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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Another Seestar S50 Pro image from my first night. This is cropped from an image that had my dome in it as well - so not deliberately framed on this section. I'm not sure how many 10sec frames this is as I hadn't turned on the save RAW frame setting at the time. #astronomy #astrophotography

This image was cropped from on that had the top of my dome in it. The focus of the scope's stacked image was nice on the dome, but the stars were very soft. The data was not good enough to keep the image as a whole (at least not within the time I was willing to put into it), so I cropped to see how much I could get out of the Milky Way portion.

Using PixInsight and the various XTerminator tools, I managed to make it semi-presentable - just don't zoom in much. :)

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

NGC253. Another Seestar 50 Pro image from my first session recently. Nearly 1 hour of 10 sec images, cut short by clouds. Image on left is from the scope, image on the right I have processed the raws. Read ALTs for more details on the night, etc. #astronomy #astrophotography

NGC253. 332 x 10sec images. In AZ mode so limited to the exposure length. This is how the scope processed it and how I saw it on the tablet during the capture. The night, while technically fine, had high humidity (dew everywhere) and the clouds came over. I think there was likely a thin layer of cloud all night that I could not see with my eyes.

As a bonus, I got to see a cool meteor streak across the sky during this session. Bit of a minor fireball.

NGC253. I took the 332 x 10sec raws from the scope and processed it on my desktop using PixInsight. The image won't win awards, but it's still not bad for the limitations involved.

Looking forward to getting the EQ wedge this week. Although I have no idea when I'll get another session as the weather is cloudy as usual.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

The image on the right I did a quick process of the raw data. Due to the conditions and limited data, I am not likely to get much better results than this. I'm ok with that as it was a night of testing. When I get the wedge I expect to get better data and images should improve further.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Tonight was my first session with my new Seestar S50 Pro smart telescope. I got this to add to my portable gear when I'm on the road. It's not as good as a dedicated rig, but the results are still impressive to me. Read the Alt text for more info (Helix Nebula). #astronomy #astrophotography

Helix Nebula, as processed by the Seestar S50 Pro. I haven't got the EQ wedge yet (it's in the mail), so I am limited to 10 sec exposures in AZ. This image was constructed by the scope using 92 exposures. So just over 15 minutes of data. I could see this in real time on my tablet being integrated and enhanced, which was pretty cool.

Helix Nebula, as processed by me in PixInsight using the raw files the Seestar S50 Pro took. This is a very basic PI process as I didn't want to spend too much time on the image - just enough to see if I could get more out of the data than the scope's internal processing.

And from the above, it's certainly possible. For 15 min of data, I consider this a great result.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

And they dare to get offended when you say it. 😂

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Probably at about 7:30am, right? :)

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

NGC6888, Crescent Nebula. Narrowband (Ha and OIII) with RGB stars. Data taken from my dome from 2025 and this year. Like just about everything I've done in recent years, I'm going to get more data, especially OIII. #astrophotography #astronomy @kat-astro-bot.bsky.social

NGC6888, narrowband with RGB stars. Imaged in September 2025 and August 2026. 16 Ha, 16 OIII images 600 secs each. 28 x RGB, 180 sec each.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

You have to expect stupidity, it's a LNP government. Also, follow the money, they've probably been bought by someone with an interest...

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

IC4701, a 3 hour, one night RGB acquisition between bad weather. #astronomy #astrophotography @kat-astro-bot.bsky.social

IC4701 nebula, captured 12 August 2026. 1 hour for each filter RGB at 3 min exposures.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

It would be much less than 30 years. Maybe less than 10.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

LBN1122, or as I call it: Ghostly Whale Nebula. I got this over 3 nights in July under mixed conditions. This is a LRGB image of a bit under 9 hours of data. Not completely happy with the processing, so a revisit is likely. #astronomy #astrophotography @kat-astro-bot.bsky.social

LBN1122, LRGB image. Processed in PIxInsight.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

New Moon tonight. Clear weather for once. Getting some data to add to a target I started on in September last year. Images captured so far seem to be improving as the night goes on. #astrophotography #astronomy

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Agrivoltaics, if done right are not a problem. Putting solar panels in car parks and as many roof spaces as possible is a good idea. Retrofit over time, but mandate for anything new being built.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Can't win. There's lightning to the north now, not sure what way it is moving. But the flashes are lighting up the sky and making a mess with of things. Going to shutdown for the night.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

So it's night 3 just starting. Had some technical issues over the last 2 nights, but still managed to get 7 hours of data on my target before it got too low. With various fixes applied today, things are going well... So far at least. #astrophotography

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Strange phenomenon here tonight. Clear skies, no cloud. Feels weird.... Also trying to get some data for an image. Might have a 3 night run if I am lucky. #astrophotography

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Lines of clouds in the blue sky. These were a bit stronger and more densely packed a bit before this, but I was driving and couldn't take a pic at the time.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Yeah, interfacing with physical systems for control, etc. Much easier (or generally supported) under Linux and Windows.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

I can't help you with your question, I'm here to register surprise re: Astronomers and Macs. I guess professional Astronomers don't need to work with physical systems much?

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

I'm getting flashbacks to my Titania about 8.5 years ago now! Still as beautiful as ever.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Accelerate your public charging rollout, especially in the regions. Totally inadequate right now.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

I'm just lazy, so this was the easiest solution.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

I got an extension cord that was on a drum - easy to roll back up when finished.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Home is where your heart is?

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

I think the answers are, unfortunately: They don't care; no and definitely not. A fair proportion of the blame though has to go to the Coalition for their unbelievable levels of long time stupidity and divisiveness. This is a protest to them for their "actions".

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

NGC3372, Eta Carinae Nebula. Captured the data in April under challenging conditions. Nearly 7 months since my last astro capture and post here. #astrophotography @kat-astro-bot.bsky.social

NGC3373 Eta Carinae Nebula
A bit under 4 hours of LRGB data that took multiple days to get due to weather conditions.
ASI2600MM camera, APM LZOS TMB 152mm scope (at 900mm), CEM120EC2 mount

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

It's nothing you can't solve with some combination of money, gear, time, patience, practice, learning, freezing, sleep deprivation, processing software wrangling, etc. Easy as ;)

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

That's still way too much unshielded light from the house!

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Reposted by Chris R

The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 29/04/2026

“So, the science is clear – no more fossil fuels is the first step to a phase out and that we need to act with extreme urgency because science has not been at the centre of our political debate." – Louise Morris Read more: theaus.in/49egy0w

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Feel free to DM me if you want to chat about it, etc.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Just watched the video and I'll be following along. I've got a Lightning - in Australia - and I've got some changes done to it. Not to the same level of ambition that you are aiming for though. I have replaced the fixed side steps with an automated one that folds up, lift levelling kit and 35" tyres

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Help us help you - get more EV chargers in the regions so we can more easily visit.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

I look forward to the day I never see this shit stain in the media anywhere.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Probably cheaper ways to block the door to the kitchen though...

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Might not be enough carbs. Any thought to finding a way to add some rice maybe? :)

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Retired recently-ish, and started the bread making. Hoping to make my first sourdough loaf next week - from a kit. Will work up to my own starter from there. Highly recommend doing it and hope it works out for you.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Time to accelerate work on phasing fossil fuels out. Need more announcements of real progress in this area. For example, take whatever you are doing for regional public EV chargers and ramp it up in quantity, quality and rollout speed.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

It should start at 25% and increase every year. Also, though not probably not allowed, I would backdate it.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Another issue they're going to have to address better is public chargers, especially in the regions: too few, too unreliable, too slow.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Near Girraween NP, this camel did not want to move at all, even as I came closer. So I had to edge pass. Immovable object. 🙂

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Pfft, it'll blow over. 😜 More seriously, yeah, hope you're prepared.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

We left some boxes out on the patio table. Obviously they were going to be commandeered by our cats. #cats #catsinboxes

Titania, an Abyssinian cat in a box looking a bit wild.

Titania and Moth, Abyssinian cats in a boxes. Ti had just swiped at Moth to put him in his place.

Titania, an Abyssinian cat in a box looking a bit wild - close up.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

It's appropriate to answer, it's just that the piece of shit then responds to the answer with an attack instead of doing the right thing. But it's to be expected by this narcissistic pedofile.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

He's only a "Piece" of Shit.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

We Australians can relate to the Canadian perspective as well. For me it's 2 days driving to go west or north and I will still be in the same state. A mere 4 hours south will get a state change.

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Chris R @lazjen.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Trying out hard mode for a while...

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