#smarttelescope — Public Fediverse posts

Something a little different today.

This is the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud, or #m24

What it is really is a gap in the dust of The Great Rift, and looks into the next spiral arm inwards from us.

5h22m in 15s subs at gain 60 using a #Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope .

#Astronomy #Astrophotography #Astrodon #BackyardAstronomy #SouthernSky

Something a little different today.

This is the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud, or #m24

What it is really is a gap in the dust of The Great Rift, and looks into the next spiral arm inwards from us.

5h22m in 15s subs at gain 60 using a #Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope .

#Astronomy #Astrophotography #Astrodon #BackyardAstronomy #SouthernSky

I had me a little play with the mosaic function for my Astronomy Group's target of the month earlier, the Lagoon Nebula, with a bonus Trifid Nebula thrown in there as well. Only about an hour's exposure, with these bright objects.

#Astronomy
#Astrophotography
#SouthernHemisphereAstronomy
#SmartTelescope
#Dwarf3
#DrivewayAstrophotography
#BackyardAstronomy
#TrifidNebula #LagoonNebula #Astrodon

I had me a little play with the mosaic function for my Astronomy Group's target of the month earlier, the Lagoon Nebula, with a bonus Trifid Nebula thrown in there as well. Only about an hour's exposure, with these bright objects.

#Astronomy
#Astrophotography
#SouthernHemisphereAstronomy
#SmartTelescope
#Dwarf3
#DrivewayAstrophotography
#BackyardAstronomy
#TrifidNebula #LagoonNebula #Astrodon

Cold and crisp, and long winter solstice time nights have made for great observation times here in #PerthWesternAustralia . So now that it's come over all cloudy and rainy it's time to do some processing.

I have been catching a couple of snippets of things at the end of a longer project, and this is one of them. The Lagoon Nebula says hi!

Just 55 minutes.

#Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DrivewayAstrophotography #BackyardAstronomy #Nebula #LagoonNebula #Astrodon

Cold and crisp, and long winter solstice time nights have made for great observation times here in #PerthWesternAustralia . So now that it's come over all cloudy and rainy it's time to do some processing.

I have been catching a couple of snippets of things at the end of a longer project, and this is one of them. The Lagoon Nebula says hi!

Just 55 minutes.

#Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DrivewayAstrophotography #BackyardAstronomy #Nebula #LagoonNebula #Astrodon

Last night I tried something a little different.

I got my #Dwarf2 out, and ran a couple of sessions on the #LagoonNebula ( #M8 ).

The first was in the near-infrared, using a SVBony IR pass filter.

The second, slightly shorter one, was in unfiltered RGB.

Then I shifted the IR image to a green tone, and layered the two images on top of each other.

I am rather pleased with the results. I did not use the #Dwarf3 for this, as I only have a 1.25" IR filter.

#Astronomy #Astrodon #Astrophotography #Photography #SmartTelescope #BackyardAstronomy #SouthernSkies

Last night I tried something a little different.

I got my #Dwarf2 out, and ran a couple of sessions on the #LagoonNebula ( #M8 ).

The first was in the near-infrared, using a SVBony IR pass filter.

The second, slightly shorter one, was in unfiltered RGB.

Then I shifted the IR image to a green tone, and layered the two images on top of each other.

I am rather pleased with the results. I did not use the #Dwarf3 for this, as I only have a 1.25" IR filter.

#Astronomy #Astrodon #Astrophotography #Photography #SmartTelescope #BackyardAstronomy #SouthernSkies

Based on a suggestion from @knud here's the Mark III smart telescope lens hood for Seestar S30 Pro. This version has an angled first baffle, and now has a total of 5 instead of 4.

From the sky side you can see light scattering back from the internal surfaces but from the telescope side pretty much all you can see is a little bit of light scattering off the edges of the baffles, which are as sharp as I can make them. Compare that with the amount of light scattering off the outside of the hood and it shows that the baffles are doing their job.

Now I need to test it properly. There weather forecast says there will be some clear skies tonight.

#Astrophotography #3Dprinting #SmartTelescope #Seestar #SeestarS30Pro #FreeCAD #Prusa

Based on a suggestion from @knud here's the Mark III smart telescope lens hood for Seestar S30 Pro. This version has an angled first baffle, and now has a total of 5 instead of 4.

From the sky side you can see light scattering back from the internal surfaces but from the telescope side pretty much all you can see is a little bit of light scattering off the edges of the baffles, which are as sharp as I can make them. Compare that with the amount of light scattering off the outside of the hood and it shows that the baffles are doing their job.

Now I need to test it properly. There weather forecast says there will be some clear skies tonight.

#Astrophotography #3Dprinting #SmartTelescope #Seestar #SeestarS30Pro #FreeCAD #Prusa

OK, I've printed off Mark II rev. 2 of my 3D printed lens hood design for my Seestar S30 Pro smart telescope, and I'm now pretty happy with it. The point of this is to prevent stray light from ground level lights getting into the lens. It's not well shielded out of the box and I've already seen exposures that had clearly been affected by stray light.

The Elegoo matte black PLA I've printed it in is neither very matte nor very black, but the design means that shouldn't matter too much.

There are three internal light baffles arranged so that stray light entering the lens hood at an angle can only hit the outside faces of the baffles, while the telescope's lens only has line of sight to the inside faces of the baffles and the walls. In other words there is (almost) no way for stray light to get into the lens by scattering off the internal surfaces of the lens hood once, it needs to scatter at least twice to make it in, which should make it significantly more effective than my simple conical Mark I lens hood.

I did the design in FreeCAD, sliced in PrusaSlicer, and printed on my Prusa Mini+.

#Astrophotography #3Dprinting #SmartTelescope #Seestar #SeestarS30Pro #FreeCAD #Prusa

OK, I've printed off Mark II rev. 2 of my 3D printed lens hood design for my Seestar S30 Pro smart telescope, and I'm now pretty happy with it. The point of this is to prevent stray light from ground level lights getting into the lens. It's not well shielded out of the box and I've already seen exposures that had clearly been affected by stray light.

The Elegoo matte black PLA I've printed it in is neither very matte nor very black, but the design means that shouldn't matter too much.

There are three internal light baffles arranged so that stray light entering the lens hood at an angle can only hit the outside faces of the baffles, while the telescope's lens only has line of sight to the inside faces of the baffles and the walls. In other words there is (almost) no way for stray light to get into the lens by scattering off the internal surfaces of the lens hood once, it needs to scatter at least twice to make it in, which should make it significantly more effective than my simple conical Mark I lens hood.

I did the design in FreeCAD, sliced in PrusaSlicer, and printed on my Prusa Mini+.

#Astrophotography #3Dprinting #SmartTelescope #Seestar #SeestarS30Pro #FreeCAD #Prusa

So last night was our usual Friday night RPG session, this time with @leece GMing. In honour of #Mermay we are playing a bunch of #mermaid police constables in a magical Victorian London.

While we were gaming, though, our #Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope s were beavering away at the comet #C2025r3panstarrs , which has just invaded the foot of #Orion .

Here is the result of one of the shots. Post processing in Stellar Studio and #Snapseed .

#Astronomy #Astrophotography #Astrodon #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstronomy

So last night was our usual Friday night RPG session, this time with @leece GMing. In honour of #Mermay we are playing a bunch of #mermaid police constables in a magical Victorian London.

While we were gaming, though, our #Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope s were beavering away at the comet #C2025r3panstarrs , which has just invaded the foot of #Orion .

Here is the result of one of the shots. Post processing in Stellar Studio and #Snapseed .

#Astronomy #Astrophotography #Astrodon #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstronomy

It has been a while since I've posted a #Sun #Photo .

So here is one from today. A nice spread of sunspots, but no monsters ... Yet.

#Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope #Astronomy #Astrophotography #Astrodon #Snapseed

It has been a while since I've posted a #Sun #Photo .

So here is one from today. A nice spread of sunspots, but no monsters ... Yet.

#Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope #Astronomy #Astrophotography #Astrodon #Snapseed

Just a 10 minute look at the Carina Nebula with the Dwarf 3 and some #Snapseed editing.

#SmartTelescope #Astrodon #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #Astronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #Dwarf3 #DwarfLab

Just a 10 minute look at the Carina Nebula with the Dwarf 3 and some #Snapseed editing.

#SmartTelescope #Astrodon #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #Astronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #Dwarf3 #DwarfLab

I've had the telescope out for the last few days before the cloud has come in. This month's target from #AstronomyGroupOfWesternAustralia is The Statue of Liberty #nebula

I went a different path with the editing because I was struck with the sheer volume of stars in the area and didn't want dampen them down. So I left most of them in and upped the colour because I thought it looked cool.

#Astrodon #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #SmartTelescope #DwarfLabs #Dwarf3

I've had the telescope out for the last few days before the cloud has come in. This month's target from #AstronomyGroupOfWesternAustralia is The Statue of Liberty #nebula

I went a different path with the editing because I was struck with the sheer volume of stars in the area and didn't want dampen them down. So I left most of them in and upped the colour because I thought it looked cool.

#Astrodon #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #SmartTelescope #DwarfLabs #Dwarf3

So as I mentioned earlier, the quest for my astronomy gathering this month is to get a photo of the Rosette Nebula, which is pretty good for us to shoot at home at the moment.

You saw my in progress shot with my Dwarf 3, but I haven't forgotten about my Dwarf 2, so Rob lent me his SVBONY CLS filter and I've had a bunch of sessions with it.

So here's the result, and I'm loving the rosiness of the Rosette 🙂

Of course I should call it my preferred moniker - the Unicorn Nostril. Well, look at it, it's right there at Monoceros's snout in the right place!

#Astrodon
#Astronomy
#Astrophotography
#SouthernHemisphereAstronomy
#DrivewayAstrophotograpy
#BackyardAstronomy
#SmartTelescope
#Dwarflabs
#Dwarf2
#Nebula

So as I mentioned earlier, the quest for my astronomy gathering this month is to get a photo of the Rosette Nebula, which is pretty good for us to shoot at home at the moment.

You saw my in progress shot with my Dwarf 3, but I haven't forgotten about my Dwarf 2, so Rob lent me his SVBONY CLS filter and I've had a bunch of sessions with it.

So here's the result, and I'm loving the rosiness of the Rosette 🙂

Of course I should call it my preferred moniker - the Unicorn Nostril. Well, look at it, it's right there at Monoceros's snout in the right place!

#Astrodon
#Astronomy
#Astrophotography
#SouthernHemisphereAstronomy
#DrivewayAstrophotograpy
#BackyardAstronomy
#SmartTelescope
#Dwarflabs
#Dwarf2
#Nebula

So the challenge from my Astronomy club for us this month is The Rosette Nebula, Caldwell 49 or NGC 2237.

This is a bit of a rough cut - I've not seen it done with an OIII SII filter before, and I'd like to add some more frames. Thanks to @rdm for lending me the filter!

#astrodon #astronomy #astrophotography #southernhemisphereAstronomy #drivewayAstrophotograpy #backyardastronomy #smarttelescope #dwarflabs #dwarf3 #nebula

So the challenge from my Astronomy club for us this month is The Rosette Nebula, Caldwell 49 or NGC 2237.

This is a bit of a rough cut - I've not seen it done with an OIII SII filter before, and I'd like to add some more frames. Thanks to @rdm for lending me the filter!

#astrodon #astronomy #astrophotography #southernhemisphereAstronomy #drivewayAstrophotograpy #backyardastronomy #smarttelescope #dwarflabs #dwarf3 #nebula

First time I have tried time lapse with the -Dwarf 3- oops strike that, I did it with the Dwarf2! #LunarEclipse #astronomy #astrophotography #Astrodon #SouthernhemisphereAstronomy #drivewayAstrophotograpy #backyardAstronomy #Smarttelescope #Dwarf2 #Dwarflab

First time I have tried time lapse with the -Dwarf 3- oops strike that, I did it with the Dwarf2! #LunarEclipse #astronomy #astrophotography #Astrodon #SouthernhemisphereAstronomy #drivewayAstrophotograpy #backyardAstronomy #Smarttelescope #Dwarf2 #Dwarflab

@rdm insisted I post this even though it was drawn in about 10 seconds with my finger.

He likes the immediacy.

#humour
#Astrodon #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DwarfLabs
#TheTurtleMoves #TerryPratchett #Discworld

@rdm insisted I post this even though it was drawn in about 10 seconds with my finger.

He likes the immediacy.

#humour
#Astrodon #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DwarfLabs
#TheTurtleMoves #TerryPratchett #Discworld

Well, I put the telescope out last night and targeted the Keyhole Nebula. Now, I don't know about you but this looks like Great A'Tuin, Sir Terry's marvelous astrochelonian, is checking on a star cluster nest of eggs.

May Sir Terry rest in peace and know that he's loved. I met him a few times, a wonderful soul he lit up a room like a gentle nebula himself!

#Astrodon #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DwarfLabs
#TheTurtleMoves #TerryPratchett #Discworld

Well, I put the telescope out last night and targeted the Keyhole Nebula. Now, I don't know about you but this looks like Great A'Tuin, Sir Terry's marvelous astrochelonian, is checking on a star cluster nest of eggs.

May Sir Terry rest in peace and know that he's loved. I met him a few times, a wonderful soul he lit up a room like a gentle nebula himself!

#Astrodon #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DwarfLabs
#TheTurtleMoves #TerryPratchett #Discworld

I rode this image into dangerous territory last night, because I ran out of space in the telescope, oops, but still it turned out pretty well. Remind me to clear off the scope this arvo!

The first time I processed the image it was pretty bright, it didn't look very natural, so I did this version. I might post the lurid one later.

So who's ready to see the Carina Nebula I did a couple of nights ago after this? Only an hour or so but you'll get to see us Southern Hemisphere types' consolation prize for not having a pole star.
#Astrodon
#astronomy #astrophotography #SouthernhemisphereAstronomy #SmartTelescope #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #Dwarf3

I rode this image into dangerous territory last night, because I ran out of space in the telescope, oops, but still it turned out pretty well. Remind me to clear off the scope this arvo!

The first time I processed the image it was pretty bright, it didn't look very natural, so I did this version. I might post the lurid one later.

So who's ready to see the Carina Nebula I did a couple of nights ago after this? Only an hour or so but you'll get to see us Southern Hemisphere types' consolation prize for not having a pole star.
#Astrodon
#astronomy #astrophotography #SouthernhemisphereAstronomy #SmartTelescope #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #Dwarf3

I took advantage of the new Moon a couple days ago, and got a nice look at Centaurus A.

Quite good detail this time.

#SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DwarfLabs #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography

I took advantage of the new Moon a couple days ago, and got a nice look at Centaurus A.

Quite good detail this time.

#SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #DwarfLabs #Astronomy #Astrophotography #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #BackyardAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography

How the $99,000 Vaonis Hyperia Smart Observatory Uses Canon Tech to Explore the Cosmos https://petapixel.com/2026/02/02/how-the-99000-vaonis-hyperia-smart-observatory-uses-canon-tech-to-explore-the-cosmos/ #smarttelescope #vaonishyperia #observatory #Interviews #Technology #stargazing #technology #astronomy #interview #telescope #nightsky #Vaonis #Space #Canon #space

How the $99,000 Vaonis Hyperia Smart Observatory Uses Canon Tech to Explore the Cosmos https://petapixel.com/2026/02/02/how-the-99000-vaonis-hyperia-smart-observatory-uses-canon-tech-to-explore-the-cosmos/ #smarttelescope #vaonishyperia #observatory #Interviews #Technology #stargazing #technology #astronomy #interview #telescope #nightsky #Vaonis #Space #Canon #space

There's gonna be some #Astronomy tonight!

#Dwarf3 #Dwarf2 #SmartTelescope #Astrophotography #Astrodon #DrivewayAstronomy #SouthernHemisphere

There's gonna be some #Astronomy tonight!

#Dwarf3 #Dwarf2 #SmartTelescope #Astrophotography #Astrodon #DrivewayAstronomy #SouthernHemisphere

I've not dabled with telescopes or #astrophotography for a while, and recently treated myself to a #dwarf3 #smartTelescope.

After the inevitable, and very frustrating, period of overcast skies with any new equipment, including due to the Dwarf's solar capabilities daytime cloudlessness to the North only, here is first light. Suburban sky with heavy light pollution, Bortle 6/7, but the dwarf had no difficulty calibrating even if I could only see a handful of stars.

The Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest neighbour to the Milky Way, just 2.5 million light years away, so this is how it looked when early humans were using flints.

I'm quite pleased with this first effort, basically using the suggested parameters and the built-in processing. Very pleased as to how much is built into the small package. Much more to learn and definitely a cosmic hobby.

#astronomy

I've not dabled with telescopes or #astrophotography for a while, and recently treated myself to a #dwarf3 #smartTelescope.

After the inevitable, and very frustrating, period of overcast skies with any new equipment, including due to the Dwarf's solar capabilities daytime cloudlessness to the North only, here is first light. Suburban sky with heavy light pollution, Bortle 6/7, but the dwarf had no difficulty calibrating even if I could only see a handful of stars.

The Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest neighbour to the Milky Way, just 2.5 million light years away, so this is how it looked when early humans were using flints.

I'm quite pleased with this first effort, basically using the suggested parameters and the built-in processing. Very pleased as to how much is built into the small package. Much more to learn and definitely a cosmic hobby.

#astronomy #astrodon

Canon Partners With Vaonis to Make $99,000 Observatory-Grade Telescope https://petapixel.com/2026/01/06/canon-partners-with-vaonis-to-make-99000-observatory-grade-telescope/ #smarttelescope #vaonishyperia #Equipment #astronomy #education #telescope #ces2026 #Vaonis #Space #Canon #space #News

Canon Partners With Vaonis to Make $99,000 Observatory-Grade Telescope https://petapixel.com/2026/01/06/canon-partners-with-vaonis-to-make-99000-observatory-grade-telescope/ #smarttelescope #vaonishyperia #Equipment #astronomy #education #telescope #ces2026 #Vaonis #Space #Canon #space #News

Had a 20 minute session with this pretty open cluster last night.

This is Caldwell 96, and it looks more to me like The Sprinter than the Southern Beehive. Its two big red giants are pretty clear.

I don't think I have taken this one with the #Dwarf3 before.

#SmartTelescope #Astronomy #Astrodon #BackyardAstronomy #Astrophotography #DrivewayAstrophotography #SouthernhemisphereAstronomy

It is nearly #Christmas , so here is a very seasonally appropriate target.

#NGC2264 is comprised of two parts - there is the #ConeNebula , which is a #DarkNebula , and the accompanying #ChristmasTreeCluster . For us here in #Australia this is a #Summer complex - appearing for us in the lead up to Christmas itself.

This is a two and half hour exposure, or 150 frames, at 60s/frame, gain 80, using the inbuilt Ha/OIII filter, shot on a #Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope .

Post processing was using Stellar Studio in the app, and #Snapseed.

#Astronomy #Astrodon #Astrophotography #BackyardAstronomy #SouthernHemisphere

Before we had the sudden storm with lightning and rain, together with temperatures around 40C, it had been a pretty clear week. Towards the end it started to get a bit windy, but we were able to get some nice images going.

I experimented with some mosaics - some worked, some didn't. If you click on the images, they'll embiggen.

A mosaic which worked quite well - popularly known as Orion's Belt, however local Ballardong Nyoongar people may call this part of Nyingarn, the Echidna's head. Orion's sword is Nyingarn's snout, and Orion's bow forms the curve of Nyingarn's round body.

Then the seasonally appropriate Christmas Tree Cluster, a bit of a look at the sky around it and the Cone Nebula.

And a four hour look at Orion's great Nebula.

Be safe everyone and know that our thoughts are with you all.

Tap to see biggerer.

#astrodon #backyardAstronomy #SouthernhemisphereAstronomy #DrivewayAstrophotography #Nyoongarlanguage #Balladong
#SmartTelescope #Dwarf3 #astronomy

Yeah, *thanks* Elon. I just started a mosaic, and it's noughts and crosses up there!

#astrodon #astrophotography #SmartTelescope #DwarfLabs #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #backYardAstronomy #drivewayAstrophotograpy

It is the end of #Kambarang and the start of #Birak here in #Noongar Country. With that the Emu is setting early in the evening. As compensation, we are now getting the #EtaCarinaNebula instead.

So last night I did a mosaic shot of with with my #Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope from my back yard.

Only a couple of hours effective exposure, but I am really happy with the results.

2hrs 13 minutes, 60s@60, Ha/OIII filter.

Postprocessed in the #DwarfLab Stellar Studio and #snapseed.

#astronomy #astrophotography #astrodon #southernHemisphere #southernskies #backyardAstronomy

From a few nights ago after a middlingly successful comet hunt. We had a look for the Andromeda Galaxy - which is currently peaking at 17 degrees above the horizon for us.

In this shot we get three Messier objects for the price of one! We get M31, M32, and M110 all in the one frame!

Shot over about an hour and a half as a 1x1.8 mosaic.

#Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope 60s@80x85. Post processed in #Snapseed and Stellar Studio.

#astronomy #astrophotography #astrodon #SouthernHemisphere

On Sunday evening after a long day we went down to the beach at Floreat to see if we could catch Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) before the clouds clagged in for the rest of the week.

We had mild success comet wise which was nice, I'll post photos later, because I've not edited them, but we were also able to get just under two hours of the Andromeda Galaxy which graces us this time of year, and I'm quite happy with this shot.

#astrodon #SouthernHemisphereAstronomy #SmartTelescope #AndromedaGalaxy
#astronomy #astrophotography
#Dwarf3

A couple of weeks ago I shot IC434 - the Flame Nebula along with Barnard 33 - the Horsehead Nebula.

I added another 2.5 hours to that shot overnight, and the extra detail is amazing, even though the restacking rejected a lot of frames from both. In the end I got an extra hour of exposure.

The image is centred on Alnitak - one end of Orion's Belt. Off in the corner we have the middle of the belt, Alnilam.

To the right of Alnitak is NGC2024, and above and to the left is IC434 - The Flame Nebula, with the Horsehead Nebula on the right hand edge. In between the two nebulae, though, is a third one - NGC2023.

Also scattered around are three other tiny and/or faint nebulae - IC431, IC432 (both below NGC2024) and IC435 (to the right of NGC2023).

Lastly, in the top left quadrant we have Sigma Orionis.

So we have a lot going on, and it makes for a pretty composition (in my opinion).

Shot on a Dwarf3, 3hr 58 minutes, 60s@80, OIII/Ha filter. Post processed in Stellar Studio and Snapseed.

#Dwarf3 #SmartTelescope #BackYardAstronomy #Astronomy #astrophotography #Astrodon #Snapseed #Orion #IC434 #NCG2023 #NGC2024 #HorseheadNebula