life inside the fence

  Stargazing at 60

Astronomy is something I've always loved and that I've been able to reconnect with over the past few years. In the past, my work schedule was so hectic there was very little time or energy for stargazing. But since starting my work with kids and the fact that I work from home, I've been able to enjoy the night skies once again.

I've made an attempt at astro-photography and have managed to take a few decent photos. I've found that just setting up a camera on the tripod with the widest aperture works pretty good. I've never had a lot of luck with mounting the camera on the telescope with the exception of last April's solar eclipse (April 2024).

It was a partial eclipse but I was please with the photos.

I wanted to do a sequence of photos from the beginning of the eclipse to the end but I had a to teach a class. Nevertheless, I was happy with the photos I did get.

When comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS passed through our solar system last October (2024) I was able to snap a few decent photos with this one at an f 5/6, 8-second exposure. And since I live in a rural area, light pollution was not an issue. I am hoping to get some good photos of the new comet that is passing through. Comet SWAN25B should be visible on the horizon as of now though viewing will be better next month.

With the weather cooling, I am looking forward to getting the telescope out again. I hesitate to do any stargazing during the summer months simply because of rattlesnakes. We do have them on the property and they are active during warmer weather, and yes, they intimidate me greatly.

Take care,

Teresa, still a misfit at 60