Gilberto Lopez’s Post

Here is one of my first images ever processed, The Rosette Nebula taken on a ZWO ASI294MC pro camera. It's been a rough journey learning how to acquire sharp images, stack them correctly, and get the most out of the data using different post-processing methods. The knowledge I've acquired about astrophotography the last year has only made me more curious about space and what lies beyond the limits of classical physics. And that curiosity got the best of me, because... A new camera should be arriving on my doorstep in the next few days that isn't just a step up from the ASI294MC pro. The ZWO ASI2600MM pro is one of the best amateur astronomer cameras out today, sporting a 26MP monochrome sensor with 91% QE and 16bit ADC. Capturing about 4 times the detail of my old camera, the ASI2600MM pro will help propel my desire to create breathe-taking images of these colossal objects. P.S. - The dark parts of dust are called Bok globules which are extremely dense regions of dust and gas thought to be some of the coldest places in the universe. These globules in particular are a few times larger than our solar system. #astrophotography #space #nebula

Euclid #telescope acts as a high-tech #camera pointed at the #night sky, using specialised #filters that serve as cosmic sunglasses to capture light in specific colors. These filters create stunning cosmic portraits, revealing hidden #galaxies, #star clusters, and even the mysterious dark matter. Equipped with a 1.2-metre mirror and advanced filters, Euclid splits the universe's light into visible and near-infrared parts. Its VIS instrument captures light from 550 to 900 nanometres, while the NISP instrument focuses on the near-infrared range of 900 to 2000 nm using different filters. Explore Euclid's captivating images at the link below! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eTtMRbM8

NGC7023 (The Iris Nebula) Captured in Florissant, CO, USA – December 2023/January 2024 If there were a place to call heaven in space, this would be it. What a beautiful nebula!!! This magnificent, blue reflection nebula has a bright young star in its center and gradually darkens as clouds of interstellar dust surround it. This beautiful, blushing nebula is unique amongst its counterparts. While many of the nebulae visible in the night sky are emission nebulae — clouds of dust and gas that are hot enough to emit their radiation and light — Caldwell 4, otherwise known as the Iris Nebula or NGC 7023, is a reflection nebula. This means that its color comes from the scattered light of its central star, which lies nestled in the abundant star fields of the constellation Cepheus. Located 1,400 light-years from Earth, the Iris Nebula’s glowing gaseous petals stretch roughly six light-years across. The Iris Nebula can be found near the bright star Alfirk in the constellation of Cepheus. [Galactic Hunter, Wiki] Equipment: • Sky Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Go-To Mount • ZWO ASIAir Pro Wireless Imaging Controller • ZWO 30 mm f/4 Mini Guide Scope • ZWO ASI120MM Mini Monochrome CMOS Camera • ZWO ASI2600MM Pro USB 3.0 Cooled Mono Astronomy Camera • ZWO 7-Position Electronic Filter Wheel for 2-Inch Filters • ZWO 5V EAF (Electronic Automatic Focuser) • Explore Scientific 127mm FCD100 f/7.5 ED APO Triplet Refractor (BACK-FOCUS 17.5mm) • Explore Scientific 3" Field Flattener/0.7x Focal Reducer • Filter set: Astronomix Deep-Sky Luminescence, R, G, B, Ha, SII, OIII   Capture Time: (40.5 hours) • Red – 97, 300 seconds • Green –108, 300 seconds • Blue -117, 300 seconds • Luminescence -164, 300 seconds   Processed in: • PixInsight • Lightroom • Photoshop

Witness the Birth of a Star: A Glimpse into the IC 1848 Nebula I am thrilled to share this breathtaking image of a star-forming region within the IC 1848 nebula, commonly known as the Soul Nebula. Captured in stunning detail, this image highlights the vibrant and dynamic processes at play in the cosmos, showcasing the incredible beauty and complexity of stellar nurseries. What makes this image even more special to me is how the nebula's shape resembles a heart, a fitting symbol for the birth and nurturing of new stars. The red hues signify the presence of ionized hydrogen gas, a key ingredient in star formation. The intricate structures and varying colors depict the interplay of gas, dust, and radiation, as gravity pulls these elements together to form new stars. The bright spots scattered throughout are young stars that have recently ignited, their light piercing through the surrounding dust and gas. The Soul Nebula, located approximately 7,500 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia, is a testament to the ongoing cycle of creation and destruction in the universe. Observing these cosmic cradles provides invaluable insights into the processes that lead to the birth of stars and the formation of planetary systems. Currently, this nebula is my absolute favorite, and I am extremely fascinated by its mesmerizing beauty and the incredible processes it represents. As we continue to explore and understand the universe, images like this inspire awe and remind us of the boundless wonders that lie beyond our world. Join me in celebrating the marvels of space and the incredible advancements in astronomical imaging that allow us to witness these stellar births from afar. #Astronomy #Space #StarFormation #Nebula #CosmicWonders #IC1848 #SoulNebula #Astrophotography #SpaceExploration

Solar-safe viewing filters or glasses:   Should only transmit less than:   0.003% of Visible Light (380-780 nm)   0.5% of the near-infrared light (780-1400 nm) Note that you cannot see the near-infrared which it coming from the Sun all the time, and so it does not feel bright to look at the eclipse but you will burn your retina and create permanent blind spots in your vision if you watch the event without proper glasses. I recommend that you see if your glasses were made by one of the companies on this website of the American Astronomical Society. You can purchase fake glasses online, so beware! Ken Mitton Eye Research Institute Oakland University Oakland University   https://lnkd.in/ePwePn_y.

WARNING: April 8th, 2024. FOR YOUR SAFETY!! 🔥 Safely observing a solar eclipse is crucial to protect your eyes and enjoy this celestial phenomenon without causing harm. Here are some guidelines to follow: Eclipse Glasses: Obtain certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are unsafe for direct sun viewing during an eclipse. Date: April 8, 2024 FOR YOUR SAFETY!! Check Glasses Condition: Inspect your eclipse glasses for any scratches, holes, or damage. If they are compromised, do not use them. Timing: Only look at the sun during the totality phase when the moon completely covers the sun. Before and after totality, use your eclipse glasses. No Naked Eye Viewing: Never look directly at the sun with your naked eyes, even during partial phases. The intense sunlight can cause permanent eye damage. Projection Methods: Pinhole Projection: Create a small hole in a piece of cardboard and project the sun’s image onto another surface (like a wall or the ground). Binoculars or Telescope Projection: Point binoculars or a telescope at the sun and project the image onto a screen or white paper. Solar Filters for Telescopes and Cameras: If you use telescopes or cameras, ensure they have proper solar filters. Regular camera lenses can magnify sunlight and damage your eyes. Avoid Cameras and Phones: Refrain from using your phone or camera to take pictures of the sun without proper filters. The intense light can harm your device’s sensor and your eyes. Pets and Animals: Keep pets indoors during the eclipse. Their natural instincts may lead them to look at the sun, risking eye damage. Remember, safety first! Enjoy the eclipse responsibly and marvel at the cosmic spectacle. 🌞🌕✨ #eclipse #sun #moon #socialmedia #newyork Projects in Motion Inc.

The Dark Tower in Scorpius In silhouette against a crowded star field along the tail of the arachnological constellation Scorpius, this dusty cosmic cloud evokes for some the image of an ominous dark tower. In fact, monstrous clumps of dust and molecular gas collapsing to form stars may well lurk within the dark nebula, a structure that spans almost 40 light-years across this gorgeous telescopic portrait. A cometary globule, the swept-back cloud is shaped by intense ultraviolet radiation from the OB association of very hot stars in NGC 6231, off the upper right corner of the scene. That energetic ultraviolet light also powers the globule's bordering reddish glow of hydrogen gas. Hot stars embedded in the dust can be seen as bluish reflection nebulae. This dark tower and associated nebulae are about 5,000 light-years away. Growing Gallery: Moon Eclipses Saturn in August 2024 Copyright: Mike Selby

Safely Watch The Upcoming Solar Eclipse With These Certified Glasses On April 8, 2024, a total star eclipse volition instrumentality place, an anticipated astronomical improvement that volition beryllium disposable crossed North America and won't hap successful this portion again for different 20 years, according to scientists. Now, if you callback thing from the star eclipse that happened successful 2017, determination was a huffy dash to unafraid a brace of eclipse glasses to marque decently viewing the lawsuit imaginable and safe. This clip around, the American Astronomical Society has expressed interest astir the selling of counterfeit star eclipse glasses, which whitethorn not person the close UV filters to support the eyes similar they claim. In an effort to trim disorder (and oculus damage, for that matter), the nine acceptable up a task force to root which products and suppliers conscionable the planetary information requirements for glasses specifically utilized for nonstop viewing of the prima (different than regular sunglasses) and are thus International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-certified. Since the eclipse is soon, don’t hold to drawback a brace of star eclipse glasses for yourself, your family, and your friends. We perused the AAS’ list of certified products for you successful bid to find immoderate of the champion still-available options. You tin spot for yourself successful the database ahead.

Silver: The Mirror of Light Silver, often celebrated for its lustrous shine and versatility, possesses a remarkable optical property that sets it apart from many other elements—it boasts an almost one hundred percent light reflection coefficient. In simpler terms, silver is incredibly efficient at bouncing back light that strikes its surface, making it an ideal material for mirrors and a wide range of optical applications. This exceptional light reflection capability has made silver one of the most sought-after materials for mirror production. When a beam of light meets the surface of silver, the metal's atomic structure enables it to reflect nearly all the incident light. This characteristic is why silver-coated glass mirrors are renowned for their clear and bright reflections, making them essential in everyday life, from personal grooming to scientific experiments and astronomical telescopes. Silver's exceptional light reflection properties are not only limited to mirrors but also extend to various optical devices and technologies, where precision and clarity are paramount. It plays a pivotal role in high-quality lenses, beam splitters, and optical coatings, aiding in the accurate manipulation of light for countless applications. As a result of silver's near-perfect light reflection coefficient, it remains an indispensable element in the world of optics, ensuring that we can see ourselves clearly, examine distant galaxies, and utilize a wide array of technologies that rely on the precise control of light. So, the next time you gaze into a silver-backed mirror, remember that you're witnessing a testament to the extraordinary reflective power of this precious metal.