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Showing posts with the label planets

Tiny Moons Found Around Uranus and Neptune

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A discovery image of the new Uranian moon S/2023 U1 using the Magellan Telescope on November 4, 2023. Photo Credit: Scott Sheppard / Carnegie Institute for Science. Astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers alike have reason to rejoice as recent research has uncovered a trio of hidden gems swirling around the gas giants Uranus and Neptune. In a revelation that adds sparkle to our understanding of the outer solar system, astronomers have unveiled three previously undiscovered moons, each with its own unique story to tell. These newfound moons aren't just celestial bystanders; they represent fragments from a common parent object, adding a layer of complexity to our understanding of moon formation. With irregular orbits and intriguing distances from their host planets, they challenge conventional wisdom and beckon us to reconsider the dynamics of our cosmic neighborhood. Uranus, Shakespeare's inspiration for celestial naming, welcomes two new moons to its retinue: Cressida an

Imaging the Brighter Planets with a CMOS Camera

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Some good seeing for this image of Jupiter from La Palma close to sunrise. Europa's elongated shadow is just exiting the disk while the GRS has appeared on the other side. Imaged with an ASA 80cm RC with ASI462MC CMOS Camera. Image acquired and processed by E. Enzmann and D. Peach on 09-08-2023. Unlocking the enigmatic beauty of our celestial neighbors, such as Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, has never been more accessible than with CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) cameras. These advanced imaging tools offer astronomers of all levels an exciting chance to delve into planetary photography. In this article, we'll explore the steps to image these bright planets with CMOS cameras and unveil the breathtaking details of our cosmic companions. The journey begins with the right equipment selection. A high-quality CMOS camera with a large sensor and excellent sensitivity is a must for capturing the intricate features of these planets. A telescope with a long focal l