The final image this season captured with the IMX585 sensor is the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) located in the constellation of Cygnus. Situated about 5,000 light years from Earth and spanning 25 light years across, this object is the beautiful creation of a rare, hot Wolf-Rayet star known as WR 136. About 250,000 to 300,000 […]
The Dharma Project Observatory has been inundated with thick smoke this summer from the wildfires encircling the Methow Valley. I have spent many clear, moonless nights sitting on my hands waiting for relief, but the haze continues to linger. Such is the life of the astrophotographer: if it isn’t clouds or moonlight, it is always […]
As galaxy season gives way to Milky Way season for astrophotographers in the Northern Hemisphere, I wanted to share a series of images captured using a new camera with a smaller sensor and smaller pixels (Sony IMX585), giving me a much higher pixel scale. Paired with my 740mm focal length refractor, it creates a fantastic […]
The Great Hercules Cluster (M13) is a heroic sight even through binoculars or a modest telescope. In the pristine dark skies of the Methow Valley, you can even spot it with the naked eye—provided you know exactly where to look. I remember the first time I saw this object in a telescope and it looked […]
Galaxy season continues with a look at a trio of galaxies known as the Leo Triplet. A long integration and the dark skies of the Methow Valley allowed me to capture the subtle interactions of this galactic dance. From the “hamburger” galaxy (NGC 3628) you are able to see a stream of stars and gas […]
