist) in American Library Association "Libraries Change Lives" Campaign, 1995.
the cost is cheap
compared to an ignorant nation."
-- Walter Cronkite (1916-2009. American broadcast journalist) in American Library Association "Libraries Change Lives" Campaign, 1995.
“[I]f you're … using SSDs for cold storage, expecting the drives lying in your drawer to work perfectly after years, you might want to rethink your strategy. Your reliable SSD could suffer from corrupted or lost data if left unpowered for extended periods.”
www.xda-developers.com/your-unpower...
www.xda-developers.com/your-unpower...
The unpowered SSDs in your drawer are slowly losing your data
SSDs aren't ideal for long-term data storage
www.xda-developers.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:37 PM
“[I]f you're … using SSDs for cold storage, expecting the drives lying in your drawer to work perfectly after years, you might want to rethink your strategy. Your reliable SSD could suffer from corrupted or lost data if left unpowered for extended periods.”
www.xda-developers.com/your-unpower...
www.xda-developers.com/your-unpower...
Cloudy, windy, chilly today so a good time to swap out telescopes and put the big Meade up. We’re eager to try the 6-inch out again for solar including imaging in calcium-K. Maybe sunny tomorrow. Maybe we can try then. Continued strong winds expected, tho.
November 17, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Cloudy, windy, chilly today so a good time to swap out telescopes and put the big Meade up. We’re eager to try the 6-inch out again for solar including imaging in calcium-K. Maybe sunny tomorrow. Maybe we can try then. Continued strong winds expected, tho.
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
Lots of folks captioning aurora photos like "for a few minutes we didn't think about politics"
guess I'm built different, every time I'm out trying to see night sky stuff I frequently think about how much light pollution is entirely preventable with just a tiny bit of regulation
guess I'm built different, every time I'm out trying to see night sky stuff I frequently think about how much light pollution is entirely preventable with just a tiny bit of regulation
November 13, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Lots of folks captioning aurora photos like "for a few minutes we didn't think about politics"
guess I'm built different, every time I'm out trying to see night sky stuff I frequently think about how much light pollution is entirely preventable with just a tiny bit of regulation
guess I'm built different, every time I'm out trying to see night sky stuff I frequently think about how much light pollution is entirely preventable with just a tiny bit of regulation
Here are some views of the sunspot
that blew off the CMEs
that caused the geomagnetic storms
that made the auroras
that raised all the hubbub this week.
The sunspot at Active Region 4274 is responsible for all the action. Where we show two sunspots, the smaller one (bottom edge) is AR4275. 1/2
that blew off the CMEs
that caused the geomagnetic storms
that made the auroras
that raised all the hubbub this week.
The sunspot at Active Region 4274 is responsible for all the action. Where we show two sunspots, the smaller one (bottom edge) is AR4275. 1/2
November 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Here are some views of the sunspot
that blew off the CMEs
that caused the geomagnetic storms
that made the auroras
that raised all the hubbub this week.
The sunspot at Active Region 4274 is responsible for all the action. Where we show two sunspots, the smaller one (bottom edge) is AR4275. 1/2
that blew off the CMEs
that caused the geomagnetic storms
that made the auroras
that raised all the hubbub this week.
The sunspot at Active Region 4274 is responsible for all the action. Where we show two sunspots, the smaller one (bottom edge) is AR4275. 1/2
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
I first heard rumours about this in September.
We're currently without one of our most powerful tools for communicating with spacecraft in deep space, and it's not clear when we'll get it back.
We're currently without one of our most powerful tools for communicating with spacecraft in deep space, and it's not clear when we'll get it back.
Key antenna in NASA’s Deep Space Network damaged
One of the largest antennas in NASA’s Deep Space Network was damaged in September and may be out of service for an extended period, further straining the system.
One of the largest antennas in NASA’s Deep Space Network was damaged in September and may be out of service for an extended period, further straining the system.
Key antenna in NASA’s Deep Space Network damaged
One of the largest antennas in NASA’s Deep Space Network was damaged in September and may be out of service for an extended period, further straining the system.
spacenews.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:49 PM
I first heard rumours about this in September.
We're currently without one of our most powerful tools for communicating with spacecraft in deep space, and it's not clear when we'll get it back.
We're currently without one of our most powerful tools for communicating with spacecraft in deep space, and it's not clear when we'll get it back.