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A mega mosaic of a region in the scorpius constellation
Tips & News, Travel journal
09/10/20240

Capture mega mosaic with CovalENS – Affinity Photo and Telescopius Tutorial

Vaonis exclusive live mosaic mode offer an easy way to capture large nebula and space scenes. The biggest deep sky objects like the Andromeda galaxy, the Rosette nebula or the entire Veil Nebula can easily fit in this field of view offered by Vespera II and Vespera Pro live mosaic mode. However, we may sometimes be tempted to go even further. There are large regions or group of objects that would deserve to be capture in the same shot. This is technically possible by capturing several contiguous live mosaics that slightly overlap to cover the whole region, then stitch them together to get the final shot. Such kind of project would require extensive total acquisition time and a little bit of planning. Yet, thanks to Multi-Night observations and Plan my Night, it has never been easier. This article breaks down the whole process and demos on how to make Mega Mosaic capture & creation and get stunning shots of the universe with your Vaonis smart telescope using an affordable image processing software : Affinity Photo. 

A few exemple of candidate targets for a mega mosaic

  • The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex
  • The whole central part of Cygnus constellation ( around the star Sadr) or the tail of Scorpius which contain expansive HII regions
  • The Large Magellanic Cloud
  • The region spanning from the Orion Nebula to the Horsehead Nebula
  • The Coalsack Nebula
  • The couple Heart and Soul Nebulae
  • The region spanning from the Carina Nebula to the Running Chicken Nebula including the Statue of Liberty Nebula
  • The Virgo galaxy cluster
  • North America and Pelican Nebulae with their surrounding HII clouds
  • The couple Lobster Claw and Bubble Nebulae
  • The Christmas tree cluster with the Cone and Fox Fur Nebulae plus its surrounding region
  • A shot bringing together M16 and M17 Nebulae

What to expect, how demanding is it ?

Once you’ve chosen the target for your project, you must estimate how many Live Mosaics you’ll need to capture depending on the total filed of view of your mega mosaic. Then, you must determine an approximative total acquisition time. With this in mind, you can verify that you project is inline with the visibility of the object and the number of usable night you can expect.

How wide can you go ?

There’s no specific limit but the time you accept to dedicate to the project and the length of the period of visibility of your target.

The smallest mega mosaic is a composition of two Live Mosaics.

Based on a square ratio, here are the field of view of a CovalENS Live Mosaic :
for Vespera Classic : 2.4° x 2.4°
for Vespera Passengers : 4.16° x 4.16°
for Vespera II : 3.25° x 3.25°
for Vespera Pro : 3.2° x 3.2°
for Stellina : 1.7° x 1.7°

To successfully stitch two live mosaics together, they must have a shared area that the stitching software can utilize to accurately align each image, ensuring there are no gaps in the final mega mosaic. I recommend an overlap of 25% of each image (1/4th of the image) to ensure a successful stitching.

Based on this, here’s a chart recapitulating the field of view covered by a 2 to 9 panels mega mosaic

Table 1 : field of view covered by a mega mosaic.

Vespera Classic Vespera Passengers Vespera II Vespera Pro Stellina
2 panels 4.2° x 2.4° 7.28° x 4.16° 5.68° x 3.25° 5.6° x 3.2° 2.975° x 1.7°
3 panels 6° x 2.4° 10.4° x 4.16° 8.125° x 3.25° 8° x 3.2° 4.25° x 1.7°
4 panels 4.2° x 4.2° 7.28° x 7.28° 5.68° x 5.68° 5.6° x 5.6° 2.975° x 2.975°
6 panels 6° x 4.2° 10.4° x 7.28° 8.125° x 5.68° 8° x 5.6° 4.25° x 2.975°
8 panels 7.8° x 4.2° 13.52° x 7.28° 10.56° x 5.68° 10.4° x 5.6° 5.525° x 2.975°
9 panels 7.8° x 7.8° 13.52° x 13.52° 10.56° x 10.56° 10.4° x 10.4° 4.25° x 4.25°

 

How much time will it take ?

When it comes to building mega mosaic, we would want to always capture the biggest possible CovalENS Live Mosaic. For a good quality image, I recommend capturing at least 3 or 4 hours of data per individual CovalENS mosaic. This could represent 5 to 8 hours of real observation time each. Going longer will reward you with even better quality result.

I recommend capturing only when the object is between 25° and 70° of elevation if possible. Under 25° the atmosphere absorption start to hinder the quality of the observation. Above 70°, a good and fast tracking become challenging.

In case the target reach 70° in the middle of the night, you can split the observation into two parts, waiting it goes back down to 70° again. You can easily do this by leveraging the power of Multi-Night Observation.

You may be able to capture only one CovalENS mosaic per night (one panel of your mega mosaic).

Simulate your mega mosaic with Telescopius

About telescopius

Telescopius is a free online astronomy multipurpose tool. It notably propose a telescope simulator that help in checking camera framing and planning mosaics.

https://telescopius.com/

 

Telescopius

The mosaic planning in Telescopius.

Here’s how you can use it to simulate your mosaic:

  • In the “my equipment” section, make sure “astrophotography” is selected
  • From the “toolbox” menu, choose “telescope simulator”
  • Click the “target” icon and search for your target to center the map on it. You can drag around the map.
  • Click the “telescope” icon and enter the focal length and aperture for your smart telescope. Refer to the table 2
  • Click the “camera” icon. You are supposed to enter the size of your sensor. However, since you assemble Live Mosaics, you must dial down the virtual size of the sensor that would have been required to capture such a sized image. You will find the relevant values depending on the telescope in the table 3 (basically, this is the native sensor size multiplied by the ratio between the live mosaic field of view and the native field of view)
  • Click the “mosaic” icon then set the overlap percentage and define the number of panel in order to cover the region you intend to capture
  • Back to the “camera” section and set the position angle to adjust the framing orientation as desired

Table 2 : Aperture and focal length of Vaonis smart telescopes

Stellina Vespera Classic Vespera Passengers Vespera II Vespera Pro
Aperture 80 50 50 50 50
Focal Length 400 200 200 250 250

 

Table 3 : Virtual sensor sizes corresponding to a live mosaic at maximum size

Stellina Vespera Classic Vespera Passengers Vespera II Vespera Pro
Native FOV 1° x 0.7° 1.6° x 0.9° 2.4° x 1.8° 2.5° x 1.4° 1.6° x 1.6°
Native sensor size 7.4 x 5 mm 5.6 x 3.1 mm 8.4 x 6.3 mm 11.2 x 6.3 mm 7.0 x 7.0 mm
Live mosaic max. FOV (sensor ratio) 2° x 1.4° 3.2° x 1.8° 4.8° x 3.6° 4.33° x 2.43° 3.2° x 3.2°
Virtual sensor size for a live mosaic at sensor ratio (for Telescopius) 14.8 x 10 mm 11.2 x 6.2 mm 16.8 x 12.6 mm 22.4 x 12.6 mm 14 x 14 mm
Live mosaic max. FOV (square ratio) 1.7° x 1.7° 2.4° x 2.4° 4.16° x 4.16° 3.25° x 3.25° 3.2° x 3.2°
Virtual sensor size for a squared ratio live mosaic (for Telescopius) 12.58 x 12.58 mm 8.4 x 8.4 mm 14.56 x 14.56 mm 14.56 x 14.56 mm 14 x 14 mm

 

Capturing your mega mosaic

The crucial point is to properly capture each indivual CovalENS live mosaic to ensure they overlap and cover the desired region. Depending on how demanding you are, you have two ways to do it.

No matter which approach you choose, it’s advisable to capture a similar amount of data for each image.

The quick and dirty way

You estimate and adjust the framing of each mosaic using reference points on the simplified map provided by the Singularity interface.

Since you need to remember the framing of each individual mosaic to define the next one to capture, here’s my recommendations:

Once you’ve defined the framing for the first live mosaic (the first panel of your mega mosaic), take a screenshot to use as a reference when adjusting the framing for the second panel, ensuring they overlap correctly.

Then take a screenshot of the framing for the second panel and follow the same process for the remaining panels.

The meticulous way

If you make use of Telescopius to simulate your mega mosaic, you can retrieve the coordinates of the center of each panel.
Based on this, you can create manual targets in Singularity for each panel. Then you don’t have to care about the centering of your panels. You just have to set the size to the maximum and apply the right orientation based on Telescopius preview.

To get the coordinates of each panel from Telescopius, you must be signed in.

Once you’ve simulated your mosaic, click the “list” icon then choose “go to list” where you will find the detailed coordinates of each panel. These are the coordinates you will use to create your manual targets.

 

The list of your panels with their coordinates ( RA -DEC)

Processing the images (or not)

You can compose the mega mosaic with the JPEG images straight out from the telescope.
For better results, you may want to apply your own post processing and work with the TIFF RAW files.

In this tutorial, we are going to use Affinity Photo to stitch together each individual mosaic. Affinity Photo won’t be able to stitch them if you don’t apply at least a stretching to each image. Moreover, since each individual mosaic is captured on different days with varying sky conditions, you should process them to ensure they are as uniform as possible. This will guarantee better results.

Since you will have the opportunity to refine the processing once the entire mega mosaic is composed, don’t go too far in the processing of each individual mosaic.

You can check our previous blogpost about Affinity photo HERE.

Composing the mega mosaic with Affinity Photo

  • From the “File” menu, choose “New Panorama”
  • From the pop-up window, choose “Add”, then add to the list all the individual mosaics that will compose your mega mosaic
  • Click “Assembler le panorama”
  • The right side of the pop-up window displays the result as a thumbnail. If you find the result satisfactory, click “OK” to allow Affinity Photo to create the panorama
  • Check if you see seams in the resulting image. If so, use the brush tool to refine the overlapping zone between each image
  • Each time you edit the overlapping zone, you must press “Render” to see the result
  • Once you are satisfied with the look, click “Apply”
  • You can now crop your mega mosaic to eliminate the blank parts
  • Fine-tune your image with further post-processing

Tutorial sample file

The images used in this tutorial cover a region of the Scorpius constellation between Zeta and Mu Scorpii. This area notably features the Prawn Nebula, several star clusters, and numerous HII regions.

You can download the source files here.

Press, Tips & News, Travel journal
01/10/20240

Multi-Night Observations comprehensive guide : Master astrophotography with Vaonis “PerseverENS”

Vaonis proudly introduces PerseverENS: the first-ever multi-session capture management system embedded in a telescope. With this break-through feature astrophotography enthusiasts can now capture stunning deep space images over multiple nights with unprecedented ease. If you’re passionate about exploring the universe and want to elevate your astrophotography game, the Multi-Night Observations feature in Vaonis telescopes is a game-changer.

 

Why multi-night observations matter in astrophotography

Deep space objects are incredibly faint, and capturing their light requires pushing telescope sensors to their limits. This often introduces noise into the images, making it hard to get a clear view of your target.

The solution? Image stacking, a technique where multiple exposures are combined to enhance the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). By stacking images, noise— which appears randomly in each exposure—gets progressively canceled out, revealing the full details of the celestial object.

Vespera and Stellina automate this process. A typical observation session of 1-4 hours can produce clear, high-quality images, allowing for post-processing if desired.
However, to take your astrophotography to the next level, sometimes one night of imaging isn’t enough—especially for large nebulae or expansive space scenes.

That’s where Multi-Night Observations come in, allowing you to capture the same object over several nights or multiple sessions in a single night, without any extra effort.

By leveraging the Multi-Night Observations feature, the results of your observation sessions are saved along with the target and image settings, including Live Mosaic framing if applicable. The stacking process automatically resumes where it left off. Your smart telescope delivers a single final image that combines all your capture sessions, ready for easy sharing or further post-processing with your preferred image editing app.

What are “Multi-Night Observations” capabilities?

Limitless acquisition

There’s no cap on the total exposure time you can accumulate on a target. Whether you need 10 hours or 50, your results are stored as a single file. No clutter, no fuss.

Smart Storage

Don’t worry about filling up your device with raw files. The system stores the observation as a single file, and you can safely delete individual exposures without losing the overall result (just remember to save the raw file you’ll need for post-processing).

Target and Settings Preservation

Your telescope remembers all your capture settings, including framing and filter configurations, across sessions. Just press a button, and you’re ready to continue the project.
You can create manual targets with personalized camera settings (exposure and gain) and resume the entire observation. Singularity will remind you to install a filter, if applicable, to maintain the consistency of your configuration across sessions.

Seamless Integration with Live Mosaic

Multi-Night Observations unlock the full potential of Live Mosaic capture. It preserves your exact framing and progress. Should you stop a session before a mosaic pass is complete, the next session will resume exactly where the previous one left off.

Learn more about Live Mosaic.

 

Automation with “Plan my Night”

Don’t waste time supervising your telescope during long acquisitions. You can automate your astrophotography sessions and let Vespera or Stellina run the session automatically, shutting down once completed. Just run the same program the next night, and your Multi-Night capture will continue seamlessly.

Manage Multiple Projects at Once

Your smart telescope can manage up to five multi-night projects simultaneously. Depending on the visibility of different targets, you can juggle multiple observation projects within the same night.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

  • To create a new Multi-Night Observation, you need to be connected to your telescope.
  • Since a multi-night capture is linked to the capabilities and configuration of your smart telescope, you can’t start an observation on one telescope and resume it on another.
  • If you’re using filters for your captures, the same filter must be installed for every observation session. This consistency ensures the best quality for your final image.

You can perform a multi-session capture of the same object multiple times during the same night. This is useful if a target rises above 70° in elevation and becomes difficult to track. You can then split the capture into two parts (before it reaches 70° and after it drops below). While you can program this behavior in Plan My Night on iOS devices, it is not currently available on Android devices.

However, you can still manually launch a Multi-Night observation multiple times during the same night.

How to perform and manage multi-night observations.

WATCH OUR VIDEO TUTORIAL

The Singularity welcome screen (Space Center) displays a new widget with the infinity symbol (?). By pressing it, you can access and manage your current Multi-Night Observations. The list will remain empty until you have actually started capturing at least a first session of a Mulit-Night observation.

Starting a new Multi-Night observation

Starting a new Multi-Night Observation from the catalog

Your smart telescope must be initialized.

  • Choose your target from the catalog or create a manual target for custom settings.
  • If you’re using a filter, attach it to the telescope.
  • Press the “Advanced Observation” button.
  • Select whether you want a standard or Live Mosaic capture, and then activate Multi-Night observations.
  • Press the “Observe” button.

HINT

In case you started an advanced observation without the Multi-Night mode, you can convert it as a Multi-Night Observation while the observation is currently running. In the observation screen, go to the top right menu and choose “Enable multi-night”.

Starting a new Multi-Night Observation from “Plan my Night”.

  • Head to the “Plan my Night” interface.
  • Create a new plan.
  • Select your observation location.
  • Set the date for the plan.
  • Name your plan.
  • Activate “Advanced observations” to be able to add a “Multi-Night Observation” target to your plan (you must be connected to your smart telescope).
  • If you intend to observe with a filter, put it on your telescope.
  • Add your target.
  • Press the edit button at the bottom left of the scheduler (pen icon) – You MUST do this for each target of your plan that you want to convert into multi-night project..
  • Choose whether you want a standard observation or a Live Mosaic then activate “Multi-Night Observation” at the bottom of the screen.
  • Validate to add the target to your plan.
  • Define the observation time frame.
  • Save your target setting by pressing the “validate” button (checkmark icon) – You must do this for each target you want to add to your plan.

Important notice

Since you activate “Advanced Observations” to add a Multi-Night Observation to your plan, the plan is linked to your telescope configuration. If you have a filter in place while creating your plan, you should keep it on throughout the entire operation of the telescope for that plan.

Watch our “Plan my Night” video tutorial to learn more on how to perform a scheduled observation.

Interrupting a multi-night observation

When you are ready to interrupt your observation session, just tap the “stop” button on the observation screen or on the observation widget as you would do for a regular observation. Singularity will save the result of your multi-night observation. This may require some time since the file to be saved contains 32 bits RAW data and is very heavy, particularly if your observation is a Live Mosaic.

While your smart telescope is saving the file, it is not possible to start another observation.

Resuming a Multi-Night observation

Your smart telescope must be initialized.

Head to the Multi-Night Observations widget on the Singularity welcome screen (marked with the infinity symbol ??). Select your target, press Observe, and let your telescope pick up where it left off.

Important notice :

If your Multi-Night Observation has been created with a filter on, the filter will also be required to resume the observation.

Adding existing Multi-Night targets to a “Plan My Night” program

Any Multi-Night project already initiated can be added to a plan. You can also mix multi-night targets and regular targets within the same plan.

  • Head to the “Plan my Night” interface.
  • Set the observation location and date for your plan and give it a name.
  • The Multi-Night targets are listed at the top of the object list. Only the Multi-Night targets that are visible at the date of your plan and that match the filter configuration of your telescope are available.
  • Select one of them to add it to your plan.
  • Set the observation time frame.
  • Add additional targets to your plan if desired.

While it is possible to add two or more observations sessions of the same Multi-Night target within a plan on iOS, this feature is not yet available on Android systems.

Watch our “Plan my Night” video tutorial to learn more on how to perform a scheduled observation.

Managing your Multi-Night Observations

The “Multi-Night Observations” screen accessible from the Singularity welcome screen hosts all your currently active Multi-Night targets.

You must be connected to your Vaonis smart telescope to access the ‘Multi-Night Observations’ screen.

You can store up to 5 Multi-Night projects at the same time . Should you need to start a new one, you’ll have to delete an existing one.

In case the Multi-Night project is a mosaic capture, a specific icon is displayed along with the name of the object.

The usage of a filter is also mentioned with a specific icon.

To delete an existing Multi-Night Observation, touch the “Delete” button.

Ensure you have saved the results of your Multi-Night Observation before deletion.

Displaying, sharing and saving the result of a “Multi-Night Observation”

You must be connected to your smart telescope.

When a Multi-Night Observation is running, you can see its status and the resulting image in the Observation screen like any regular observation, and share or save it alike.

Watch our Singularity video tutorial to learn more ??

As long as you are connected to your smart telescope, you can check the resulting image of any Multi-Night Observation (even if it is not currently running or if another observation is running).

To do so:

  • From the Singularity welcome screen (Space Center), touch the “Multi-Night Observations” widget to display the list of your multi-nights targets.
  • Touch the thumbnail image of the one you want to see.

From this interface you can :
– Check the status of the observation (acquisition duration, number of sub-images stacked).
– Save the current image to your Singularity album or your smartphone photo roll.
– Share the image.

Important notice

In this first version of PerseverENS, it is not possible to export a raw TIFF file from the Multi-Night Observation screen. Make sure you turned on auto-TIFF saving to save the raw file in your smart telescope internal memory. Alternatively, you’ll be able to export the raw TIFF file the next time you’ll resume the observation.

Image file management

The result of a Multi-Night Observation is permanently saved (until you delete the multi-night project) in the internal memory of your telescope (within the system folder).

In addition, you can also automatically save live observation images (JPEG), sub-images (FITS), and RAW images (TIFF) as you would for any regular observation. Deleting these user files does not affect the behavior of Multi-Night Observations. Saving them is not required.
Be aware that you must save the raw TIFF file of your observation if you intend to perform manual processing since it is not available from the Multi-Night Observation screen in this first version of PerseverENS.

Stellina users:
Ensure your Stellina has enough battery for the entire duration of a multi-night observation. If your Stellina runs out of battery, the observation file will not be saved correctly, and the multi-night observation project will be lost.

Maximizing the Results of Multi-Night Observations

How long should you capture a target?

The answer depends on what you’re aiming for. A simple rule of thumb is: for every total acquisition time, doubling that time will produce a noticeable improvement in image quality. For example:

  • 2 hours :  Next step: 4 hours
  • 4 hours : Next step: 8 hours
  • 8 hours : Next step: 16 hours

For truly breathtaking astrophotography, a single night may not be enough, especially for faint targets. With Multi-Night Observations, there’s no limit to how far you can push your image quality.

Optimizing Your Sessions for the Best Results

The quality of your multi-night captures will depend on several factors, including atmospheric conditions and light pollution. Since your smart telescope averages the quality of each stacked image, it’s best to observe under consistent conditions.

For instance, try not to resume a session captured under a new moon during a full moon, as this could diminish the final quality.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS with Vespera Pro
Observations, Tips & News, Travel journal
25/09/20240

How to Observe Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is set to light up the night sky in late september and october, offering a unique spectacle for amateur astronomers and stargazers alike. This celestial object is not just a beautiful sight but also a rare opportunity to observe a comet as it makes its journey around the sun. This guide will help you prepare and learn how to observe Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and making the most of this cosmic event.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS with Vespera Pro

Tsuchinshan ATLAS (3 exp, 10.0°, 61% rh) with Vespera Pro on September 26th 2024

What is Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?

Discovery of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (also referenced as C/2023 A3) was independently discovered by two observation projects: Tsuchinshan (also known as Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) in January 2023 and ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), an automatic astronomical warning system in South Africa, in February 2023. This comet has captured the interest of the astronomical community because it is expected to be particularly bright  as it approaches its perihelion in September 2024. The comet could be visible to then necked eye and could even rich negative magnitude according the most optimistic estimations. Though, predictions about comet’s behavior are always marked by some degree of uncertainty. One key risk is that the comet could fragment as it passes closest to the sun.

Comet Characteristics

Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has a distinct tail made of gas and dust. Like other comets, it consists of ice, rock, and organic compounds, offering scientists an opportunity to study the building blocks of the early solar system. Its brightness and proximity to Earth make it an ideal object for observation in the night sky, especially for amateur astronomers.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Source : Don Pettit – NASA

When will Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS be visible?

Key Dates

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is expected to reach its closest point to the sun, known as perihelion, on September 27, 2024 at 58 millions kilometers from the sun. It will then make its closest approach to Earth on October 12 (71 million kilometers). Leading up to this date, the comet will grow brighter. For those interested in observing the comet at its best, planning around late September and mid October will provide optimal conditions.

Best Viewing Conditions

  • Starting From September 27, the comet will be visible from the northern hemisphere at dawn, just before the sunrise, on the eastern horizon.
  • From October 3 to October 9 the comet won’t be observable as it will pass between the Sun and Earth.

It will become visible again starting from the 10 just after the sunset. It is expected to reach its maximum brightness between the 10 and the 14.

The comet should be observable with binoculars and probably with the naked eye. However, a very clear horizon is necessary.
Using a small telescope will significantly enhance the view, revealing more details such as its coma (the cloud surrounding the nucleus) and tail.

How to Observe Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

When it comes to observing Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, having the right tools and preparation can make all the difference. Drawing from Vaonis‘ expertise in comet observation, the following steps will help you get the best experience when observing this cosmic visitor.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS with Hestia

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS with Hestia, taken on September 26th 2024

Tools for observation

Whether you are a casual stargazer or an experienced astronomer, the right tools can enhance your observation experience. Vaonis’ Vespera II and Vespera Pro smart telescopes may allow the observation of the comet between September 27 and October 2. It will not be possible during the beginning of the second observation timeframe since our instruments can’t be initialized during daylight. The comet will quickly disappear below the horizon after twilight.
Hestia, Vaonis’ smartphone base telescope, could be an excellent choice to observe the comet during both observation windows.
During the second half of October, the comet will progressively reach a higher elevation in the sky and should be observable with our Vespera range.
For those who don’t have access to high-tech equipment, binoculars or a basic telescope will come in handy. Binoculars (with at least 7x or 10x magnification) offer a wider field of view, which is helpful for tracking the comet as it changes position in the sky.

Optimal Observation Techniques

To catch a clear view of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, you’ll need to start by finding its location in the sky. Unlike fixed objects like stars or galaxies, comets move across the sky, so keeping track of its coordinates is crucial.
If you intend trying observing it with Vespera, you’ll have to create a manual target based on the coordinates of the comet. Check out our blogpost on “How to catch a comet” here!
Choose an indirect (bright sky) pointing type. Watch our Video Tutorial on Singularity advanced features to learn how to create manual targets.

  1. Use Online Tools: Websites like The Sky Live provide up-to-date coordinates for comets. You’ll want to look for the comet’s “Right Ascension” and “Declination” (e.g., 14h 45m 22.4s, 67° 25? 05.9?). These values will guide you to the exact spot in the sky where the comet can be observed.
  2. Stellarium App: Another helpful tool is the Stellarium app, available for desktops and mobile devices. You can input your telescope’s data (such as focal length) to get a real-time preview of what the comet will look like through your equipment. This app also allows you to enter the comet’s name and display its current location in the night sky.
  3. Vaonis smart telescopes: If you’re using Vespera, you’ll need to create a manual target in Singularity app and enter the comet’s coordinates while comets are not part of the telescope’s pre-loaded database.
By using these digital tools, you can ensure that you’re always pointed in the right direction and capturing the best possible view of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.

Common Challenges When Observing Comets

Atmospheric Conditions

Cloud cover, humidity, and air turbulence can affect the quality of your observation. Check weather forecasts before heading out and try to observe on nights with clear skies and low humidity.

Equipment Issues

If you’re new to using a telescope or binoculars, it can take some time to get everything set up correctly. Make sure your equipment is properly calibrated and focused on the right coordinates. Practicing with your equipment ahead of time will save you from frustration on the night of the observation.

FAQs | how to observe Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

  • What is the best way to observe Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?

The best way is to use a telescope or binoculars and refer to apps like Stellarium for precise coordinates.

  • Can I see Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS without a telescope? 
Yes, the comet will be visible to the naked eye particularly between October 10 and 14
  • What time of night is best to see the comet?
Just before sunrise from September 27 to October 2. Just after sunset from October 10
  • Will Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS be visible worldwide?
Yes. Thought It will be very low on the horizon at first.
  • What apps can help track Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?
Apps like Stellarium, The Sky Live, and SkySafari are excellent for tracking the comet in real time.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS offers a unique opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and casual stargazers to witness a cosmic event. By preparing with the right tools, apps, and techniques, you can ensure a memorable observation experience. Keep an eye on the sky as we approach September 2024, and don’t miss your chance to observe this dazzling comet.
how to overcome light pollution in astrophotography
Tips & News, Travel journal
18/09/20240

How to Overcome Light Pollution in Astrophotography

Astrophotography is becoming increasingly popular, but one major challenge remains: light pollution. As cities grow, artificial lights brighten the sky, making it harder to observe stars, galaxies, and nebulae. While these issues are frustrating, there are ways to overcome them, allowing you to capture stunning images even in light-polluted environments.

How to Overcome Light Pollution in Astrophotography? In this guide, we’ll explore the impact of light pollution levels on astrophotography and how to use a light pollution filter to improve your images.

how to overcome light pollution in astrophotography

Understanding Light Pollution

Light pollution is the overabundance of artificial light that diminishes our ability to view the night sky. It manifests as skyglow, glare, light trespass, and clutter, all of which reduce the visibility of stars and celestial objects. As cities and suburbs expand, light pollution levels rise, making stargazing and astrophotography increasingly difficult.

The Moon can also be a source of natural light pollution. During bright phases, like the full moon, its light can wash out fainter celestial objects, reducing contrast much like artificial light does. Stargazing around the new moon helps mitigate this impact.

Impact of Light Pollution on Astrophotography

Light pollution makes astrophotography more challenging by washing out faint stars and increasing the brightness of the sky, which results in lower contrast and distorted colors. Here’s how light pollution levels affect astrophotographers:

  • Reduced Visibility of Celestial Objects: Light pollution obscures faint celestial bodies such as nebulae, galaxies, and clusters.
  • Skyglow: This increases background brightness, making it difficult to capture fine details.
  • Star Color Distortion: Bright artificial lights can alter the natural colors of stars, leading to less vibrant images.

How to Overcome Light Pollution in Astrophotography

Despite the difficulties posed by light pollution, there are several effective strategies to help improve astrophotography, even in light-polluted areas.

1. Find Darker Sky Locations

The easiest way to counter light pollution is to move away from it. Traveling to areas with lower light pollution levels is an easy solution for better astrophotography results. Here are a few strategies for finding darker skies:

  • Use Light Pollution Maps: Online tools like LightPollutionMap.info allow you to track light pollution levels globally. By consulting these maps, you can find nearby dark sky locations for better astrophotography conditions.
  • Visit Dark Sky Parks: Dark Sky Parks are protected areas with minimal light pollution. These areas often offer optimal conditions for stargazing and astrophotography.
  • Choose the Right Time: Plan your sessions around the new moon or in areas where the moon is below the horizon to reduce natural brightness.

2. Use a Light Pollution Filter for Astrophotography

When photographing the night sky in light-polluted environments, a light pollution filter for your telescope is invaluable. These filters are designed to block unwanted artificial light while allowing natural starlight to pass through, resulting in clearer, more detailed images. 

  • Broadband Filters block a wide range of artificial light sources, like street lamps, making them versatile for general astrophotography.
  • Narrowband Filters focus on specific wavelengths, ideal for capturing nebulae and faint celestial objects in high light pollution areas.

For Vespera users, the CLS Filter is an excellent option. It significantly reduces skyglow, enhancing contrast and detail in your astrophotography. Whether you’re capturing deep-sky objects or bright planets, this filter helps to ensure your images maintain clarity and vibrancy. Designed to fit seamlessly with the Vespera smart telescope, it allows users to experience the best of the night sky, even in urban environments. 

Explore the Vespera CLS Filter to elevate your astrophotography.

3. Post-Processing Techniques

Even after using the right filters, some effects of light pollution can remain. This is where post-processing comes into play. Advanced software can help you reduce the impact of light pollution and enhance your astrophotography:

  • Adjust Levels and Curves: Post-processing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop allows you to adjust the levels and curves of your image to increase contrast and bring out the hidden details in your photos.
  • Noise Reduction: Light pollution often increases noise in images, especially during long exposures. Use noise reduction tools to clean up your astrophotography shots without losing important details.
  • Color Correction: Artificial lights can throw off the natural colors of stars and celestial bodies. By adjusting the color balance and using selective color tools, you can restore the natural vibrancy of your photos.

Best Equipment for Light-Polluted Areas

Having the right equipment is essential for dealing with light pollution. Our Vespera and Stellina ranges are designed to help minimize the effects of light pollution by incorporating advanced image processing and using filters to reduce skyglow. These smart telescopes offer excellent image quality, even in urban environments.

In addition to the light pollution filter for astrophotography, consider investing in accessories like:

  • Sturdy Tripods: Essential for long exposures, especially in light-polluted areas where longer exposure times may be required.
  • Remote Shutter Releases: To minimize vibrations when taking long exposures.

 

Light pollution may seem like a barrier for astrophotographers, but it can be managed with the right approach. By understanding light pollution levels, using a light pollution filter for astrophotography, and mastering post-processing techniques, you can still capture the stunning beauty of the night sky—even from a city.

With dark sky locations, filters, and post-processing, the universe is within your reach. Don’t let light pollution stop you from exploring the cosmos. Grab your telescope, apply these strategies, and start shooting. We hope you learnt a little bit more about how to overcome light pollution in Astrophotography.

The stars are waiting for you.

T Coronae Borealis nova
Observations, Travel journal
08/08/20240

T Coronae Borealis: a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event 

In the expanse of the night sky, the Corona Borealis constellation is about to display a phenomenon that has fascinated astronomers for centuries. At the core of this constellation lies T Coronae Borealis, a star that periodically treats observers to a performance known as a recurring nova. T Coronae Borealis could become a nova again by September of this year. Let’s delve into the essence of this phenomenon and why it holds significant intrigue within the realm of astronomy.

The Marvel of Novae

Imagine a star, typically visible only through a telescope, that might suddenly brighten so intensely it becomes visible to the naked eye, as if a brand new celestial body has emerged in the heavens. This is precisely what is about to happen with T Coronae Borealis, located 2,600 years away from our planet. Classified as symbiotic binary star, its luminosity undergoes fluctuations over time. These abrupt surges in brightness termed “novae” – Latin for “new” – manifest when the star erupts in brilliance beyond its radiance.

A Binary System with Matter Transfer

The star will transition from its current magnitude of 10 (visible with Vaonis telescopes but not to the naked eye) to a magnitude of 2, making it visible to the naked eye. At this brightness, it will shine as brightly as the North Star, Polaris.

T Coronae Borealis is a star system comprised of a white dwarf star accompanied by a red giant star. They orbit around each other, revolving around their common center of mass. White dwarfs, essentially the remnants of stars that have exhausted their fuel, emit a glow from residual heat. When the red giant expands, its outer layers begin to overflow onto the white dwarf due to gravitational forces, resulting in some rather explosive outcomes.

Exploring Stellar Explosions

As the gas from the giant accumulates on the surface of the dwarf, pressure and temperature levels rise significantly. When conditions are optimal, a runaway thermonuclear reaction occurs, triggering an explosion. This explosion propels the gathered gas out into space forming the flare we witness as a nova. T Coronae Borealis undergoes this captivating process every 80 years, becoming an occurrence in the celestial calendar.

A Leap Through History: Observations Past and Present

T Coronae Borealis has been experiencing eruptions for centuries, with historical records documenting these occurrences. The morning of February 9, 1946, American astronomer Armin Joseph Deutsch, of the Yerkes Observatory, observed the explosion which was the last time it could be seen. This event reached an apparent magnitude of 3.2 and an absolute magnitude of -8.4, equivalent to 180,000 times the luminosity of the Sun. The gas shells surrounding the star system serve as proof of these explosions. With modern telescopes at our disposal, we can now delve into these nova events with precision, uncovering fresh insights into their mechanisms and stellar life cycles.

Novas vs. Supernovas: Contrasting Celestial Phenomena

Though novas dazzle with their brilliance, they should not be mistaken for supernovas. Supernovae occur when a massive star undergoes a collapse, resulting in a dazzling explosion that can surpass the brightness of galaxies for a brief period. In contrast, novas are considered less dramatic but still intriguing, offering insights into the behaviors and interactions of stars. Additionally, novas are more or less predictable, being periodic events, whereas it is impossible to predict precisely when a dying star will become a supernova. For example, Betelgeuse is a strong candidate for a supernova, but this could happen next year or a thousand years from now.

Watching Safely: A Distant Perspective

Fortunately, T Coronae Borealis is situated 2,600 years away from Earth ensuring no threat to our planet. This secure distance enables astronomers to observe its nova occurrences without risking any harm granting them a glimpse into the mechanisms of evolution and the dynamics of star systems.

T Coronae Borealis should stand out as a captivating presence in the night sky illustrating the changing and dynamic essence of our universe. Each nova event contributes to a comprehension of the relationships among celestial entities. With advancements, in technology our capacity to study and interpret these occurrences will expand further unveiling secrets hidden above us.

Startalk and Vaonis during the total solar eclipse
Tips & News, Travel journal
29/05/20240

StarTalk and Vaonis Team Up for the Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8th, StarTalk and Vaonis team up for the Total Solar Eclipse. But why embark on this adventure? At Vaonis, our core mission is to awe our users. Witnessing one of the most memorable astronomical events was a natural fit for us. Beyond mere enchantment, we strive to understand the phenomena we observe. That’s why we partnered with America’s leading science communicator, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Startalk host. This collaboration between Startalk and Vaonis was an inevitable pairing, combining wonder with deep knowledge to create lasting memories of this spectacular event.

Our story is not just about observing a celestial phenomenon but about a thrilling journey across states, making quick decisions, and the powerful teamwork that led to a spectacular shared experience.

The Game Plan: Dallas or Vermont?

Initially, our entire plan revolved around attending a major event at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, for which we dispatched over 2m3 of instruments and materials. Throughout the day, we closely monitored the shifting weather forecasts in consultation with the Startalk group. However, just three days prior to the eclipse, the weather outlook for Dallas turned unfavorable. Consequently, a remote area in Vermont, near Niagara Falls, emerged as the new optimal location.

It’s worth noting that the Vaonis team departed from France expecting warm weather in Texas, only to find themselves in chilly Vermont. The­y thought Texas would be warm. But they had to go to chilly Ve­rmont. So boots and heavy coats shopping was a necessity in order to “survive” 🙂 

A Road Trip to Reme­mber

The team packe­d their 2m3 of tele­scopes and left from Dallas for NYC. Then they drove six hours to Ve­rmont. It was not a “regular” drive: the scene­ry outside kept changing. Beautiful landscapes appeared. Inside their minds and hearts though, the­y felt anticipation and urgency grow. They had an issue they hadn’t thought of: finding a private vie­wing spot for the famous Neil deGrasse­ Tyson was crucial. Fortunately, they again discussed about it with the Startalk team and found the perfect spot.

StarTalk and Vaonis team up for the Total Solar Eclipse: Experiencing the Total Eclipse­

In Vermont, Cyril and the team met the­ Startalk crew who gave us a warm welcome. 

For the event, 5 Ve­spera 2 and 2 Hestia tele­scopes got carefully set up by our team, to make sure­ everything worked smoothly. The­ event only happene­d once, so they felt a lot of pre­ssure. But everything we­nt well, and the Startalk team was ve­ry happy with them, which made the whole Vaonis crew very proud.

The magical moment arrive­d, and our group, including many first-time astronomers, was amazed by the­ eclipse. Neil de­Grasse Tyson’s clear explanations made­ the minutes of total darkness ve­ry special and unforgettable. For 2 minute­s and 30 seconds, both astro beginners and experts stood togethe­r in wonder.

Fun and Friends

Afte­r the eclipse, pe­ople felt happy and good. Our team chose­ to stay overnight. We were­ happy we worked well toge­ther. The eclipse­ was more than just looking at it. It was about making memories that will last. It was about making ne­w friends, too. Plus, we had over 160,000 cool picture­s from our community to look at and celebrate! 

StarTalk and Vaonis team up for the Total Solar Eclipse.

As the shadow of the moon lifted, leaving behind a trail of joy and collective wonder, our collaboration with Startalk and Neil deGrasse Tyson proved to be more than just a successful viewing. It was a journey fueled by our desire to amaze and be amazed, to understand deeply and share that understanding. Neil deGrasse Tyson, with his profound insights, helped us reveal the invisible within the images captured by our telescopes, making this not just an observation but an educational revelation.

This event was a testament to Vaonis’s commitment to blending the marvelous with the knowledgeable, ensuring that everyone involved retained an eternal memory of the eclipse.

Join us as we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe with the same spirit of adventure and discovery that brought us all together under the moon’s shadow. Be part of our community, where each celestial event is more than just a spectacle—it’s a chance to learn, to wonder, and to connect.

Vaonis Facebook groups

Travel journal
17/11/20230

Solar annular eclipse with Vespera

Many users of the Vespera smart telescope aimed their instruments at the sun on October 14, 2023, to observe the annular eclipse that swept across the western United States. It was an ideal opportunity to prepare for the grand final spectacle: the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Delphine, a member of the Vaonis community, travelled from Europe with her Vespera telescope as carry-on baggage to witness the event. She shares her experience, explaining how Vespera enabled her to fully enjoy this magical moment under the best conditions.

Let’s set off on an adventure

The night is still deep, and as I open the door of the room, the cold violently rushes in. It’s 5°C. Although we are in Arizona, the nights are cold and dry in October. The stars are even more radiant, and Jupiter watches over this early departure. In over 3 hours, the moon will begin to take a bite out of the solar disk.

On the road to the observation site.

A few checks before setting out: Vespera is charged, and so are the backup batteries, cables, camera, tablet. We’re ready to go. In the minibus, no one is talking; everyone is focused on what awaits us. We head towards the Monument Valley Tribal Park, hoping to reach the most suitable spot and gain precious seconds of visibility at the eclipse’s maximum.

The Navajos informed us that the park will be closed. According to their culture, they will not observe the eclipse and will stay with their families.

As the first light of dawn colors the horizon, we arrive at Mexican Hat. This site appeared to me to be quite suitable due to its orientation, accessibility, and panorama. Amateur astronomers who rented a spot for the night and slept under the open sky are already present on the site.

No clouds in sight. Conditions are looking perfect.

Venus on the eastern horizon, Mexican Hat, Utah.

 

Get the best solar gazing experience with Vaonis smart telescopes

Safe, “sunsational”, easy and memorable. Discover what makes Vaonis smart telescopes your best option to witness the upcoming solar eclipses and solar sunspots cycle. Order your Vaonis smart telescope now and get ready for the Total Solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 and the solar maximum activity in 2024 and 2025.

 

First contact: excitement builds up

I take out Vespera and position it in front of the group; it will serve as the figurehead of our adventure.

I start the smart telescope’s initialization, and within a few minutes, I’m operational. As a guide, I am the “timekeeper,” and I announce: T-10 minutes; -5 minutes; -2 minutes; -1 minute; -28 seconds… “First contact!”

Vespera ready for action.

With the naked eye, the first contact (the moment when the moon begins to take a bite out of the sun) is not easy to discern, but on the tablet screen, where I observe the images taken by Vespera, it’s very clear. “I’ve got it!” Those observing with the naked eye then gather around Vespera. Excitement is at its peak.

Solar annular eclipse with Vespera smart telescope

A few moments after the first contact. Captured with Vespera.

The Moon continues its progress, and we eagerly await two well-positioned sunspots to be occulted by the moon’s advance. The atmosphere is so pure and dry that the sharpness of the sunspots is impressive in the image displayed in the Singularity app.

The second contact is approaching. In the group, we’re finalizing our eclipse projection setup, while tension is rising among the photographers.

By making small holes in cardboard, we also follow the phenomenon by projection.

Observing the sun through projection: the pinhole effect.

For the first time, I’m very relaxed: Vespera is working perfectly, and after more than an hour, the battery displays 85%. I won’t need external batteries to observe the entire phenomenon.

The crucial moment, as intense as it is short

“T-3 minutes!” The light, so warm just moments ago, becomes twilight, veiled. A shiver runs through us; it’s not just emotion, but the temperature is dropping significantly. The desert didn’t have time to warm up, and we’re back to the same cold we had upon arrival; some put on their gloves and hats.

I try to capture this grayish light while announcing the countdown.

“T-2 minutes; T-1 minute; 24 seconds; 2nd contact!” There it is! The seconds contact, and the ring of fire takes shape.

Solar annular eclipse with Vespera smart telescope

Second contact captured with Vespera.The irregular relief of the moon’s outline can be seen against the sun’s disc.

In 2 minutes and 22 seconds, the solar ring will be perfect. We must not miss the moment. I pass the tablet displaying the image captured by the smart telescope from hand to hand. Vespera offers us a shared moment as a group: the image is large enough on the tablet for several people to enjoy simultaneously. At the same time, I use my phone, which is also connected to Singularity, to regularly take photos through the app. No stress about the result: I see what I’m capturing. I notice the difference compared to the previous total eclipse I experienced in 2017, where I couldn’t have any certainty about the photos until afterward. I take advantage of this serenity to take ambient photos.

Finally, there it is! The eclipse is at its peak. A perfect orange circle appears, and I can’t help but notice the nod to Vespera’s glowing button!

The crucial moment witnessed with Vespera.

Now, it’s really cold. “Just one more minute! … There it is: the 3rd contact!” Applause and a few cheers erupt from all directions.

Everyone is radiant. Gradually, the light regains its warm hue, and the temperature rises.

Solar annular eclipse with Vespera smart telescopeExperiencing the Eclipse with Peace of Mind Thanks to Vespera

We sit down, content, but realizing that it all happened so quickly. For everyone else, the realization is the same: it’s always too short. There’s not enough time to take all the planned shots! An automatic system is needed to succeed in capturing photos, free the mind, and better enjoy the moment. For me, the solution is immediately found: it’s Vespera. I was able to capture the entire eclipse sequence and fully enjoy the show.

The partiality continues, the excitement subsides, and hunger awakens. While sharing coffee and snacks, I answer questions about this little telescope that intrigues many. I show the photos I took on my smartphone, and I share the one from the peak with anyone interested. What a pleasure to be able to send such a memory just minutes after the eclipse!

 

Solar annular eclipse with Vespera smart telescope

It’s soon time to pack up and conclude this first eclipse experience with my Vespera. All my initial concerns have disappeared. Air travel went smoothly, and passing through security was easy. Despite the lack of network, the initialization was perfect. The battery held up well and still shows 75% after the 4th contact. Most importantly, the captured images are beautiful, and Vespera allowed us to have a true shared moment around the tablet, without the fear of an accidentally falling filter, and with the serenity needed to savor every moment.

For our group of travelers from the French Astronomy Association, the journey continues to the Grand Canyon. Looking forward to the next eclipse!

Delphine Nguyen
Association Française d’Astronomie

Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex
Travel journal
07/09/20230

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

Welcome in this new story called “Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure”. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and innovative features, Vespera and Stellina stand out as the best smart telescopes for astrophotography. By streamlining the capture process and automating tedious tasks, Vaonis is making astrophotography more accessible than ever. One of our ambassadors, “Adventurer Of The Third Planet,” embarked on a journey to one of the world’s premier stargazing destination with Vespera. The goal? To put Vespera to the test and uncover its full potential.

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure on The Best Observation Site

On June 10th, at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia, after a neverending flight, I finally arrive at my destination for two weeks dedicated to observing and astrophotographing the southern sky. I pick Vespera from the plane’s luggage compartment. It’s the perfect smart telescope for this kind of journey. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to carry as carry-on luggage.
I grab a taxi to reach the capital, Windhoek. Along the way, a group of baboons take over the road and decide to disrupt traffic. Quite a welcoming committee, albeit a friendly one.

If we were to create a top 3 list of the best astronomical destinations in the world, Namibia would undoubtedly be among them. It boasts weather conditions that result in an exceptionally clear sky. It’s one of the least densely populated countries on the planet, with no light pollution. In the western part of the country, facing the ocean and home to the world’s oldest desert, it hardly ever rains, offering over 300 days of sunshine per year.

 

Observation with Vespera from the Namib Desert

An “All-Terrain” Smart Telescope in the Namib Desert

 

I hit the road towards my first observation site. After several hours on bumpy, dusty tracks, I arrive at my destination at night. I turn off the headlights, step out of the car, and turn my gaze towards the sky. Wow!!

My eyes aren’t used to the darkness yet, but it’s imposing itself upon my vision, brilliant and perfectly defined, stretching across the sky from one horizon to the other: the Milky Way. This isn’t my first time observing the sky from Namibia, and I’ve also experienced the skies of Chile. However, what I see here is even more spectacular than what I can remember.
I make my way to the hut I’ll be staying in for the first part of my journey, amid of a vast plain dominated by the arch of the Milky Way.

 

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

My observation site for the first part of the stay.

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure & The most beautiful place in the galaxy

The main goal of coming to Namibia is to capture high-definition astrophotography of a region of the sky that I consider the most beautiful in the Milky Way: the cloud complex around Rho Ophiuchi and Antares. This consists of pink, blue, and yellow nebulae intertwining, streaked with dark nebulae, dotted with globular clusters, and illuminated by the intense brilliance of Antares. A true fireworks display in the galaxy.

 

Star chart to find Rio Ophiuchi

Location of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex.

 

This part of the sky is observable from the Northern Hemisphere. However, the Scorpius constellation remains very low on the horizon. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Milky Way stretches across the sky from horizon to horizon, and its center nearly reaches the zenith at one point during the night.

 

Discover what makes Vespera the best smart telescope for astrophotography.

Visit our dedicated Astrophotography page to learn more.

 

The journey is yet exhausting, and I decide not to dive into this project on the first night. I need some sleep, especially with the upcoming nights ahead. However, I won’t waste such a beautiful sky. Plus, I need to make sure Vespera has handled the Namibian tracks well.

Vespera is ready to operate within a few minutes. It’s perfect for a quick sky check even at the end of a long day. As a target for this first night, I choose the “Running Chicken Nebula.” I let Vespera gather light while I settle into my hut, occasionally glancing at the real-time stacking result. In the Singularity app, on the live observation screen, the nebula is clearly revealed pretty quickly. Even without processing, the view is already spectacular.

 

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

Live observation of the Running Chicken Nebula.

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure | Wide-Field Astrophotography using Vespera

The complex of nebulae around Antares and Rho Ophiuchi covers a vast area of the sky, spanning over 5°. Vespera‘s native field of view is 1.6° x 0.9°. Vaonis smart telescopes feature an exclusive automatic panorama capture mode. In the Singularity app, I can define an area of up to 3.2° x 1.8°, and the telescope will automatically capture the full image. This allows for photographing most large deep-sky objects in their entirety, including the Andromeda Galaxy, the Rosette Nebula, the Horsehead Nebula region, the Pleiades star cluster, the North America Nebula, and more.

The First Panorama Mode Integrated into a Telescope!

Discover the CovalENS technology available exclusively on Vaonis telescopes for obtaining wider field images, improved quality, and the freedom to choose your framing.

However, it won’t be enough to capture the entire region I’m aiming for. I need to create a mosaic. I first plan to assemble 6 images, with about a 25% overlap between each image to facilitate the mosaic assembly. To achieve good image quality, I also plan to capture between 2 and 3 hours of data for each image. Lastly, I set a minimum height of 25° above the horizon to begin the acquisition. Below 20°, atmospheric absorption degrades the quality of observation. In practice, I can only capture a single portion of the mosaic per night (taking into account the presence of the moon in the second half of the night).

A Star 800 Times Larger Than the Sun

Let’s start the project on this second night. For the first part of the mosaic, I choose to start with Antares. It’s a supergiant star, one of the largest in our galaxy. It illuminates the surrounding nebulae with a yellow-orange color, a very rare tint for nebulae. In the Singularity app that controls Vespera, I define the widest possible field around Antares and start the observation.

 

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

Field and Framing Selection in the Singularity App.

 

This is the first time I observe this region with Vespera, and I can’t remember ever seeing an image of it captured with a smart telescope before. I have no idea about what kind of result I’ll get. So, here I am, watching the capture progress with a certain excitment as the live stacking goes on. In Electronically Assisted Astronomy, faint nebulosities are not always easily visible. Revealing them requires the image processing step typical of astrophotography.
After a few dozen minutes of observation, there’s no doubt: the nebulosities around Antares are clearly visible and showcase the characteristic yellow color.

 

Observing Antares with Vespera

Direct Observation of Nebulosities Around Antares.

Life to the Rhythm of the Night

One night under the Milky Way follows another. I dedicate about 3 hours each night to work on the mosaic. The sky is perfect, and there’s so much to observe: the Carina Nebula, the Centaur Globular Cluster, the Small Magellanic Cloud, the Eagle Nebula, the Omega Nebula. I also take the opportunity to discover objects I’ve never observed before, like the Figthing Dragons Nebula (NGC6188 – Ara constellation).
The night starts quite early because Namibia’s sunsets are simply unmissable. I also enjoy transitory astronomical phenomena such as Venus passing through the Beehive Cluster.

 

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

Venus transiting through the Beehive Cluster / Vespera

Long story short : I get very little sleep at night. Additionally, I’m eager to start processing the first captured images to see how they turn out. And, the landscapes of Namibia are truly something! It would be a shame not to explore them during the day. So, I don’t get much sleep during the day either.

Vespera is running at full capacity. During the day, it can rest and recharge its battery. Where I am, there is simply no electricity. I use LED lamps for lighting, and the shower water is heated with a wood fire. Fortunately, in Namibia, there is an abundance of sunlight and the energy it provides. In just one day, my portable solar panels are able to recharge Vespera and the tablet that has the Singularity application.

 

Charging Vespera with solar panels

Charging Vespera’s internal battery with solar power.

Need more!

I manage to capture the 6 parts of my mosaic after 5 nights. The processing done on the first images and a basic stitching suggest a spectacular result. However, it’s obvious: the final framing is too tight, and the overall composition lacks more space.
We need to make the mosaic bigger and wider. If I want to extend it a bit on all sides, I estimate that I will need to switch to a 12-image mosaic.

I’m up for the challenge!

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

Image processing and mosaic stitching.

I take the opportunity to change my observation site and head to the Namib Naukluf National Park a bit further south. This region is designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
This time, I have a bit more comfort with electricity. The landscape is just as enchanting, and the sunsets are still spectacular.
There’s a huge wooden deck that allows me to roll out the bed, cleverly set up on wheels. Despite the cool nighttime temperatures at this time of year, I get to experience starry nights in the utmost comfort. What more could one ask for!

sleeping under the stars

A unique stargazing experience.

Image processing and mosaic assembly

It will ultimately take me 11 consecutive nights to capture the 12 tiles needed for the mosaic. For this kind of project, the more consistent the conditions are from one night to the next, the better the result.

I first perform a preliminary processing of each image from the 16-bit RAW file pre-stacked by Vespera. This is a huge time-saver since I don’t have to manually do the stacking (not to mention that this part of the process isn’t particularly exciting). The processing must also be as consistent as possible. If images have significantly different renderings (brightness, contrast, color, noise, details), seams can be visible in the final image. As shown in the illustration below, despite my precautions, some differences still exist, but they are relatively minor and can be handled by the software used for stitching the panorama.
Once the mosaic is assembled, I finalize the processing on the full image.

 

Rho Ophiuchi mosaic stitching process

Stitching of the 12 images composing the mosaic.

 

The final image covers a field of view of about 7°x5.5° with a resolution of over 56 megapixels. With another smart telescope that doesn’t have the field expansion technology that is exclusive to Vaonis telescopes, it would have been necessary to capture at least four times more images to create the same mosaic, which is 48 images – and thus at least 48 nights. In other words, a project nearly impossible to accomplish.

 

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

The final image.

 

About the image processing

Affinity Photo software was primarily used for most of the processing and for assembling the mosaic, along with StratNet 2 for star separation.

Click here to download the raw images in 16-bit TIFF format (330 Mo)  and practice image processing or test your own techniques.

Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure

Embrace a new stargazing experience with Vaonis smart telescopes

Hoping you enjoyed reading our “Vespera & the Milky Way: A High-Definition Adventure” article : feel free to share and comment your thoughts about the end result.

Observations, Press, Tips & News, Travel journal
08/08/20230

Hestia: Verwandeln Sie Ihr Smartphone in ein intelligentes Teleskop

Hestia: Verwandeln Sie Ihr Smartphone in ein intelligentes Teleskop

Erkunden Sie das Universum mit Hestia: Fotografieren Sie die Sonne, die historische Sonnenfinsternis 2024, den Mond und vieles mehr.

Hestia ist das Teleskop, das Sie sich schon immer gewünscht haben, das es aber noch nicht gab… Jetzt ist es da! Es macht die Wunder des Kosmos für jedermann zugänglich.

Hestia nutzt die Leistungsfähigkeit Ihres Smartphones und unsere Spitzentechnologie und ermöglicht es Ihnen, den Glanz der Sonne, die unglaubliche Schönheit des Mondes und die fesselnden Tiefen des Universums einzufangen – ohne komplexe Einstellungen oder umfassende Astronomiekenntnisse. Legen Sie Ihr Smartphone einfach auf das Okular von Hestia, richten Sie das Gerät auf ein Himmelsobjekt Ihrer Wahl, lassen Sie sich von unserer benutzerfreundlichen App leiten und entdecken Sie eine ganz neue Welt.

Nächstes Jahr zieht am 8. April eine totale Sonnenfinsternis über Nordamerika hinweg. Millionen Menschen werden sich versammeln, um dieses historische Ereignis zu beobachten. DAS DÜRFEN SIE NICHT VERPASSEN! Halten Sie diesen magischen Augenblick mit Hestia fest, um das beeindruckende Himmelsschauspiel sicherer und aus größerer Nähe zu beobachten.

Sehen Sie sich den Weg der Sonnenfinsternis unten an.

Am 12. August 2026 findet in Europa zum ersten Mal seit 2006 eine totale Sonnenfinsternis statt.

Hestia ist für jedes Ziel und jeden Zeitpunkt geeignet. Bewundern Sie die Schätze des Himmels, wann und wo Sie möchten.

Je näher sie dem Höhepunkt des aktuellen Sonnenzyklus kommt, desto aktiver wird unser Stern. Die Beobachtung der Sonnenflecken mit Hestia und seinem Sonnenfilter hilft Ihnen, das Verhalten der Sonne, ihren Einfluss auf das Weltraumwetter und ihre Auswirkungen auf unseren Planeten zu verstehen.

Abends können Sie den Sonnenfilter in aller Sicherheit entfernen und den letzten Auftritt der Sonne bewundern.

Sonnenuntergang, aufgenommen mit Hestia ohne Sonnenfilter.

Jetzt wird jede Mondbeobachtung zu einem emotionalen Erlebnis. Entdecken Sie alle Facetten des faszinierend schönen Trabanten unseres Planeten.

Der Himmel ist nicht klar? Toll sind auch Aufnahmen des Mondes, der durch die Wolken scheint!

Alle Astronauten haben einmal angefangen. Hestia ist ideal als erstes Instrument für Einsteiger oder neugierige Menschen, die das Weltall gerne ausführlicher erkunden und verstehen möchten. Hestia und Ihr Smartphone bilden zusammen ein völlig neues Portal, das Ihnen dabei hilft, das Universum zu durchqueren, einige der hellsten Galaxien, Nebel und Sternhaufen zu beobachten und Ihre Reise in den Weltraum zu beginnen.

Die Verwendung von Hestia ist alles andere als komplex. Befestigen Sie Hestia am Stativ und richten Sie die Hauptkamera Ihres Smartphones mit Hilfe von Gravity by Vaonis auf das Okular von Hestia aus. Wählen Sie Ihr Ziel und lassen Sie sich von der App dorthin führen.

Voilà! Schon können Sie die Schönheiten des Kosmos bewundern.

Mit seinem patentierten optischen Design mit sechs Linsen, einem 30-mm-Objektiv (1,2 Zoll) und Prismen, die das Licht brechen und direkt auf den Kamerasensor Ihres Smartphones fokussieren, lotet Hestia die Grenzen der Miniaturisierung neu aus.

Durch ein System mit abnehmbaren Magneten ist Hestia mit allen Größen derzeitiger und zukünftiger Smartphones kompatibel. Hestia wird mit der Zeit immer besser.

Aber das ist noch nicht alles. Hestia benötigt keine andere Stromquelle als Ihr Smartphone und wurde so konzipiert, dass es den Test der Zeit besteht und ewig hält.

Unsere neue App unterstützt Sie Tag und Nacht bei Ihren Abenteuern im Weltraum, führt Sie mühelos zu den Sternen und bietet spannende Lerninhalte. Schnallen Sie sich an, machen Sie es sich bequem und tauchen Sie ein in den Kosmos.

Gravity by Vaonis bietet zahlreiche Lerninhalte, mit denen Sie in Ihrem eigenen Tempo mehr über unser Universum erfahren können. Egal, ob Sie Einsteiger sind und die Entstehung von Mondkratern verstehen möchten oder als Weltraumfan täglich die Entwicklung der Sonnendaten verfolgen möchten: Unsere Anwendung hilft Ihnen, mehr über unsere kosmische Umgebung zu erfahren.

Verloren im Weltall? Keine Sorge, wir haben alles im Griff. Gravity von Vaonis umfasst eine interaktive Himmelskarte, die Ihnen hilft, Ihren Weg durch das Universum zu finden. Erforschen Sie die Sternbilder, lernen Sie den Himmel um Sie herum kennen, und finden Sie interessante Objekte. Wählen Sie einfach einen Sternhaufen, eine Galaxie oder einen Nebel aus und lassen Sie sich von unserer Sternkarte präzise ans Ziel führen. Legen Sie Ihr Smartphone einfach auf das Hestia-Gerät und folgen Sie den Lichtern, um Ihr Teleskop korrekt auszurichten und Objekte zu beobachten, die für das bloße Auge unsichtbar sind.

Machen Sie das, was für unsere Augen unsichtbar ist, mit der Live-Stacking-Technologie von Hestia sichtbar. Wählen Sie Ihr Ziel und lassen Sie die Magie von Gravity by Vaonis wirken. Die Hestia Begleit-App verbessert die Beobachtung mit Hilfe unserer proprietären Bildverarbeitungsalgorithmen, die mehrere mit dem Smartphone aufgenommene Kurzzeitbelichtungen zu einem einzigen hochwertigen Foto kombinieren und ausrichten.

Lassen Sie sich über die Wetterbedingungen informieren, um draußen den Nachthimmel zu erkunden. Nutzen Sie alle Himmelsereignisse und Gelegenheiten zur Sternbeobachtung.

 

Nach Stellina, Vespera, Vespera Pro und Hyperia ist Hestia unser fünftes Familienmitglied. Wir wissen, wie man herausragende Produkte für die Astronomie herstellt.

Hestia: Verwandeln Sie Ihr Smartphone in ein intelligentes Teleskop

Hestia: Verwandeln Sie Ihr Smartphone in ein intelligentes TeleskopHestia: Verwandeln Sie Ihr Smartphone in ein intelligentes TeleskopHestia: Verwandeln Sie Ihr Smartphone in ein intelligentes Teleskop

Hestia: Verwandeln Sie Ihr Smartphone in ein intelligentes Teleskop

Observations, Press, Tips & News, Travel journal
07/08/20230

Hestia: Turn Your Smartphone Into A Smart Telescope

 

 

 

Dear Vaonis Community,

We are pleased to announce that Vaonis will once again be leveraging the powerful platform of Kickstarter for the introduction of our next pioneering venture in the field of astronomy technology.

Our initial Kickstarter campaigns brought you Vespera, our innovative smart and light-weight telescope that democratizes astrophotography by making it accessible to astronomy enthusiasts of all levels. This products, along with Stellina, marked the beginning of our commitment to enhancing the stargazing experience through cutting-edge technology. Now, we are eager to build upon this foundation and continue to shape the future of this captivating discipline.

Our team, comprised of skilled engineers and design experts, has been working diligently to develop our next-generation product and, while we are not willing to share the specifics of our new project yet in order to keep the momentum til D-Day, we assure you it is designed with the intent of offering an even more immersive and advanced stargazing experience: it’s part of our DNA.

The decision to return to Kickstarter is not incidental. We hold firm our belief in the invaluable role of community engagement. Kickstarter allows us to involve you—our trusted supporters and beloved customers—in the development process from the earliest stages. We value your input and commitment and want you to be part of our journey into the future of astronomical exploration.

Therefore, we invite you to join us in this ambitious endeavor. To participate in the expansion of astronomical knowledge. To further our collective understanding of the universe that surrounds us. 

We strongly encourage you to follow our social media channels and sign up for our Kickstarter newsletter.

We at Vaonis are excited to be returning to Kickstarter and we look forward to your continued support as we embark on this new chapter of astronomical advancement.

Clear skies,

The Vaonis Team

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