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Will Snyder

@wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net
139 followers 11 following 131 posts

Husband, Father, Veteran, IT Linux Superhero, 3D Modeler (Blender), Amateur Astronomer, SciFi Lover, and all round geek.

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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 30/07/2026
Another project, CAEI (Consolidated Astronomy Equipment Interface). My take on INDI/INDIGO/ASCOM-Alpaca. Some of the goals, 1) truly OS agnostic. 2) Better install-ability, 3) Better standards for driver creation. Written entirely in Rust with builtin web interface. - #astronomy #astrophotography
CAEI's (Consolidated Astronomy Equipment Interface) web interface to manage various devices.  Currently has built-in simulator for camera and focuser. Next phase of development is working with real hardware.
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 22/07/2026
Lots going on in life and it slipped past me yesterday that it was the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. The image is a 3D scene I created a few years back to celebrate. Happy Moon Landing day! - #Apollo11 #astronaut #spaceflight #space
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 15/07/2026
@bot.astronomy.blue signup
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 08/07/2026
Interactive Architecture Map of Astrophotography Control Suite (ACS). Once I iron out a few more details I hope to get this onto a web site for anyone interested to check out it's design. - #astronomy #astrophotography #Linux #Python
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 07/07/2026
ACS' Framing Assistant looking good! Polishing touches to altitude graph. Twilight color indicators based location. Meridian flip indicator. Ability to add ticks (green lines), help plan imaging times, provides total time between points. - #astronomy #astrophotography #linux #python
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 26/06/2026
A mock up of the sequencer I'll develop for ACS. If it looks familiar, yes it's influenced by #N.I.N.A. It's what I currently use, I find it's advanced sequencer well thought out, powerful and flexible. I've also added a simple option for quick/simple imaging. - #astrophotography #astronomy #Linux
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 24/06/2026
Used plate/solve/center simulator to create a meridian flip simulator & test out all necessary processes for a successful meridian flip. Super helpful nailing down a text book flip & re-centering. A critical piece needed for the imaging sequence build out. - #astrophotography #astronomy #Linux
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 20/06/2026
Spent 2 weeks attempting to get solve, slew, and center working. Finally created some code to use INDI's CCD Simulator, EQMod in simulator mode, test the whole process without being at the telescope. It worked! Next clear night I can test live at the telescope. - #astrophotography #astronomy #linux
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 11/06/2026
Adding support for astrometry.net to ACS. Been using astap for plate solving, it struggles at longer focal lengths. See if astrometry does better. Created a nice download screen for it's index files. Clear sky tonight, will work more on plate solving & framing. - #astrophotography #astronomy #linux
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 10/06/2026
Clear sky's tonight so been out at the telescope flushing out the code for ACS' Framing Assistant. Great progress so far, ironing some solving issues for "Slew and Center". - #astrophotography #astronomy #linux
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 08/06/2026
Clouds for weeks, decided to work on a side project. I'm a heavy Linux user & I've always been frustrated w/ the astrophotography options for Linux. Currently I use N.I.N.A. which I love, I dislike relying on Windows. Started working on my own software for acquisition. - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 26/05/2026
“that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain” - Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Address
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 23/04/2026
Been working on this since early Jan. 4 panel mosaic of the Rosette Nebula. Done w/ my 10", 1000m focal length @f4, ASI2600mm pro w/ HSO filters. 10hrs 45/panel/filter. 43hrs/all panels/filter. Total everything, 139hrs, or 5.4 days. My biggest project to date. Enjoy! - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 06/02/2026
Recently installed and been testing the app for #N.I.N.A. I love it as an alternative to keeping an eye on my image sequence. Oh and loving that tracking RMS! - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 12/01/2026
Been a while since I shared a photo. I give you M42, Orion Nebula. Not recent, from November, taken with my Player One, one shot color camera. Used several mask layers during to preserve the core. More images are in the works in-between gathering ExoPlanet data. - #astronomy #astrophotography
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 11/01/2026
Awesome, Pandora lifted off this morning to help further our understanding of ExoPlanets. As amateurs we can help provide data on #ExoPlanet transits so professionals can better plan precious telescope time. Check out #NASA ExoPlanet Watch program. - #astronomy science.nasa.gov/universe/exo...
science.nasa.gov
NASA’s Pandora Satellite, CubeSats to Explore Exoplanets, Beyond - NASA Science
Editor's Note, Jan. 11, 2026: NASA’s Pandora and the NASA-sponsored BlackCAT and SPARCS missions lifted off at 8:44 a.m. EST (5:44 a.m. PST) Sunday, Jan. 11.
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 10/11/2025
First results from the new Polar One Ares-C camera. M33, Triangulum galaxy. Since the Ares-C has a smaller sensor I did a two panel mosaic to get the majority of the galaxy. 7 hrs/panel w/ a total integration of 14 hrs. Very pleased w/ the results. - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 08/11/2025
My primary camera is a ZWO ASI533mm Pro and it has been a work horse. I’ve read positive things about Player One and decided to give them a go. Just arrived their Ares-C. Their version of the ASI533 color. Sky looks decent tonight, should be able to give it a test. - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 03/11/2025
Was away on a wonderful 3 week road trip to celebrate my bday. The telescope is back up and on to my latest projects. CTB1/Abell 85 (supernova remnant), started before I left. The newest is the ever popular and beautiful NGC7293, Helix Nebula. The progress thus far. - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 02/10/2025
My latest, NGC 6888, the Crescent Nebula. Another Wolf-Rayet star (WR 136) created Nebula. Total of 21hrs 45mins of Ha, OIII, and SII. A set of LRRG images to create properly colored stars. More on this amazing object via the link below. Enjoy! - tinyurl.com/47vwbcmy - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 21/09/2025
Here it is! My take on NGC7635, Bubble Nebula. Total of 41 hrs exposure time with Ha/OIII/SII. I cropped the image to focus on the Bubble & nearby area. Find the details on NASA's site. It's more than I can share here & worth the read. science.nasa.gov/asset/hubble... - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 19/09/2025
Clear nights have been sparse here in Colorado. A very active early fall with lots of moisture. Finally finished my Bubble Nebula & I’m working on processing it. Meanwhile started the next one, the Crescent Nebula. A rare clear night so making the most of it. - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 20/08/2025
Two new projects. NGC 6888, Crescent Nebula, and NGC 7635, Bubble Nebula. Continuing the Wolf-Rayet star theme. Gathering data on both per night. 7635 isn’t visible for me until midnight, so I gather data on 6888 early in the evening until 7635 comes up. - #astrophotography #astronomy #wolf-rayet
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 09/08/2025
Saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Lovell. His two Apollo missions brought the world together. Apollo 8, first time humans left Earth orbit, circled the Moon brought us the famous Earthrise photo. Apollo 13, showed what we could do when we come together. Godspeed Mr Lovell. - #NASA #Apollo #Moon
npr.org
Famed NASA astronaut and Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell has died at age 97
Lovell commanded the mission that almost ended in disaster after an explosion that threatened the crew's oxygen and electrical supply. The inspiring story of their survival was made into a hit movie.
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 03/08/2025
W/ no clear nights for a couple of weeks, I’ve been working on my Meade LX200. Added a CYCK focuser. Also purchased a Deep Sky Dad light panel that attaches to the front. Testing w/ N.I.N.A., it works wonderfully. Now for a clear night so I can test the setup. - #astrophotography #astronomy #LX200
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 31/07/2025
Here it is! My take on WR134. Times per filter, OIII: 28h 30m, Ha: 15h 15m, SII: 15h 15m; for a total of 59h. OIII is the blue in the image, it's the bubble created by the star, WR134, in the center. My first project w/ my new Quattro 250P Telescope, I'm very pleased. - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 21/07/2025
Humankind dared to dream big and on this night 56 years ago achieved that dream. - #moonlanding #apollo11 #nasa #dreambig
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 19/07/2025
My WR134 project is coming along. I’ve gathered lots data. To change things up I got an adapter to attach my camera w/ filter wheel to a Nikon lens. Going to try some wide field with it. Never done it so should be a fun attempt. - #astrophotography #astronomy
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 02/07/2025
Beyond stoked that I received an email today that I was able to order this!!! I grew up with Star Trek: TOS and I'm so excited that The Wand Company has painstakingly created this workable Tricorder from one of the last remaining hero props. - #startrek #startrektos #tricorder #thewandcompany
thewandcompany.com
Star Trek Tricorder | The Wand Company
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 28/06/2025
Update on my WR134 project. This is the progression of OIII images. Left image is 1h 30m, middle is 6h 30m and right is the latest at 10h 15m. That bubble is really starting to show. Going to focus on getting more OIII vs Ha and SII to bring out that detail. - #astronomy #astrophotography #WR134
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 20/06/2025
For fun I processed the H-alpha data on my Eagle Nebula. It's only an hour so far but it already looks good. Will definitely get several more hours before it's done. I cropped in on the Pillars of Creation to see their detail. - #astronomy #astrophotography #EagleNebula #PillarsofCreation
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 20/06/2025
Had a few more good nights on WR134. Here's the progress especially with the OIII layer, that's where this object really shines. Left is the first 1hr 30mins I captured. Right is after last night's run, puts it at 6hrs 30mins. The OIII detail is really popping. - #astronony #astrophotography #WR134
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 19/06/2025
Had some time to kill before WR134 comes up so trained the scope on the Eagle Nebula. Never imaged it before. The new scope is amazing with the detail it brings with shorter exposures. - #astronomy #astrophotography #eaglenebula #pillarsofcreation
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 17/06/2025
A week from today. Can’t wait to see the images this telescope will produce! - #astronomy #telescope
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 16/06/2025
Update on my WR-134 image. Had a couple of good nights. So far 3hrs 30mins per filter, 10hrs 30mins total. Excited with the results. Here's what I've gotten so far for each filter. Thought I'd share with stars and without. Can see more detail without the stars. - #astronomy #astrophotography
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 13/06/2025
Awesome new documentary about the James Web Telescope with some never before seen footage. - www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSMG... - #astronomy #NASA #telescope
youtube.com
Cosmic Dawn (NASA+ Original Documentary)
YouTube video by NASA
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 10/06/2025
Two nights under my belt with the new scope imaging WR-134. A total of 1h 30m of exposure per filter, SHO and so far it's looking really good. I removed the stars to see how the detail in the nebulosity is looking and I love it! - #astronomy #astrophotography #telescope
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 08/06/2025
Official first light with new scope! Decided on WR (Wolf-Rayet) 134 as the first object. 15 min integrations x 3 per SHO filter. So far very happy with the results. All the mods/upgrades are paying off. - #astronomy #astrophotography
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 08/06/2025
I am now on Astrobin if you’d like to connect there. - app.astrobin.com/u/wlsnyder#g... - #astronomy #astrophotography
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 03/06/2025
New telescope update. The final upgrade arrived today, replacement focuser. Read good things about this one. Build quality is solid. Movement feels real smooth. Also working on back focus. Currently at 59mm, need to be at 55. New spacer arrives today. - #astronomy #astrophotography #telescope
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Reposted by Will Snyder
Jennifer L. Hoffman ✨😷 @astroprofhoff.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
I've been called many things, but this is a new one. 😆🤓 Thanks to Sahale Greenwood at Denver Life Magazine for the lovely profile! Also featuring @uofdenver.bsky.social, @chamberlin-obs.bsky.social, and @denverastro.bsky.social . 💖 www.denverlifemagazine.com/jennifer-hof...
denverlifemagazine.com
Jennifer Hoffman is a Guardian of the Galaxy
University of Denver professor and Chamberlin Observatory director Jennifer Hoffman helps Coloradans find wonder—and perspective—in the night sky.
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 28/05/2025
Looking at the Clear Sky Chart I might be able to get first light with the new telescope Thursday or Friday night! - #astronomy #astrophotography #telescope
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 28/05/2025
Upgrades for the new scope arrived yesterday. Installed last night. Before and after photos. Primary mirror mask added to help with star shapes. Secondary mirror spider vane upgrade along with mirror cover. New vane is solid and looks great! - #astronomy #astrophotography #telescope
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 25/05/2025
Find Pluto... In 2008 I made a blink video using 2 images of the same area of sky taken 24 hrs apart. Switching between them quickly, you see Pluto’s movement relative to the other stars. Look top, left of center & you'll see a dot moving up and down. This is Pluto. - #astronomy #astrophotography
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 25/05/2025
Did a balancing test with the new scope. Loaded it up with all the imaging tech, got it on the mount and was able to get an excellent balance. No clear skies until, maybe, next weekend. Some upgrades will arrive this week so gives me time to get them installed. - #astronomy #newtelescope #telescope
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 24/05/2025
New telescope arrived! My son helping unpack and inspect. A Sky-Watcher Quattro 250P. A 10”, 1000mm f/4. Other pieces to mod it out will be arriving the next few days. When it’s done it’ll be an imaging monster. - #astronomy #astrophotography #telescope #newtelescope #skywatcher
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 23/05/2025
Recent M51 image, 9h 37mins of total exposure, LRGB. Taken with the LX200 10" w/ a .63x focal reducer/coma corrector. It's the last image with this scope, I ordered a Newtonian that arrives tomorrow. If anyone is interested I'm selling my LX200 w/ lots of goodies. - #astronomy #astrophotography
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 23/05/2025
Excited to see the first images come from this amazing project!! - #telescope #astronomy #nightsky
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 15/05/2025
Very cool project! Amateur astronomers can collect data on variable stars. If you’re interested check out the AAVSO, aavso.org - #astronomy #variablestars #aavso
aavso.org
Home | aavso
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Will Snyder @wlsnyder.williamlsnyder.net · 09/05/2025
The ol’ Meade LX200 10” getting it done. Just finished the meridian flip and, a somewhat quick refocus (gotta love SCT’s and mirror shift), it’s back to work gathering LRGB data on M51. - #astrophotography #astronomy #M51 #galaxy #lookup #colorado
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