Justin Pickens
@justinthedark.bsky.social
Father | Husband | Astrophotographer
Astro Blog:
www.justinthedark.com
Astro Blog:
www.justinthedark.com
Talk about #astrophotography! It’s been cloudy for what seems like months, but at least we just got our space selfie back from Crunch Labs!
space.crunchlabs.com/selfie/aODjoYV
#astronomy #space
space.crunchlabs.com/selfie/aODjoYV
#astronomy #space
May 23, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Talk about #astrophotography! It’s been cloudy for what seems like months, but at least we just got our space selfie back from Crunch Labs!
space.crunchlabs.com/selfie/aODjoYV
#astronomy #space
space.crunchlabs.com/selfie/aODjoYV
#astronomy #space
Sometimes there’s a steep learning curve to #astrophotography. Last night was a struggle to focus my Sky-Watcher 127 to my new ASI662MC. This only compounded by my complete inability to plate solve, so I could only rely on manual polar alignment.
I guess it’s to the YouTubes.
#astronomy #space
I guess it’s to the YouTubes.
#astronomy #space
April 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Sometimes there’s a steep learning curve to #astrophotography. Last night was a struggle to focus my Sky-Watcher 127 to my new ASI662MC. This only compounded by my complete inability to plate solve, so I could only rely on manual polar alignment.
I guess it’s to the YouTubes.
#astronomy #space
I guess it’s to the YouTubes.
#astronomy #space
First light for my new #Dwarf3 smart telescope. It was easy to navigate the app and polar align the scope. I left it out for a total of 5.45 hours of integration with no problems and only 6 rejected subs. This thing will shine when summer targets are back!
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
April 8, 2025 at 7:32 PM
First light for my new #Dwarf3 smart telescope. It was easy to navigate the app and polar align the scope. I left it out for a total of 5.45 hours of integration with no problems and only 6 rejected subs. This thing will shine when summer targets are back!
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
I imaged my first globular cluster of the year! The M3 cluster is one of the largest and brightest and is made up of around 500,000 stars. It is estimated to be 11.4 billion years old and roughly 32,600 light-years from Earth.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
March 16, 2025 at 3:20 PM
I imaged my first globular cluster of the year! The M3 cluster is one of the largest and brightest and is made up of around 500,000 stars. It is estimated to be 11.4 billion years old and roughly 32,600 light-years from Earth.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
We had quite a bit of cloud cover last night, but my little #Seestar tried its best to capture the Blood Moon. Here’s a timelapse of the evening on 20 second intervals
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
March 14, 2025 at 3:59 PM
We had quite a bit of cloud cover last night, but my little #Seestar tried its best to capture the Blood Moon. Here’s a timelapse of the evening on 20 second intervals
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
I took a two minute video on my #seestar in raw and stacked the video in ASI Studio - Planetary Stacker as a bit of practice for tomorrow. Fingers crossed for clear skies!
#astrophotography #astronomy #moon
#astrophotography #astronomy #moon
March 13, 2025 at 12:31 AM
I took a two minute video on my #seestar in raw and stacked the video in ASI Studio - Planetary Stacker as a bit of practice for tomorrow. Fingers crossed for clear skies!
#astrophotography #astronomy #moon
#astrophotography #astronomy #moon
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. I’ve been swamped at work and needed a little break from social media. Here’s 8 hours of integration on Markarian’s Chain from my #Seestar S50. I’ve been working on some other multi-night images and will post soon.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
March 12, 2025 at 4:51 PM
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. I’ve been swamped at work and needed a little break from social media. Here’s 8 hours of integration on Markarian’s Chain from my #Seestar S50. I’ve been working on some other multi-night images and will post soon.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
There has been an abundance of clouds over the last two weeks hampering any real astronomy time. However, I brought some telescopes to my kid’s school for their STEM night! We took these photos on my #Seestar S50 while waiting for it to get dark.
#astronomy #astrophotography #space
#astronomy #astrophotography #space
February 26, 2025 at 4:59 PM
There has been an abundance of clouds over the last two weeks hampering any real astronomy time. However, I brought some telescopes to my kid’s school for their STEM night! We took these photos on my #Seestar S50 while waiting for it to get dark.
#astronomy #astrophotography #space
#astronomy #astrophotography #space
Just going to post this here if you’re looking for different scientific lists to follow on Bluesky! Happy Reading.
blueskydirectory.com/lists/all?q=...
blueskydirectory.com/lists/all?q=...
Bluesky Lists - Bluesky Directory
Browse a list of Bluesky Lists
blueskydirectory.com
February 24, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Just going to post this here if you’re looking for different scientific lists to follow on Bluesky! Happy Reading.
blueskydirectory.com/lists/all?q=...
blueskydirectory.com/lists/all?q=...
“Fifty years ago, on February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth.”
This is a quick and inspiring read that will make you want to cherish and protect our precious planet even more.
earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/77201...
This is a quick and inspiring read that will make you want to cherish and protect our precious planet even more.
earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/77201...
What did John Glenn see?
Fifty years ago today, the first American to orbit the planet took this photo of home.
earthobservatory.nasa.gov
February 20, 2025 at 10:47 PM
“Fifty years ago, on February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth.”
This is a quick and inspiring read that will make you want to cherish and protect our precious planet even more.
earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/77201...
This is a quick and inspiring read that will make you want to cherish and protect our precious planet even more.
earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/77201...
I highly encourage everyone with an iOS device to pre-order the Flashes app. It’s a phenomenal instagram replacement based on Bluesky. I’ve been beta testing it and each update has been better than the previous. Android users, the sole freelance developer has stated your time will come!
To journalists:
Flashes is launching next Tuesday, February 25th!
I’ve set up a website where you can find the Press Kit (under “In the Press”) and a link to the FAQs:
www.flashes.blue
Flashes is launching next Tuesday, February 25th!
I’ve set up a website where you can find the Press Kit (under “In the Press”) and a link to the FAQs:
www.flashes.blue
Flashes - A Photo & Video App for Bluesky
Flashes - A Photo & Video App for Bluesky
www.flashes.blue
February 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
I highly encourage everyone with an iOS device to pre-order the Flashes app. It’s a phenomenal instagram replacement based on Bluesky. I’ve been beta testing it and each update has been better than the previous. Android users, the sole freelance developer has stated your time will come!
Anyone have any ideas on the best way to print and display #astrophotography? Does anyone have any examples of custom backlit printed astro work?
Printed my image of the Pleiades for an upcoming art show. Tried a new metallic paper. I like it but no matter how well it prints, it never looks as good as the digital image! Need to do a backlit version next time.
Guesses on total integration time?
#Astronomy #astrophotography #Space 🔭🧪
Guesses on total integration time?
#Astronomy #astrophotography #Space 🔭🧪
February 20, 2025 at 4:15 AM
Anyone have any ideas on the best way to print and display #astrophotography? Does anyone have any examples of custom backlit printed astro work?
I shot Bode’s Galaxy as the first DSO target for my Skymax 127mm. It appears this focal length really shows the backlash from my SA GTi. I guess more fine tuning is needed. This was 4 hours of 1 min subs.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
February 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM
I shot Bode’s Galaxy as the first DSO target for my Skymax 127mm. It appears this focal length really shows the backlash from my SA GTi. I guess more fine tuning is needed. This was 4 hours of 1 min subs.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
Finally some clear skies and calm winds tonight! After a week of clouds and rain we had clear skies last night, but it was so windy I thought it was going to blow over my telescope. Whomp whomp.
I’m thinking the Jellyfish Nebula for the Seestar and maybe Bode’s Galaxy for the Skymax 127.
I’m thinking the Jellyfish Nebula for the Seestar and maybe Bode’s Galaxy for the Skymax 127.
February 16, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Finally some clear skies and calm winds tonight! After a week of clouds and rain we had clear skies last night, but it was so windy I thought it was going to blow over my telescope. Whomp whomp.
I’m thinking the Jellyfish Nebula for the Seestar and maybe Bode’s Galaxy for the Skymax 127.
I’m thinking the Jellyfish Nebula for the Seestar and maybe Bode’s Galaxy for the Skymax 127.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Bluesky! To celebrate, here’s an image I took of the Heart Nebula. I hope your day is as beautiful as this region of space.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #valentinesday
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #valentinesday
February 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Happy Valentine’s Day, Bluesky! To celebrate, here’s an image I took of the Heart Nebula. I hope your day is as beautiful as this region of space.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #valentinesday
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #valentinesday
It’s been cloudy and raining all week so I went back and reprocessed an old stack of M33 the Triangulum Galaxy. I guess we call this an official #TBT.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #seestar
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #seestar
February 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM
It’s been cloudy and raining all week so I went back and reprocessed an old stack of M33 the Triangulum Galaxy. I guess we call this an official #TBT.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #seestar
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #seestar
Maybe if we all get on that Mediterranean diet we can live long enough to see it again. lol
(Edited 1:42 PM via @skeetsapp.com)
(Edited 1:42 PM via @skeetsapp.com)
From the Chicago area, I was fortunate to observe portions of both the early morning 2004 (left) and early evening 2012 (right) Transits of Venus across the Sun’s face. Sadly, the next pair of Venus Transits won’t occur until 2117 and 2125.
#astronomy #astrophotography #sun #venus
#astronomy #astrophotography #sun #venus
February 9, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Maybe if we all get on that Mediterranean diet we can live long enough to see it again. lol
(Edited 1:42 PM via @skeetsapp.com)
(Edited 1:42 PM via @skeetsapp.com)
IC 405 - The Flaming Star Nebula
This proved to be a difficult target to image with the #Seestar. I totaled 3 hours of integration on this target with 1100 x 10 second sub frames. Processed in #PixInsight
#Astrophotography #astronomy #space
This proved to be a difficult target to image with the #Seestar. I totaled 3 hours of integration on this target with 1100 x 10 second sub frames. Processed in #PixInsight
#Astrophotography #astronomy #space
February 9, 2025 at 4:21 PM
IC 405 - The Flaming Star Nebula
This proved to be a difficult target to image with the #Seestar. I totaled 3 hours of integration on this target with 1100 x 10 second sub frames. Processed in #PixInsight
#Astrophotography #astronomy #space
This proved to be a difficult target to image with the #Seestar. I totaled 3 hours of integration on this target with 1100 x 10 second sub frames. Processed in #PixInsight
#Astrophotography #astronomy #space
First light for my new Skymax 127mm telescope with an ASI533MC-Pro camera. I’ve never done planetary imaging before so I’ve got a huge learning curve. I also know the focus wasn’t great but I’m still really excited!
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #moon #jupiter
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #moon #jupiter
February 8, 2025 at 5:18 PM
First light for my new Skymax 127mm telescope with an ASI533MC-Pro camera. I’ve never done planetary imaging before so I’ve got a huge learning curve. I also know the focus wasn’t great but I’m still really excited!
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #moon #jupiter
#astrophotography #astronomy #space #moon #jupiter
My first shots of #galaxy season! Here’s M81 Bode’s Galaxy and M82 the Cigar Galaxy as shot on my #Seestar S50.
This is just a quick 3 hour shot processed in #PixInsight.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
This is just a quick 3 hour shot processed in #PixInsight.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
February 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
My first shots of #galaxy season! Here’s M81 Bode’s Galaxy and M82 the Cigar Galaxy as shot on my #Seestar S50.
This is just a quick 3 hour shot processed in #PixInsight.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
This is just a quick 3 hour shot processed in #PixInsight.
#astrophotography #astronomy #space
Reposted by Justin Pickens
Let's go!!! 🚀
Here's a link to the Open Beta for Flashes (iOS-only for now)
Here's a link to the Open Beta for Flashes (iOS-only for now)
Join the Flashes for Bluesky beta
Available on iOS
testflight.apple.com
February 5, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Let's go!!! 🚀
Here's a link to the Open Beta for Flashes (iOS-only for now)
Here's a link to the Open Beta for Flashes (iOS-only for now)
I spent the last two week (between clouds) shooting a total of 12 hours of integration on the Orion Nebula with my #seestar S50 and processed in #PixInsight. I think this will do for 2025 and will revisit Orion next year.
#astrophotography #space #astronomy
#astrophotography #space #astronomy
February 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I spent the last two week (between clouds) shooting a total of 12 hours of integration on the Orion Nebula with my #seestar S50 and processed in #PixInsight. I think this will do for 2025 and will revisit Orion next year.
#astrophotography #space #astronomy
#astrophotography #space #astronomy
I’ve got my #seestar imaging the heart nebula for a fun Valentine’s Day project. However, I had to take a quick shot of the moon. Venus and the Moon look splendid next to each other this evening.
#astrophotography
#astrophotography
February 2, 2025 at 2:03 AM
I’ve got my #seestar imaging the heart nebula for a fun Valentine’s Day project. However, I had to take a quick shot of the moon. Venus and the Moon look splendid next to each other this evening.
#astrophotography
#astrophotography
Just ordered a Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain! I’ve always imaged deep sky objects, but this will be my first step into planetary imaging. I’m also very excited to use it for visual #astronomy outreach.
It looks like it will be handy for galaxy season too.
#astrophotography
It looks like it will be handy for galaxy season too.
#astrophotography
February 2, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Just ordered a Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain! I’ve always imaged deep sky objects, but this will be my first step into planetary imaging. I’m also very excited to use it for visual #astronomy outreach.
It looks like it will be handy for galaxy season too.
#astrophotography
It looks like it will be handy for galaxy season too.
#astrophotography
This is pretty neat! I’ve done star trails photos in the northern hemisphere, but never thought about what it would look like at the equator.
These #StarTrails were captured at the #celestial #equator, so the stars trails on the left appear to curve around the #NorthPole, and those to the right around the #SouthPole. #LAAS #Astrophotography #Astro #Canon #StarStax #Astrophotos
January 29, 2025 at 4:51 AM
This is pretty neat! I’ve done star trails photos in the northern hemisphere, but never thought about what it would look like at the equator.