Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was imaged by Lukas Demetz and processed by Rolando Ligustri using Insight Observatory's affiliate remote telescope, AFIL-23 located in Nerpio, Spain. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, a captivating icy traveler named in honor of the remarkable comet hunters Jean-Louis Pons and William Robert Brooks, periodically graces our skies, leaving stargazers in awe. Let's explore the fascinating tale of this celestial phenomenon that has captured the imagination of astronomers and skywatchers alike. In the early 19th century, Jean-Louis Pons, armed with telescopes of his own design, established himself as a legendary astronomer figure by visually discovering an astonishing 37 comets. This record remains unbroken to this day. Among his discoveries was an enigmatic object spotted on July 12, 1812—a comet with no apparent tail. Over the following month, this mysterious celestial body brightened, becoming dimly visible to the naked eye. By August 15, it reached its peak brigh

The author's artistic rendition of the "Great Fireball of '66". At around 7:15pm, on Sunday, April 24, 1966 – fifty-seven years ago this past April - I was 8 years old, and I just happened to be passing by the open front door to our house, in Falmouth, Massachusetts, facing, due, West...If I had been doing anything else - other, than that – I could not be writing this today… This is my digital painting/impression of the “Fireball”, as I observed it from my front door-step, super-imposed onto a photo of the Mullen-Hall School, in Falmouth, as seen from my perspective. I remember that the sky was still light, and absolutely cloudless (about 30 minutes after sunset) when I noticed a bright ball of light about the size and brightness of the full moon approaching from my left in my field of view (toward the South). I remember being, "frozen", in place, as I watched this bight, "thing” – I first thought it was maybe a burning aircraft, moving parallel wit

Messier 42 and Running Man Nebula processed by Utkarsh Mishra using 1 hour of image data captured on Insight Observatory's 16" f/3.75 Dream astrograph reflector (ATEO-1) telescope located in New Mexico, USA. The final image is a combination of separate images captured through luminance, red, green, and blue (LRGB) filters. The constellation Orion, with its distinctive shape resembling a hunter, is a treasure trove for astronomy enthusiasts seeking to explore the depths of the night sky. Within this iconic constellation lies a myriad of deep sky objects, including nebulae, star clusters, and even a supernova remnant. One of the most famous deep sky objects in Orion is the Orion Nebula (M42), a stellar nursery located in the "sword" of Orion. Visible to the naked eye, this nebula is a stellar cradle where new stars are born, making it a breathtaking sight through telescopes. Adjacent to the Orion Nebula is the Running Man Nebula, a complex of gas and dust that adds

Amateur astronomers make significant contributions to the field of astronomy, and their observations of variable stars serve as a valuable asset to the profession. Variable stars are celestial objects that exhibit periodic changes in brightness, and their study provides critical insights into stellar properties, evolution, and the larger universe. Amateur astronomers, with their passion and increasingly advanced equipment, offer a unique set of advantages in this domain, complementing the work of professional astronomers and expanding our understanding of these fascinating objects. One of the key advantages of amateur astronomers observing variable stars is their sheer numbers. The global community of amateur stargazers is vast, and their collective efforts result in a continuous stream of observations. This extensive dataset complements the work of professional astronomers, enabling them to monitor more variable stars than they could alone. The collaboration between amateurs and

Messier 101 - Pinwheel Galaxy with Supernova SN 2023ixf imaged and processed by Craig Stocks at Utah Desert Remote Observatories. One of the most notable ways amateur astronomers contribute is through extragalactic supernova searches. Supernovae are crucial for understanding the evolution of galaxies, and amateur astronomers often participate in systematic monitoring of distant galaxies to detect these brilliant cosmic explosions. Their unique advantage lies in the time and dedication they can commit, often using their own equipment. The observations and data collected by amateur astronomers provide a wealth of information that can complement professional research, aiding in the study of supernova properties and their impact on galactic ecosystems. Exoplanet research is another field where amateurs can play a pivotal role. While professionals have access to state-of-the-art telescopes and instruments, amateur astronomers can contribute by regularly monitoring stars for the telltale

Leonid Meteors Image Credit: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RM Each year, stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts mark their calendars for meteor showers, and in 2023, the Leonid meteor shower promises to be one of the most spectacular celestial events to grace our night sky. The Leonid meteor shower occurs annually in November, peaking around November 17th. To make the most of this celestial spectacle, here are some tips on how to observe the 2023 Leonid meteor shower. The Leonid meteor shower, renowned for its stunning meteor displays, originates from the debris left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This comet, which takes approximately 33 years to complete its orbit around the Sun, sheds dust and small rock particles as it travels through our solar system. Over time, these remnants disperse along its orbital path, forming what is known as the Leonid meteoroid stream. When Earth intersects this stream each year in November, the particles collide with our planet's atmos

Use a red light torch to help you see your planisphere as this will help preserve your dark-adapted vision. Photo by VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Astronomy is a captivating hobby that allows individuals to connect with the wonders of the universe, and one of the key tools for navigating the night sky is an astronomical planisphere. A planisphere is essentially a star chart that provides a dynamic view of the stars and constellations for any given date and time. It's a fantastic resource for beginners and seasoned stargazers alike who wish to identify the brightest stars and constellations in the night sky. Using a planisphere is straightforward. Start by adjusting the device to match your current date and time. This is crucial for accurate star positioning because the night sky changes as the Earth orbits the Sun. Once set, hold the planisphere above your head with the northern horizon on the device aligned with the actual northern horizon. This aligns the c

Observing the night sky with a pair of field binoculars can be an incredibly rewarding and immersive experience for both novice and seasoned stargazers. To make the most of your stargazing adventure, here are some of the best ways to use field binoculars for observing the night sky. First and foremost, it's essential to find a suitable location away from light pollution. Light pollution from streetlights and buildings can significantly hinder your ability to see celestial objects. Choose a dark, open area, such as a park or countryside, to maximize your viewing experience. Once you've found the right spot, let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 15-20 minutes to fully take in the wonders of the night sky. Secondly, stabilize your binoculars by using a tripod or a specialized binocular mount. Holding binoculars by hand for extended periods can result in shaky views and make it challenging to focus on celestial objects. A tripod or mount will provide stability a

In a universe teeming with celestial wonders and cosmic mysteries, "Sublime Skies" by Insight Observatory emerges as your ultimate portal to the awe-inspiring realm of astronomy. This newly minted astronomy news blog is designed to spark your curiosity and ignite your passion for all things celestial. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or just taking your first steps into the world of astronomy, Sublime Skies promises to be your go-to source for the latest developments, captivating stories, and expert insights from the vast expanse of our universe. Dive into the cosmos with us, and embark on a journey through the dazzling tapestry of stars, planets, galaxies, and beyond. Sublime Skies will feature a rich tapestry of articles, stunning images, and educational content, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving universe. From meteor showers to black hole discoveries, and space missions to tips for backyard stargazing, Sublime Skies will be your guiding light t