Skip to main content

Posts

The Veil Nebula - NGC 6992 / NGC 6995

  The Veil Nebula (also known as NGC 6992 / NGC 6995 for its eastern part, and NGC 6960 for its western part, in the NGC catalog) is a large and striking cloud of glowing gas in the constellation Cygnus. It is the remnant of a supernova explosion the death of a very massive star that occurred about 8,000 years ago. Through a telescope, it appears as delicate, colorful filaments spread across the sky, almost like a cosmic veil of light. These filaments are made of hot gases still expanding from the explosion, glowing as they interact with the surrounding space. Although it is about 1,500 light-years away, the Veil Nebula covers a large area of the sky, much bigger than the Moon, making it one of the most beautiful and photographed deep-sky objects, even for beginners in astronomy. Observed and imaged by Nuno at the AOSR Observatory . Integration: 87*300 in Ha 69*300 in OIII

Automated Detection of Supernovae in Astronomical Images

Automated Detection of Supernovae in Astronomical Images Automated detection of supernovae is an emerging field in observational astronomy, enabling the efficient and large-scale identification of new stellar explosions. This article presents an algorithm developed by us( AOSR ) to compare astronomical images and identify potential supernovae. After generating a comprehensive list of possible supernova candidates, the algorithm is automatically applied to each candidate for further analysis and verification. This ensures that each potential supernova is meticulously examined, increasing the accuracy and reliability of the detection process. Algorithm Workflow Loading and Normalizing Images : Initially, astronomical images are loaded from FITS files. To ensure comparability, the images are normalized to a common scale. Image Alignment : Using feature detection and description techniques, the images are aligned to correct for any shifts and distortions between them. Difference Calculatio...

T Coronae Borealis (T CrB)

Sneak peek at (T CrB) in 20240413, through the existing equipment at AOSR  Observatory. The explosion of a star in the Coronae Borealis constellation could be repeated in a few months.  This is the explosion of the star T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), which is classified as a recurring nova. In other words, they are actually two neighboring stars: a red giant and a white dwarf, which in most cases are difficult to detect with common telescopes. According to the analysis , the next explosion in brightness should happen in 2024, between February and September.

Building a Nuno's Robotized Flat Field Cover for Astrophotography

Building a Nuno's Robotized Flat Field Cover for Astrophotography Astrophotography is a fascinating practice that allows for the capture of detailed images of the cosmos. However, it requires specialized equipment to ensure the stability and precision needed for long exposures. In this project, we developed a Robotized Flat Field Cover specifically designed to perform flats, which are images used to calibrate astronomical photographs, removing imperfections and enhancing the final photo quality.  Project Objective Create a Robotized Flat Field Cover capable of performing flats efficiently and precisely, and protect the lenses from dust and atmospheric conditions. All that using readily available market materials and 3D-printed components. The project aimed for high precision and durability, ensuring ease of assembly and maintenance.  Materials Used Microcontroller (such as Arduino) Servo motors Led Strip Power supply 3D Printing PLA(tests) PTEG filament Screws and nuts Some...

SN2011dh, discovered in the famous Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

The supernova SN2011dh , discovered in the famous Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) , has captivated astronomers and the public alike since its explosion in May 2011.  This stellar event, classified as a Type II supernova, marked the dramatic end of a massive star's life cycle. Astronomers around the world turned their telescopes towards M51 , eager to observe and study the intricacies of this cosmic phenomenon. The supernova was first detected by amateur astronomer Tom Reiland and quickly confirmed by professional observatories. Its brightness and relatively close proximity to Earth made SN2011dh an exceptional opportunity for detailed observation and analysis. Researchers utilized a range of instruments, from ground-based telescopes to space observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope, to gather data across multiple wavelengths. One of the key insights from SN2011dh was the identification of its progenitor star. Pre-explosion images from the Hubble Space Telescope revealed a yellow sup...

Astronomical Publications and Contributions

Astronomical Publications and Contributions Rui Branco (RBR) - CCD Observer in the MEDÚZA / HERO project, Variable Stars and Exoplanets Section, Czech Astronomical Society (Česká astronomická společnost). Contribution recognized in the official report: Česká astronomická společnost (2011) — Výroční zpráva České astronomické společnosti za rok 2011 (Relatório Anual da Sociedade Astronómica Checa). Listed as a CCD observer in the MEDÚZA/HERO ranking (10th place, 37 observations). Published on:   ČAS Annual Report 2011 .