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.
The first view is in hydrogen-alpha light, the second and third views are in white light; yellow-orange tones are false color applied in processing.
This image shows Active Region 4274 and some of its smaller neighbors in Sun's photosphere, labeled for convenience. 2/2
This image shows Active Region 4274 and some of its smaller neighbors in Sun's photosphere, labeled for convenience. 2/2
November 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The first view is in hydrogen-alpha light, the second and third views are in white light; yellow-orange tones are false color applied in processing.
This image shows Active Region 4274 and some of its smaller neighbors in Sun's photosphere, labeled for convenience. 2/2
This image shows Active Region 4274 and some of its smaller neighbors in Sun's photosphere, labeled for convenience. 2/2
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
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 were happy to be able to capture 4246 before it disappears over the western solar limb. A late start, forced by trees, had us observing through very turbulent air. False color applied.
October 16, 2025 at 11:41 PM
We were happy to be able to capture 4246 before it disappears over the western solar limb. A late start, forced by trees, had us observing through very turbulent air. False color applied.
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
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
... just can't seem to get them tuned right with the Coronado SolarMax III.Visual observing was also very good, especially with the TeleVue 10mm eyepiece. Conditions today: Clear sky, temperature of 74°F, light southeast wind.
#astronomy
#astronomy
October 3, 2025 at 9:45 PM
... just can't seem to get them tuned right with the Coronado SolarMax III.Visual observing was also very good, especially with the TeleVue 10mm eyepiece. Conditions today: Clear sky, temperature of 74°F, light southeast wind.
#astronomy
#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
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.
First Light for the observatory went pretty well. Alignment on a permanent pier is SO MUCH EASIER and, one hopes, is more permanent as well. Saturn was hiding in neighboring trees when we began so we checked out Moon. Last night's images of Saturn weren't great but we'll get there!
September 13, 2025 at 3:11 AM
First Light for the observatory went pretty well. Alignment on a permanent pier is SO MUCH EASIER and, one hopes, is more permanent as well. Saturn was hiding in neighboring trees when we began so we checked out Moon. Last night's images of Saturn weren't great but we'll get there!
We got the telescope (one of several available) mounted up this morning, hoping for First Light from the observatory tonight! We'll be aiming for Saturn as it approaches opposition.
September 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
We got the telescope (one of several available) mounted up this morning, hoping for First Light from the observatory tonight! We'll be aiming for Saturn as it approaches opposition.
Our first nighttime work under the dome was to set polar alignment on the mount, Sunday night. About 45 minutes of adjustments later, we’re pretty happy with what we got. Locked it down. Closed the dome. Maybe set up a telescope tonight, or try daytime solar imaging!
September 8, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Our first nighttime work under the dome was to set polar alignment on the mount, Sunday night. About 45 minutes of adjustments later, we’re pretty happy with what we got. Locked it down. Closed the dome. Maybe set up a telescope tonight, or try daytime solar imaging!
Today we terminated utility power at the pier, in a weather-resistant box and receptacle. Power is on at the observatory! Moving on, we installed the CGEM Pier Adapter atop the pier. Everything is leveled well, the adapter lightly locked down. Ran out of steam before tackling additional caulk work.
September 3, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Today we terminated utility power at the pier, in a weather-resistant box and receptacle. Power is on at the observatory! Moving on, we installed the CGEM Pier Adapter atop the pier. Everything is leveled well, the adapter lightly locked down. Ran out of steam before tackling additional caulk work.
Thanks to some scrap 2X4s, surplus concrete blocks and pavers, a two-wheel dolly, and some ingenuity, I wrangled the big steel observatory pier into place. The pier is made of quarter-inch steel and must weigh about 100 pounds. We'll next make some adjustments and install electrical wiring.
August 31, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Thanks to some scrap 2X4s, surplus concrete blocks and pavers, a two-wheel dolly, and some ingenuity, I wrangled the big steel observatory pier into place. The pier is made of quarter-inch steel and must weigh about 100 pounds. We'll next make some adjustments and install electrical wiring.
When we saw big sunspot group of AR4196 & 4197 in satellite images, we had to take a look. Sun has been active with five M-class (R1-Minor) observed from Active Regions 4197 and 4203, according to the SWPC. We produced this image using our DSLR mobile rig since the observatory isn't quite ready yet.
August 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
When we saw big sunspot group of AR4196 & 4197 in satellite images, we had to take a look. Sun has been active with five M-class (R1-Minor) observed from Active Regions 4197 and 4203, according to the SWPC. We produced this image using our DSLR mobile rig since the observatory isn't quite ready yet.
Success! At 4:04 PM today (August 15, 2025) the observatory dome was lifted into place by crane. There are several items yet to complete but this major step is the one we worried about most. Nursing an injured foot, I’m supposed to limit activity, but I’m eager to finish and get to First Light!
August 16, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Success! At 4:04 PM today (August 15, 2025) the observatory dome was lifted into place by crane. There are several items yet to complete but this major step is the one we worried about most. Nursing an injured foot, I’m supposed to limit activity, but I’m eager to finish and get to First Light!
Monday, Aug. 11: Working again in the morning to avoid the day's heat, and with the help of neighbor Kelly, we bolted the base wall panels together. Overall the work went well with few adjustments needed. We also added the dome rotation wheels at the top of the circular wall. #observatory
August 11, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Monday, Aug. 11: Working again in the morning to avoid the day's heat, and with the help of neighbor Kelly, we bolted the base wall panels together. Overall the work went well with few adjustments needed. We also added the dome rotation wheels at the top of the circular wall. #observatory
Spent some time this morning, before the heat set in, to set up the wall panels for the observatory. They require a bit of leveling between each other, then they'll be bolted together; we're hoping to do that tomorrow morning. The dome will top it off this coming week! 🤞
#observatory #construction
#observatory #construction
August 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Spent some time this morning, before the heat set in, to set up the wall panels for the observatory. They require a bit of leveling between each other, then they'll be bolted together; we're hoping to do that tomorrow morning. The dome will top it off this coming week! 🤞
#observatory #construction
#observatory #construction