iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Giraffe Nebula (LDN 1295) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/fauys1 #Astrophotography

A widefield image of the Giraffe Nebula (LDN 1295). This is a dark nebula that happens to somewhat resemble the shape of a giraffe, hence the name.

0185

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Arp 273 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/iwqti5 #Astrophotography

My favorite pair of galaxies because of their “Rose” shape together, which is caused by the larger galaxy’s (UGC 1810) gravitational pull of its interacting companion (UGC 1813).

0223

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Saturn 2026-09-28 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/iwqti5 #Astrophotography

Image of Saturn taken from my backyard on September 29, 2026. The rings are slightly tilted toward Earth, making the Cassini Division visible from my 8" imaging Newtonian.

0202

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Neptune 2026-09-28 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/iwqti5 #Astrophotography

An image of Neptune as seen from my backyard in an 8" imaging Newtonian. It appears as a small blue dot.

092

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Superman Galaxy (NGC 7479) 2026-09-13 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/f4skqs #Astrophotography

An image of the Superman Galaxy (NGC 7479). This is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Pegasus, and its two prominent spiral arms look like a backward "S".

0122

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

NGC 7331 with SN 2026aaiv and Stephan's Quintet 2026-09-10 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/moetox #Astrophotography

An image of the Deer Lick Group and Stephan’s Quintet galaxies.

An image of the Deer Lick Group (NGC 7331, NGC 7335, NGC 7336, NGC 7337, and NGC 7340) galaxies. A supernova (SN 2026aaiv) is visible close to the core of NGC 7331.

An annotated image of the Deer Lick Group (NGC 7331, NGC 7335, NGC 7336, NGC 7337, and NGC 7340) galaxies to highlight the location of the supernova (SN 2026aaiv) visible close to the core of NGC 7331.

A close-up image of Stephan’s Quintet galaxies.

0173

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Partial Lunar Eclipse (0.930 Magnitude and 96.2% Obscuration) 2026-08-27 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/1rkiuj #Astrophotography

$An image of the partial lunar eclipse on August 27, 2026. With over 96% of the moon covered by Earth's umbra, the moon turned fairly dark and was red from the refraction of the Sun's light through Earth's atmosphere. This image was a stack of 13 images each at 2 seconds of exposure.$

0216

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

The Dark Shark Nebula (LDN 1235) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/9jqxzg #Astrophotography

An image of The Dark Shark Nebula. This is primarily a dark nebula with some reflection nebulosity, and it happens to be in the approximate shape of a shark.

0163

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Tulip Nebula (Sh2-101) and (faintly visible*) Cygnus X-1 Bow Shock Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/7oesxn #Astrophotography *The bow shock is easier to see in the attached starless image version.

An image of the emission nebula Sh2-101, the Tulip Nebula. Seen very faintly in this image is the bow shock created by the Cygnus X-1 black hole (with its companion star, which orbit each other in just 5.6 days and at just 20% the distance between Earth and our Sun!).

A starless image of the emission nebula Sh2-101, the Tulip Nebula. The bow shock created by the Cygnus X-1 black hole is easier to see in this starless image to the right of the Tulip Nebula.

0338

Reposted by Jeffrey Baltus Astro

Naztronomy @naztronomy.com · 06/08/2026

Huge thanks to everyone who joined last night's stream and a bigger thanks to all who donated! The initial goal of $500 and subsequent $600 goals were reached within the first 90 minutes. Eternally thankful! Fundraiser URL: tiltify.com/@naztronomy/... #StandUpToCancer #SU2C

Screenshot of Tiltify campaign. Surprassed second goal of $600 with current donations at $645.

011

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Venus 2026-05-09 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/lcue5o #Astrophotography

Image of Venus, taken via the lucky imaging technique with a tracked set-up of my AM5N mount and CarbonStar 200 telescope. The current phase is 60% illumination, which is evident as Venus is approximately half illuminated.

0163

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Dumbbell Nebula (M27) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/f9ixza #Astrophotography

An image of the Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 27). This is a planetary nebula, created when a star similar to our sun shed it's outer gas layers. The blue and red portions of this nebula make it appear in the shape of a dumbbell (especially when viewed visually), leading to its primary name. It is also known as the Apple Core Nebula.

This also happened to be my "first light" with my CarbonStar 200 telescope, which I had been waiting to arrive for 5 months since I initially purchased it. I have at least one minor issue to work through, but I am very happy with this image that was taken over 3 nights.

1369

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Eagle (M16) and Swan (M17) Nebulae Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/g7fk74 #Astrophotography

Widefield image of the Eagle (Messier 16) and Swan (Messier 17) Nebulae. A closer zoom into the Eagle Nebula show the famous Pillars of Creation, which can be better seen at higher resolution in the astrobin link.

0199

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Summer Beehive Cluster (a.k.a. "Poseidon's Trident", IC 4665) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/a6iumk #Astrophotography

An image of the star cluster IC 4665, also known as the "Summer Beehive Cluster" or "Poseidon's Trident". This open star cluster is located in the constellation of Ophiuchus.

0145

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

"Brocchi's Cluster" Asterism (a.k.a. "Coathanger", Collinder 399) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/ny164m #Astrophotography

An image of the "Brocchi's Cluster" asterism (also known as the "Coathanger" or Collinder 399). This features 6 stars in a horizontal line with an 4 additional stars above in a "hook" pattern, making this appear similar to a coat hanger. These stars are in fact not believed to be gravitationally bound and are not a star cluster, despite being initially catalogued as such.

0103

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Lagoon (M8) and Trifid (M20) Nebulae Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/lwugwi #Astrophotography

An image of the Lagoon (M8) and Trifid (M20) Nebulae. These are emission nebulae, showing predominantly red in the Lagoon with a hint of blue and the Trifid showing red in its "core" and then lots of blue on the top.

0142

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/7h7gjg #Astrophotography

An image of the Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592). This is a reflection nebula that is mostly dark dust in the shape of a horse's head with some nebulosity reflecting the blue stars behind it, with one star appearing to be the eye.

1205

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

April-May 2026 Lunar Cycle, Animated Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/lwgfmu #Astrophotography

050

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Venus 2026-05-09 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/peez1s #Astrophotography

Image of Venus, taken via the lucky imaging technique. The current phase is 85% illumination, which is evident by the top left of the planet being dark and not completing a full circle. Venus is correctly pale white with a little hint of yellow, which is closer to true color than my previous attempt.

070

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

‪International Space Station (ISS) 2026-05-09, Animated GIF #Astrophotography

060

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

‪International Space Station (ISS) 2026-05-09 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/14fqll #Astrophotography

An image of the International Space Station (ISS) via the lucky imaging technique on a manually tracked 10 inch dobsonian and planetary camera.

171

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

‪Jupiter 2026-05-09 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/f3l4h2 #Astrophotography

Image taken of Jupiter. The two prominent bands are visible along with the Great Red Spot.

0111

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Crocodile Eye Galaxy (M94) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/2797rm #Astrophotography

An image of the Crocodile Eye Galaxy (Messier 94). It is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici, with notable inner and outer ring sections to it that appear to have a dark gap in between.

0143

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Hercules Globular Cluster (M13) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/pw11vs #Astrophotography

An image of the Hercules Globular Cluster (Messier 13). This is a group of several hundred thousand stars within approximately 145 light years in diameter.

092

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Messier 67 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/pdq0x4 #Astrophotography

An image of the open star cluster Messier 67.

150

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Venus 2026-04-21 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/8n99pe #Astrophotography

An image of Venus taken via lucky imaging technique. Currently at 90% illumination, it is clear that the top left (in the image) portion of our solar system’s second planet is dark (and thus not a fully illuminated circle). The rest of the planet is a yellow-white color from its clouds/atmosphere.

0112

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

‪Sombrero Galaxy (M104) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/huqcie #Astrophotography

An image of the Sombrero Galaxy (Messier 104). It is a peculiar galaxy that features an edge on dark dust lane.

0153

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

‪Messier 3 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/tqjmhd #Astrophotography

An image of the globular star cluster Messier 3.

0123

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/khnr1l #Astrophotography

An image taken of the Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101). It is a spiral galaxy with very distinct spiral arms.

0135

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Note: The image above is an attempted recreation with amateur astrophotography equipment of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's First Look image titled "The Cosmic Treasure Chest", first revealed in June 2025: rubinobservatory.org/gallery/coll... #Astrophotography

rubinobservatory.org

021

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

‪"The Cosmic Treasure Chest": An (Attempted) Amateur Vera C. Rubin Observatory (First Look) Recreation Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/d92q82 #Astrophotography

An attempted recreation with amateur astrophotography equipment of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's First Look image titled "The Cosmic Treasure Chest", first revealed in June 2025.

193

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and NGC 5195 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/j1sy83 #Astrophotography

A cropped (from wide-field) image of the interacting companions Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51) and NGC 5195.

1203

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

Triangulum Galaxy (M33)* Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/rm1f4k #Astrophotography *I reprocessed this to get rid of the extra purple saturation in the background.

0122

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Coma Star Cluster (Melotte 111) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/06h748 #Astrophotography

090

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

‪Bode's (M81), Cigar (M82), and Garland (NGC 3077) Galaxies Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/awvmz7 #Astrophotography

A (cropped from wide-field) image of the Bode's (Messier 81), Cigar (Messier 82), and Garland (NGC 3077) Galaxies.

0172

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Additional close-ups (2 of 2) of some interesting galaxies in the wide-field image, here are: Messier 87, an inverted close-up of Messier 87 which faintly shows the ejected jet of matter from the galactic core, Messier 91, and Messier 99. #Astrophotography

An inverted (and very) close-up image of Messier 87, which faintly shows the ejected jet of matter (at about 2 o'clock) from the galactic core.

0122

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Additional close-ups (1 of 2) of some interesting galaxies in the wide-field image, here are: The Eyes Galaxies (NGC 4435 and 4438), Messier 58, Messier 88, and Messier 90 with IC 3583. #Astrophotography

A close-up image of The Eyes Galaxies (NGC 4435 and 4438).

1101

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Markarian's Chain Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/p5ajb2 #Astrophotography

Full field of view image of Markarian's Chain, a stretch of galaxies in the constellation Virgo.

An annotated full field of view image of Markarian's Chain, a stretch of galaxies in the constellation Virgo.

1122

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Messier 48 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/p60iqs #Astrophotography

Cropped version of the Messier 48 open star cluster.

Full field of view version of the Messier 48 open star cluster.

091

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Moon Closeup 2026-02-25 Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/utm2f2 #Astrophotography

A closeup image taken of the Moon. Features visible in the include Plato Crater, Aristoteles Crater, Cassini Crater, Aristillus Crater, Archimedes Crater, Montes Alpes, Montes Caucasus, parts of Mare Imbrium and Mare Serenitatis, and the locations of the Luna 2 and Apollo 15 landing sites.

An annotated closeup image taken of the Moon. Features visible in the include Plato Crater, Aristoteles Crater, Cassini Crater, Aristillus Crater, Archimedes Crater, Montes Alpes, Montes Caucasus, parts of Mare Imbrium and Mare Serenitatis, and the locations of the Luna 2 and Apollo 15 landing sites.

070

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Jupiter 2026-02-25 - with Ganymede transit (and Io and Europa visible) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/7l3wjy #Astrophotography

Image of Jupiter with Ganymede transit. Also included are 2 Galilean moons, Io and Europa.

Annotated image of Jupiter with Ganymede transit. Also included are 2 Galilean moons, Io and Europa.

0170

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Jellyfish (IC 443) and Monkey Head (NGC 2174) Nebulae Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/8p5k56 #Astrophotography

Wide field image of the Jellyfish (IC 443) and Monkey Head (NGC 2174) Nebulae.

0248

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Seagull Nebula (IC 2177)* Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/log8xo #Astrophotography *Updated with additional curves adjustment.

0264

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Seagull Nebula (IC 2177) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/log8xo #Astrophotography

0299

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

Orion (M42) and Running Man (Sh 2-279) Nebulae* Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/lqvw0s #Astrophotography *HDR processing (version 2) to capture details in M42 core.

High dynamic range image of the Orion (Messier 42) and Running Man (Sh 2-279) Nebulae.

High dynamic range starless image of the Orion (Messier 42) and Running Man (Sh 2-279) Nebulae.

High dynamic range (full field of view) image of the Orion (Messier 42) and Running Man (Sh 2-279) Nebulae.

High dynamic range (full field of view) starless image of the Orion (Messier 42) and Running Man (Sh 2-279) Nebulae.

0213

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/csshl4 #Astrophotography

Image of the Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49).

2337

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Horsehead (Barnard 33) and Flame (NGC 2024) Nebulae Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/zoj6b8 #Astrophotography

Image of the Horsehead (Barnard 33) and Flame (NGC 2024) Nebulae.

142

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Hyades Star Cluster (Caldwell 41) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/bhbe0w #Astrophotography

Image of the Hyades Star Cluster (Caldwell 41).

130

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Pleiades Star Cluster (M45) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/skxljl #Astrophotography

Image of the Pleiades Star Cluster (Messier 45).

142

Jeffrey Baltus Astro @jbaltusastro.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

C/2025 A6 Lemmon (Comet Aligned Time-Lapse) Acquisition details and full resolution: app.astrobin.com/i/f02oqu?r=J #Astrophotography

130