Galileo’s view of Saturn

Saturn’s opposition this year was last April 28, 2013. I planned to take images of the planet on that day but didn’t proceed due to poor weather. On the night of April 30, my boyfriend and I went to PAGASA Observatory to try our luck to observe and image the planet using Galileo (my C8 scope). Thanks to my man, I was able to carry my gear and successfully maneuvered my scope to see the planet on my computer screen.

To date, this is my best image of Saturn:

Equipment: Celestron 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on CG5-GT mount + 2x barlow + SPC900NC Toucam

Image Processing done in Registax 6, Autostakkert 2.1.5, GIMP, and Adobe Photoshop CS5

I just find it funny that my Galileo viewed Saturn like what Galileo Galilei did 400 years ago.

To the stars!

The Milky Way and Meteor

My long and tiring trip to Ilocos Norte paid off. I was lucky to capture an image of a meteor near the Milky Way galaxy!

To the stars!

Comet PANSTARRS Observation (Day 3)

This time, I observed the comet in Quezon City.

Comet PANSTARRS (March 17, 2013)

Comet PANSTARRS (March 17, 2013)

Comet PANSTARRS Observation (Day 2)

I searched again on March 13, 2013 but it rained so it was a disappointing observation. The next day, I tried again but had a hard time looking for the comet because of cloud cover and its position in the sky moved further to the right. Sadly, the comet was no longer visible to the naked eye like the first time I observed it. I have to use my camera just to see the object. Moreover, the high degree of light pollution in Makati blocked my view of the comet as it nears the horizon.

Thanks to light pollution for blocking my view of the comet!

Comet PANSTARRS Observation (Day 1)

Since the comet will be visible very low in the western horizon, 40 minutes after sunset, I looked for a place somewhere in Makati to allow me to search for the comet after work. As much as I want to go out of town to check out the comet, I cannot do this because I am saving up my vacation leave, hahaha! I saw Comet PANSTARRS for the first time at 6:40pm on March 12, 2013 (indeed 40 minutes after sunset! Amazing!). The sky was also clear that made it easier for me to catch the comet.

40 floors up just to view the comet!

During sunset, I saw an atmospheric phenomenon called Belt of Venus in the east.

My first images of Comet PANSTARRS!!

Stargazing at Big Handy’s Grounds,Tanay, Rizal

My boyfriend and I joined the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS) deep sky observation marathon last March 9-10, 2013 at Big Handy’s Grounds in Tanay, Rizal.

We were the first one to arrive at the site after an hour and a half drive from Quezon City. To reach the observation area, we need to go through a rough terrain going up. It was a challenge to bring our gear to the observation area, but it was all worth it. The view of the mountains was indeed breathtaking!

Group picture by Kashogi Astapan

The group started the deep sky observation at 7pm but put on hold after an hour or so due to heavy rain. The sky started to clear up around past 10pm and since then, everyone was busy identifying celestial objects or taking images of the night sky.

Below are my images:

Stars above the Friendzone hill (UP Astrosoc members named this hill as Friendzone hill, haha!)

A glimpse of the Milky Way Galaxy

Clear sky!

Dark Skies vs Clouds and Light pollution from Metro Manila

While waiting for the sky to clear up…

 

Thank you PAS members and to Mr Ernie and Mrs. May Serrano, owners of the property, for allowing to use the site for night sky observation.

To the stars!

 

Experience Astronomy this Summer!

March is here and my fellow Filipinos know that this month marks the beginning of summer in the Philippines! Therefore, clear skies will be frequent this month (hopefully!).  If you’re willing to go away from the city and to be in awe of Comet PanSTARRS, the Milky Way galaxy, and other deep-sky objects, you shouldn’t miss the ff. observation opportunities to be held by two Philippine astronomical organizations:

Philippines Astronomical Society (PAS) will hold their overnight event (March 9-10) in Big Handy’s Grounds at Brgy Cayumbay, Tanay, Rizal:

Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP) will host a Philippine Messier Marathon Open on March 9-10 and March 16-17  in Eco Saddle, Caliraya, Laguna. For details, visit their event calendar on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/404581339637332/

Clear skies everyone and happy observing!

To the stars!