*** The Official Astronomy & Universe Thread ***

[Cosimo]

NASA has released the highest resolution topographic map of the moon ever created, using observations made by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft. The map covers 98.2 percent of the moon and features at a pixel scale of about 330 feet (100 meters). This image is of the Lunar far side:

More:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/news/lro-topo.html

Images:

http://wms.lroc.asu.edu/lroc/global_product/color_shaded_relief_grid

 

[Cosimo]

 

[Cosimo]

 

[samir_ansari]

Latest attempt at the Orion Nebula:

I'm hoping to do a colour version next time the weather decides to sort itself out here.

 

[PermaBanned]

Nice, a lot of detail, really good focus. Got any details, what it was taken on, how long etc?

 

[samir_ansari]

Sure! here are the ingredients:

- 1 x 10 minute exposure
- 1 x 1 minute exposure for the core
- 12nm Ha filter
- Modified 450D
- Skywatcher 80Ed with focal reducer (Final result was at F6.375)
- Taken from the heart of Central London

 

[samir_ansari]

And also:

It's an improvement on the last one but can still be much better

 

[NickK]

A you may, or may not know, the ATIK camera I have doesn't have mac support.. until now It's working, although i have a few debugging bits to finish off - the camera initialises and i hope to have photos in the next fortnight.

 

[Spook187]

Latest attempt at the Orion Nebula:

I'm hoping to do a colour version next time the weather decides to sort itself out here.

Very nice man

 

[Glaucus]

Latest attempt at the Orion Nebula:

[
I'm hoping to do a colour version next time the weather decides to sort itself out here.

What equipment do you have and how easy is it, do you live remotely so no light pollution.

 

[xxalxx]

The missus is buying me a telescope for xmas and a southern hemisphere star chart, hopefully some decent skies if we drive out of the city.

 

[Glaucus]

The missus is buying me a telescope for xmas and a southern hemisphere star chart, hopefully some decent skies if we drive out of the city.

Some amazing sky's out there. Reminded me how the height sky should look. Up at paradoo roadhouse. It was just unbelievable.

 

[xxalxx]

Some amazing sky's out there. Reminded me how the height sky should look. Up at paradoo roadhouse. It was just unbelievable.

Just getting one of these : http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-astromaster-130eq-md-bundle.html

Should be fine to learn with, nothing too fancy

 

[Spook187]

Kepler Mission Confirms Its First Planet in Habitable Zone

A good read here fellas.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/news/kepscicon-briefing.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepler_(spacecraft)

 

[NickK]

Just getting one of these : http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-astromaster-130eq-md-bundle.html

Should be fine to learn with, nothing too fancy

Welcome to astronomy gadget acquisition syndrome.. won't be long before you'll end up with this:

 

[ElliottJames]

Been looking at this thread for a while now. It's a interesting read. Hopefully Sky-player has some programs on demand about astronomy.

 

[Spook187]

Astronomers discover biggest black holes ever

Gulp

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/astronomers-discover-biggest-black-holes-ever-153131684.html

 

[Mik3]

Been looking at this thread for a while now. It's a interesting read. Hopefully Sky-player has some programs on demand about astronomy.

Some good astronomy documentaries on this site you might might be interested in.

Nice setup NickK

 

[Cosimo]

 

[Spook187]

I think simulatorman is patrick moore in Disguise nice vid man.