John Murphy
Astrophotography
Updated 8th June 2011: Supernovae in M51 Whirlpool Galaxy (SN 2011dh). Link: Journal
Updated -
Observing the Moon
Unlike most astronomical objects, the moon has an amazing wealth of detail that can be observed with even quite modest equipment. But where are the most interesting features? Check the current moon phase from the 'CURRENT MOON' gadget, and then select the appropriate moon phase page from the menu side bar (Located under 'Solar System'). The page will display an image of the moon at this phase, and crops from the image with descriptions of the most interesting regions to observe at this phase.
For the first 7 days (50%) after full moon, the brightness halves every 2 days. After this (crescent phases) the brightness decrease is even faster. |
Imaging Calander (Deep sky Image Table)
Have you ever wondered 'what should I image tonight?' If so, this sortable table might just help. The table contains all the deep sky objects that I have imaged. The last column in the table displays the approximate RA of the object, and the month when the object is at the meridian at midnight (UT / GMT). For example, "08 Jan end" indicates that the object is approximatly at RA 8h, and towards the end of January you should be able to image it all night. So, simply sort the table on the last column, and draw up your imaging list! A link to this table is also provided on the menu side bar, 'Deep Sky Image Table' under 'Navigation'
Catalogue thumbnail indexes
The thumbnail indexes for all of my deep sky images are located at the top of the menu side bar, under 'Navigation'. So far, I have included thumbnail indexes for the following catalogues: Messier Index, Caldwell Index, NGC Index, IC Index. If you know the objects name (e.g. M31), you can use the direct links on the menu side bar instead.