iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Thanks! I use the Carbonstar 150, ASI585mm pro, antlia lrgb-v pro (not for this image however), antlia 3nm SHO, the ZWO 8-position filter wheel, ZWO autofocuser, Skywatcher HEQ5-Pro, guided with a 50mm SVBONY guidescope and ASI120 mm mini, and ran using N.I.N.A on the Mele quieter 3c.

020 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

I probably should begin posting here again, so here is a quick test of the Propeller Nebula that I've been working on! This is roughly 4 hours exposure, 1 hr each of Ha and Sii, and a little over 2 hr for Oiii. More images coming soon! #astrophotography #photography #space #telescope #nebula

The propeller nebula in the Hubble palette

1391 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

NGC 7635 - The Bubble Nebula This is one of my older projects that I just got to editing. I'll likely add much more to this later. Much more coming later, I'm currently working on M81+M82! More info in ALT text. #astrophotography #space #nebula #telescope #photography

NGC 7635 - The Bubble Nebula
Due to the poor weather over the last couple months, I only have a bit under one night's worth of data on this object. In the center of the image is the bubble nebula, and in the top right corner is M52, an open star cluster. The bubble nebula is an emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. This nebula was created by the stellar wind from a large and hot star in the center. With more exposure time, much more nebulosity and detail will be pulled out. Enjoy!

Details:
Bortle 4
Moon illumination: 80%
82x300 sec
Darks, flats, bias
**6.8 hours of exposure time**

CarbonStar 150 with 0.95x corrector
ASI533 mc pro, -20℃, gain of 101
Heq5-pro
SvBony SV106 guidescope
ASI120mm Mini
ASIAIR Plus
Optolong L-eXtreme

Stacked and processed in Pixinsight

0756 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

Here is the completed image of the Christmas Tree Cluster! Image details in the ALT text. #space #astrophotography #nebula #telescope #photography #christmas #christmastree #astro

Merry Christmas everyone!

My latest project was the Christmas tree cluster and cone nebula! Its catalogue designation is NGC 2264, which covers both the christmas tree cluster (majority of the image) and cone nebula (top). This is located about 2,300 light years away in the Monoceros constellation and is about 30 light years across.

Details:
Bortle 4
Moon illumination: 60-100%
194x300 sec
Darks, flats, bias
**16 hours of exposure time**

CarbonStar 150 with 0.95x corrector
ASI533 mc pro, -20℃, gain of 101
Heq5-pro
SvBony SV106 guidescope
ASI120mm Mini
ASIAIR Plus
Optolong L-eXtreme

Stacked and processed in Pixinsight

Higher resolution image:
https://telescopius.com/pictures/view/209982/deep_sky/ngc-2264/christmas-tree-cluster-and-cone-nebula/by-sam_tower

1420 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

A test edit on the christmas tree cluster and cone nebula! Just over 7 hours of data, hoping to get at least one more night on this object. #astrophotography #space #telescope #photography

213511 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

Here's a roughly edited pic of the first panel of orion! 3 more to go, and this project will be complete. Here is a link to a short video going over the equipment I use to get these images: youtube.com/shorts/nDtqA... #astrophotography #orion #space #telescope

040 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

I began my next project last night, which will be a 4 panel mosaic of the Orion and running man nebula! #astrophotography #photography #space #telescope #nebula

070 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

Congrats! Hoping to get one of those in a bit over 4 years

010 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

Iris Nebula - NGC 7023 My latest image, the iris nebula with a total of 25 hours of exposure time! This is located ~1,300ly away in the constellation Cepheus, and one of my favorite types of objects to image. Technical details in the ALT text. Enjoy! #astrophotography #space #nebula #photography

Iris Nebula - NGC 7023

In between the clouds, I have managed to image the Iris Nebula! This nebula is a reflection nebula, with the central star illuminating the surrounding dust. It gets its name from its flower-like shape, named after the iris. It is located about 1,300 light years away in the constellation Cepheus. The iris nebula spans about 6 light years across and was discovered back in 1794. Reflection and dark nebulae are some of my favorite things to image and edit, I’ll be doing much more in this region of the sky when the clouds break up and the moon isn’t full. Enjoy!

Image details:
307x300sec with uv/ir cut filter
**25 hours exposure**

Bortle 4

Equipment:
CarbonStar 150 with 0.95x corrector
ASI533 mc pro, -10℃, gain of 101
Heq5-pro
SvBony SV106 guidescope
ASI120mm Mini
ASIAIR Plus
ZWO uv/ir cut

Stacked and processed in Pixinsight

Higher resolution image: https://telescopius.com/pictures/view/206455/deep_sky/ngc-7023/iris-nebula-ngc-7023/by-sam_tower

0100 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 12/11/2024

Welcome to all new followers! I'm currently working on the Iris nebula, which I hope to finish editing later this week. I don't think I've posted a picture of my telescope setup yet, so here it is! #astrophotography #telescope #photography #space

My current astrophotography setup!

Carbonstar 150 w/ 0.95x corrector
Asi533 mc pro
EAF
Heq5-pro
Asiair plus
Asi120mm mini
Sv106 guidescope
Optolong L-eXtreme
Zwo uv/ir cut

0173 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

My latest project: The Pacman Nebula and surrounding dust. Many more images are coming, I just have to find the time to stack and edit them! Image details in the ALT text. #astrophotography #nebula #photography

NGC 281 - The Pacman Nebula and surrounding dust

In my latest project, I have imaged the Pacman Nebula! This image has a total integration time of just over 24 hours, along with RGB stars, imaged over the course of 3 nights. Also starting to come out in the image is some dust around the nebula! I may go back and do this project in broadband someday to bring it out better. This is roughly 9,200 light-years away from Earth, and has a diameter of 96 light-years. Enjoy!

Image details:
219x300sec with the Optolong L-eXtreme
20x300sec uv/ir cut (for stars)
**26 hours exposure**

Bortle 4

Equipment:
CarbonStar 150 with 0.95x corrector
ASI533 mc pro, -10℃, gain of 101
Heq5-pro
SvBony SV106 guidescope
ASI120mm Mini
ASIAIR Plus
Optolong L-eXtreme
ZWO uv/ir cut

Stacked and processed in Pixinsight

Higher resolution image: https://telescopius.com/pictures/view/206083/deep_sky/ic-11/ngc-281-the-pacman-nebula-and-surrounding-dust/by-sam_tower?gallery_user_id=57298&gallery_order=is_featured

1537 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 05/11/2024

Wow!! This was probably one of the most vibrant rainbows that I have ever seen in Illinois! #ilwx #WxSky #rainbow

020 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 04/11/2024

I have many astro projects needing to be edited. Here is a roughly edited test of the Cygnus wall that I imaged a few nights ago, and I plan on adding much more to this image later. Image details in alt text This is a total of around 8 hours stacked and edited within pixinsight #astrophotography

Cygnus wall - 8 hours integration from bortle 4

107x300sec

Carbonstar 150 with .95x corrector
Asi 533mc pro
Optolong L-eXtreme
Heq5-pro
Asiair plus
Asi 120mm mini
SVBONY sv106 Guide scope

Processed in pixinsight

2235 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 26/10/2024

Here is my final image of comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)! I’m quite happy with how it turned out, especially since this was a last minute idea before going out with the telescope. This image had 40 minutes worth of exposure, with no moon visible. #astrophotography #comet #space

020 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 24/10/2024

Decided to image comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS tonight using my telescope, here is one of many 30 second exposures that will be taken tonight! Taken with the Carbonstar 150 (575mm f3.8), and zwo asi533mc pro. Also auto guiding with the asi120mm mini. #astrophotography #comet

060 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 21/10/2024

Hello! Everything that I post directly is mine, along with quote reposts.

100 0

Reposted by Sam

Jon The Storm Guy @thestormchaseguy.bsky.social · 19/10/2024

Aerial shot of West of Roswell New Mexico

151 0

Reposted by Sam

Jon The Storm Guy @thestormchaseguy.bsky.social · 19/10/2024

Wall cloud 6 miles west of roswell New Mexico

0254 0

Reposted by Sam

National Hurricane Center - Atlantic Alerts (UNOFFICIAL) @nhc-atlc.nws-bot.us · 19/10/2024

Atlantic Hurricane Oscar Special Advisory Number 2 issued at Sat, 19 Oct 2024 17:54:32 +0000 ...RECON FINDS TINY OSCAR A HURRICANE... ...HURRICANE WARNING ISSUED FOR TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS... Additional Details Here.

000
WTNT31 KNHC 191754
TCPAT1

BULLETIN
Hurricane Oscar Special Advisory Number 2
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL162024
200 PM EDT Sat Oct 19 2024

...RECON FINDS TINY OSCAR A HURRICANE...
...HURRICANE WARNING ISSUED FOR TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AND
SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS...

SUMMARY OF 200 PM EDT...1800 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...21.4N 70.6W
ABOUT 165 MI...260 KM ESE OF THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS
ABOUT 470 MI...755 KM E OF CAMAGUEY CUBA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...80 MPH...130 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 270 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...989 MB...29.21 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The government of the Bahamas has issued a Hurricane Warning
for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southeastern Bahamas.

The government of Cuba has issued a Hurricane Watch for the
provinces of Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Turks and Caicos Islands
* Southeastern Bahamas

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Cuban Provinces of Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Cuban Provinces of Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Cuba Provence of Camaguey

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor
products issued by your national meteorological service.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the center of Hurricane Oscar was located
near latitude 21.4 North, longitude 70.6 West. Oscar is moving
toward the west near 12 mph (19 km/h) and this motion with a gradual
slowdown and turn to the west-southwest is forecast over the next
couple of days.

Maximum sustained winds based on aircraft data are near 80 mph (130
km/h) with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is possible
today before gradual weakening begins early next week.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 5 miles (10 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles
(75 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure measured by dropsonde
observations is 989 mb (29.21 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Oscar can be found in the Tropical Cyclone
Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT1 and WMO header WTNT41 KNHC
and on the web at hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT1.shtml

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected to first reach the
coast within the warning area tonight, with tropical storm
conditions expected to begin this afternoon, making outside
preparations dangerous. Tropical storm conditions are possible in
the watch area on Sunday.

RAINFALL: Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts
of 6 inches, are expected across the Turks and Caicos, southeastern
Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas through Tuesday.

For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall associated with
Tropical Storm Oscar, please see the National Weather Service Storm
Total Rainfall Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?rainqpf .

STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce
significant coastal flooding in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where
water levels are expected to be between 2 and 4 feet. Near the
coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next complete advisory at 500 PM EDT.

$$
Forecaster Papin/Cangialosi

Hurricane Oscar 5-Day Uncertainty Track Image

Hurricane Oscar 34-Knot Wind Speed Probabilities

0109 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 19/10/2024

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS setting over Central Illinois a few days ago! #WxSky #ilwx

020 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 18/10/2024

A beautiful fall day here in central Illinois! #ilwx #WxSky

030 0

Reposted by Sam

Greg Diamond @gdimeweather.bsky.social · 18/10/2024

There is literally not a single cloud in the sky from the Plains to the Eastern Seaboard. An absolutely stunning Fall Day.

051 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 18/10/2024

If you see this, post a weather

060 0

Reposted by Sam

JayIsPainting 🍁 @jayispainting.earthskyart.ca · 17/10/2024

#WxSky will almost certainly want to subscribe to the Content Scrapers list where you can automatically block them bsky.app/profile/did:...

14527 0

Reposted by Sam

JayIsPainting 🍁 @jayispainting.earthskyart.ca · 17/10/2024

OK...I've created a starter pack for #WxSky (because that's what we're calling it) About 30 stormchasers, meteorologists, & photographers. If you'd like to be on or off the list let me know. You can follow all these with one click or pick and choose. go.bsky.app/BSfDE7c

5415364 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 18/10/2024

Could I be added if possible? Thanks!

000 0

Sam @samwx.bsky.social · 18/10/2024

My first post on here might as well be some pictures of the recent #aurora here in central Illinois, along with #comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS! More posts will come in the future, but for those who don't know me, I'm a weather nerd (will be going to Iowa State for meteorology after HS graduation this yr).

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS setting over Central Illinois on 10/13/24

Aurora as seen from Central Illinois on 10/10/24

080 0