Stella Cinis Observatory

“I don't think science is hard to teach because humans aren't ready for it, or because it arose only through a fluke, or because, by and large, we don't have the brainpower to grapple with it. Instead, the enormous zest for science that I see in first-graders and the lesson from the remnant hunter-gatherers both speak eloquently: A proclivity for science is embedded deeply within us, in all times, places, and cultures. It has been the means for our survival. It is our birthright. When, through indifference, inattention, incompetence, or fear of skepticism, we discourage children from science, we are disenfranchising them, taking from them the tools needed to manage their future.”

― Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

The last date that all living humans were together on Earth was November 2th, 2000. Since then, there has always been someone onboard the International Space Station. That date may stand forever.

After 3 nights of attempts, I finally have a worthy image of Jupiter, albeit in monochrome for now. The planetary imaging process involves capturing around 1000 frames from video and stacking the best 15% to reduce image noise and atmospheric distortion. The learning curve lies mostly with the software (I'm getting there).

Attempting to image the Moon's eastern mountains near Mare Crisium. Not sure if the whiskey helps or hinders...

FIRST LIGHT!!!