Stella-Luna Observatory
@stellalunaobs.bsky.social
A private observatory in Medina, Ohio. Interested in astronomy, solar observations, astronomy outreach, astrophotography, science.
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.
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory plans to cut nearly all its research funding and reduce the number of paid science staff to just two positions next year.
Lowell Observatory slashes research funding in the midst of financial struggle
Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory plans to cut nearly all its research funding and reduce the number of paid science staff to just two positions next year.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory plans to cut nearly all its research funding and reduce the number of paid science staff to just two positions next year.
Close-up views of Sun's northeastern quadrant, made this morning, display the turmoil surrounding very active Active Region 4272. CMEs thrown off by the sunspot have caused auroral displays already with more intense activity expected tonight. Clouds are likely to spoil the view from here.
November 6, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Close-up views of Sun's northeastern quadrant, made this morning, display the turmoil surrounding very active Active Region 4272. CMEs thrown off by the sunspot have caused auroral displays already with more intense activity expected tonight. Clouds are likely to spoil the view from here.
Solar activity went high this week with, especially, AR4274 firing off a powerful X1.8 flare with a partial halo CME. A wind-roiled atmosphere at our site reduced imaging quality for us but Sun’s northeast rim was still an impressive sight. This view via our Herschel wedge. #sun #sunspots
November 5, 2025 at 2:05 AM
We used to print these and hand them out at the open nights we hosted at the college observatory. A fine resource.
🌟 The November 2025 edition of The Evening Sky Map is ready for download at skymaps.com/tesm/. The PDF features a Sky Calendar and easy-to-use sky maps for the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as equatorial regions. Please share, and enjoy exploring the Universe! 🔭
#stargazing #space
#stargazing #space
October 29, 2025 at 12:57 PM
We used to print these and hand them out at the open nights we hosted at the college observatory. A fine resource.
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
it’s giving Jupiter south polar vortex tbh
October 28, 2025 at 9:30 PM
it’s giving Jupiter south polar vortex tbh
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
I'm sitting in my office writing my next article for Scientific American about a topic I'm fascinated with, reading journal papers and really enjoying myself.
I was hit with a wave of nostalgia; I miss when this was what occupied the majority of my mind during the day. I really love astronomy.
I was hit with a wave of nostalgia; I miss when this was what occupied the majority of my mind during the day. I really love astronomy.
October 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM
I'm sitting in my office writing my next article for Scientific American about a topic I'm fascinated with, reading journal papers and really enjoying myself.
I was hit with a wave of nostalgia; I miss when this was what occupied the majority of my mind during the day. I really love astronomy.
I was hit with a wave of nostalgia; I miss when this was what occupied the majority of my mind during the day. I really love astronomy.
Al Nagler, of TeleVue fame, has died. His son made the following announcement:
www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_...
www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_...
Tele Vue Optics, Inc.
Tele Vue Optics, founded in 1977, has been thrilling amateur astronomers since 1979. It is our mission. It's in the materials we choose, the designs we create, the craftsmanship we demonstrate...the i...
www.televue.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Al Nagler, of TeleVue fame, has died. His son made the following announcement:
www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_...
www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_...
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
🔭 Chile’s dark skies remind us of what billions have already lost spectrum.ieee.org/scale-of-lig...
Are We Losing Our Connection to the Night Sky?
What's at stake as artificial light drowns out the stars, cutting us off from the universe's vastness and the wonder it inspires.
spectrum.ieee.org
October 19, 2025 at 9:10 PM
🔭 Chile’s dark skies remind us of what billions have already lost spectrum.ieee.org/scale-of-lig...
Using the Baader Planetarium Herschel Wedge attached to the Askar refractor, today, we observed Sun in white light. Several active regions (AR) were visible but those shown here were particularly interesting to view. Sunspots at AR 4246 and 4248 are primed to make powerful flares.
October 16, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Using the Baader Planetarium Herschel Wedge attached to the Askar refractor, today, we observed Sun in white light. Several active regions (AR) were visible but those shown here were particularly interesting to view. Sunspots at AR 4246 and 4248 are primed to make powerful flares.
Once again a bit late in the day for optimal solar observing conditions but we work with what we've got! "A potentially dangerous sunspot: It's big, and a little weird. Sunspot 4246 has grown rapidly into one of the largest sunspots of Solar Cycle 25." ... #sunspots
October 14, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Once again a bit late in the day for optimal solar observing conditions but we work with what we've got! "A potentially dangerous sunspot: It's big, and a little weird. Sunspot 4246 has grown rapidly into one of the largest sunspots of Solar Cycle 25." ... #sunspots
JPL Hit With Layoffs: bsky.app/profile/phil...
Holy crap. This is terrible.
The article states it's "not related to the current U.S. government shutdown". But of course it is: they are both connected by the GOP destroying everything good about this country from the top down and the bottom up.
The article states it's "not related to the current U.S. government shutdown". But of course it is: they are both connected by the GOP destroying everything good about this country from the top down and the bottom up.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to lay off about 550 workers reut.rs/4302N2L
October 14, 2025 at 6:56 PM
JPL Hit With Layoffs: bsky.app/profile/phil...
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
Holy crap. This is terrible.
The article states it's "not related to the current U.S. government shutdown". But of course it is: they are both connected by the GOP destroying everything good about this country from the top down and the bottom up.
The article states it's "not related to the current U.S. government shutdown". But of course it is: they are both connected by the GOP destroying everything good about this country from the top down and the bottom up.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to lay off about 550 workers reut.rs/4302N2L
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to lay off about 550 workers
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said on Monday it will cut nearly 550 jobs as part of a restructuring, not related to the current U.S. government shutdown.
reut.rs
October 13, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Holy crap. This is terrible.
The article states it's "not related to the current U.S. government shutdown". But of course it is: they are both connected by the GOP destroying everything good about this country from the top down and the bottom up.
The article states it's "not related to the current U.S. government shutdown". But of course it is: they are both connected by the GOP destroying everything good about this country from the top down and the bottom up.
The view of Sun today in hydrogen-alpha light revealed the solar limb sizzling with prominences! Here are a few views recorded late this afternoon. By the time we were able to get to this, Earth's atmosphere was riled up and cost us some sharpness.
#sun #solarastronomy #astronomy
#sun #solarastronomy #astronomy
October 11, 2025 at 12:03 AM
The view of Sun today in hydrogen-alpha light revealed the solar limb sizzling with prominences! Here are a few views recorded late this afternoon. By the time we were able to get to this, Earth's atmosphere was riled up and cost us some sharpness.
#sun #solarastronomy #astronomy
#sun #solarastronomy #astronomy
A few adjustments in data capture parameters was all it took to make a big difference in image processing and results! We're very pleased with Barlow-boosted views though we're still having some issues with achieving even lighting across whole-disk views...
#sunspots
#sunspots
October 3, 2025 at 9:45 PM
A few adjustments in data capture parameters was all it took to make a big difference in image processing and results! We're very pleased with Barlow-boosted views though we're still having some issues with achieving even lighting across whole-disk views...
#sunspots
#sunspots
We're off solar max but our Sun has been fairly active of late, even causing recent "surprise" auroras! We may be in for more. "Two of these sunspots (4230 and 4236) have 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic fields" reports SpaceWeather.com, "that harbor energy for X-class solar flares."
#sunspots
#sunspots
October 2, 2025 at 8:08 PM
We're off solar max but our Sun has been fairly active of late, even causing recent "surprise" auroras! We may be in for more. "Two of these sunspots (4230 and 4236) have 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic fields" reports SpaceWeather.com, "that harbor energy for X-class solar flares."
#sunspots
#sunspots
Still working to get the best finished images from our solar scope data. Reprocessed Sunday's images today in PixInsight/SolarToolbox (color) vs. Photoshop (mono). Pretty colors in the first, better detail from Photoshop! Note "peach fuzz" spicules in the tight crop. Synoptic Map credit: NOAA/SWPC.
September 29, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Still working to get the best finished images from our solar scope data. Reprocessed Sunday's images today in PixInsight/SolarToolbox (color) vs. Photoshop (mono). Pretty colors in the first, better detail from Photoshop! Note "peach fuzz" spicules in the tight crop. Synoptic Map credit: NOAA/SWPC.
We stepped back a bit and used a DSLR for our sun shot: Canon EOS 7D Mk. 2 with 400mm telephoto lens, no extender, plus white light solar filter. A grainy view but showing a good selection of sunspots. AR 4232 is reported to be growing more active, throwing off M-Class flares.
#sunspots #astronomy
#sunspots #astronomy
September 29, 2025 at 7:43 PM
We stepped back a bit and used a DSLR for our sun shot: Canon EOS 7D Mk. 2 with 400mm telephoto lens, no extender, plus white light solar filter. A grainy view but showing a good selection of sunspots. AR 4232 is reported to be growing more active, throwing off M-Class flares.
#sunspots #astronomy
#sunspots #astronomy
Clear and quiet skies this morning made for excellent seeing. Our Sun has been active lately and it showed in the form of prominences all around the rim. A big group on Sun's western limb (right) drew attention away from the high-flying prom at about the 11 o'clock position.
#sun #sunspots
#sun #sunspots
September 28, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Reposted by Stella-Luna Observatory
Our recent solar flare research was published! We present the first spectral observations of ‘Supra-Arcade Downflows’ (SADs) since 2003. SADs are dark finger-like downflows seen above solar flare loops, but their origins remain elusive! What do we find? 1/6
June 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Our recent solar flare research was published! We present the first spectral observations of ‘Supra-Arcade Downflows’ (SADs) since 2003. SADs are dark finger-like downflows seen above solar flare loops, but their origins remain elusive! What do we find? 1/6
A daytime First Light for our observatory. We attached the Canon EOS 5D Mk. 4 to the Vixen Cassegrain, installed the Astrozap solar filter, aimed skyward. A nice assortment of sunspots was present, eastward of Sun's center, AR4220 developing rapidly. The spots are reported to be stable and quiet.
September 17, 2025 at 8:17 PM
A daytime First Light for our observatory. We attached the Canon EOS 5D Mk. 4 to the Vixen Cassegrain, installed the Astrozap solar filter, aimed skyward. A nice assortment of sunspots was present, eastward of Sun's center, AR4220 developing rapidly. The spots are reported to be stable and quiet.
“JUPITER, the European Union’s new exascale supercomputer, is 100% powered by renewable energy. Can it compete in the global AI race?” #ai #computing #energy
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
World's most energy-efficient AI supercomputer comes online
JUPITER, the European Union’s new exascale supercomputer, is 100% powered by renewable energy. Can it compete in the global AI race?
www.nature.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:46 PM
“JUPITER, the European Union’s new exascale supercomputer, is 100% powered by renewable energy. Can it compete in the global AI race?” #ai #computing #energy
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...