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Messier 106, also known as NGC 4258, is a magnificent spiral galaxy residing in the constellation of Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs). This celestial marvel is a true standout amongst the many galaxies that populate this northern region of the night sky, showcasing its splendor alongside renowned neighbors like the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), the Sunflower […]

Mare Imbrium, the vast lava plain in the Moon’s north-western quadrant, is the most evident legacy of an ancient, cataclysmic impact event that formed the Imbrium Basin. This immense crater, subsequently flooded by basaltic lava, is encircled by a series of impressive mountain ranges that serve as a testament to the violence of its formation. […]

Messier 95 and Messier 96 are a remarkable pair of spiral galaxies that share striking similarities in their appearance. Despite their close proximity in the night sky, these cosmic companions boast distinct characteristics that make them captivating targets for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike. Messier 96 (NGC 3368) is a stunning spiral galaxy that presents […]

On February 21, 2024, the Houston-based company Intuitive Machines achieved a significant milestone in space exploration. Their lander, named Odysseus, successfully touched down near the South Pole of the Moon – marking the first lunar landing by a US spacecraft in over 50 years and the first time a commercially-operated vehicle has reached the Moon’s […]

The Moon is a treasure trove of fascinating geological features that can be observed with even small- to moderate-aperture telescopes. Among these features are valleys, rilles, and faults that add to the lunar landscape’s appeal. Four of these remarkable formations are the Alpine Valley (Vallis Alpes), Schröter’s Valley (Vallis Schröteri), Rima Ariadaeus and Rima Hyginus, […]

In recent years, there has been a shift in imaging methodology towards instruments specifically designed for astrophotography. The William Optics RedCat71 from First Light Optics is one such instrument that aims to meet the needs of astrophotographers. This magazine-style scientific article will provide an analysis of the RedCat71 and its features. The first thing that […]

Every year, skywatchers eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Leonid meteor shower, one of the most famous and mesmerizing celestial events. This year, the Leonids are predicted to reach their peak on the morning of November 18th at around 06:00 UT. Under favorable conditions, you can expect to see an impressive display of 10 to […]

Equatorial mounts are an important tool for astronomers and astrophotographers alike, allowing for precise tracking of celestial objects. These mounts, which come in different designs such as German equatorial mounts (GEMs) and tilted fork mounts, cancel out the apparent movement of stars as the Earth rotates. That’s especially important for long-exposure astrophotography, where any movement […]

Unistellar’s eVscope 2: A Powerful and User-Friendly TelescopeUnistellar, a leading manufacturer of advanced telescopes, has released its latest product, the eVscope 2. This new telescope builds upon the success of its predecessor, the eVscope 1, and offers several improvements and new features. In this article, we will explore the design and capabilities of the eVscope […]

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way that astrophotographers capture images of the night sky. Previously, most photographers relied on monochrome CCD cameras and a range of filters to produce high-quality images. However, with the advent of high-quality cameras equipped with CMOS sensors, there has been a transition away from […]