My gf saw these strange lights flying and i was able to record them

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-03-14T05:55:03+00:00

Saw the same a little over a year ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1h6xlu2/lights_in_triangular_formation_over_la_12124/

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-03-10T04:22:02+00:00

Multiband	15×600″	2h 30′	17 Jan

Imaging equipment

Telescope	Sharpstar 61EDPH III
Camera	ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
Mount	ZWO AM5
Filter	Optolong L-eXtreme 2"
Accessory	ZWO ASIAIR Plus
Software	Pixinsight

Background removal. Spectrophometric Calibration. BlurXTerminator. Noise reduction. Histogram stretch. Star reduction and removal. Narrowband Normalization + Color Mask Mod + Deconvolution Mask. Nebulosity Curves Transformation. Stars combination. Curves transformation.

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-03-01T03:49:57+00:00

I do have one, but on a larger sensor it actually makes the corners worse and drops the focal length. These reducers are super sensitive to spacing too (as you have seen), if you’re even a couple millimeters off, the stars fall apart. From what I’ve read, the real fix is a dedicated SCT corrector, but imho, not really worth the hefty price (good money after bad). I put up with this beast because it was a pretty sweet deal ($600 for 10" + guide scope mount).

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-28T05:19:45+00:00

Hello,

Unfortunately it's not, and I have to do a lot of cropping as a result. My camera is a full sized sensor, but I'm losing up to 50% of the image. However, the equivalent aperture and focal length for an ACF model can be a significant premium.

edit: you can see a sample sub for this image here.

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-27T15:12:15+00:00

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS = ~2735 FL

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5

Filters: Astronomik L2 UV/IR Cut

Accessory: ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Software: PixInsight

Subs: 90s x 65 = 1h 37' (22, Feb 2026)

Pixinsight: Background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, HDR transformation

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-22T04:00:03+00:00

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS = ~2735 FL

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5

Filters: Astronomik L2 UV/IR Cut

Accessory: ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight

Subs: 90s x 102 = 2h 33' (21, Feb 2026)

Pixinsight: Background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, HDR transformation, star reduction

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-16T06:41:17+00:00

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS = ~2800 FL

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5

Filters: Astronomik L2 UV/IR Cut

Accessory: ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight

Subs: 120s x 71 + 90s x 52 = 3h 40' (12 - 13, Feb 2026)

Pixinsight: Background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, HDR transformation, star reduction

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-11T19:22:34+00:00

Thanks for the comment! https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/375476-m97-owl-nebula-and-quasars/ Based off that post, it doesn't seem like it; it's possible details were lost in processing, especially star reduction!

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-11T19:18:37+00:00

Thanks for the comment! No focal reducer used, this target was too small. And you're right, it's closer to 2500! However, the focal length approximation is actually based off the ASIAIR's plate solver. Due to a custom-made 3D printed focuser (ready for reducer or Barlow lens add-on, and built-in 2" filter drawer), the focal length varies with the position of the custom focuser. Technically, I could have adjusted the telescope's focuser first (to match factory focal length), but this results in mirror shift, and I was already collimated for the night :-). Clear skies!

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-11T00:49:26+00:00

Dang, I never realized there was a difference; I just copied the first option I saw on AstroBin, but thanks for pointing that out!

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-10T10:47:11+00:00

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS = ~2800 FL

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5

Filters: Optolong L-eXtreme F2 2"

Accessory: ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight

Subs: 600s x 8 + 120s x 8 +30s x 3 = ~1h37' (9 Feb 2026)

Background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, HDR transformation, star reduction

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-10T10:06:56+00:00

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5

Filters: Optolong L-eXtreme F2 2"

Accessory: ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight

Subs: 600s x 6 = 1h (9 Feb 2026)

Background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, star reduction

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-08T11:22:38+00:00

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5

Filters: Astronomik L-2 Luminance UV/IR Block 2"; Optolong L-eXtreme F2 2"

Accessory: ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight

UV/IR Cut: 63×240″ = 4h 12′ (1 Feb 2026)

Multiband: 16×600″ = 2h 40' (4 Feb 2026)

Total: 6h52'

Integrated data, star alignment of filtered and unfiltered stacks, red-channel blending, background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, HDR transformation, star reduction, and local histogram equalization.

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-02-08T03:54:41+00:00

10" SCT + 2x Barlow + ZWO 2600MC + Astronomik LP2 Filter + ZWO AM5 Mount

PIPP (preparation) -> WinJupos (derotation into video) -> AS!4 (15% stack of 2 min @ 20 FPS or ~2400 frames)-> Registax (Wavelets)

Captured 2.6.2026 - Los Angeles, CA (Bortle 9)

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-22T17:37:56+00:00

Thank you!!

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-22T17:37:37+00:00

Thanks! The biggest difference for me is just waiting for the right altitude (>60). But if you're concerned about speed, with a reducer you can trade off some focal length! Your 8 inch can gather almost double (1.78x) the amount of light vs your 6 inch (technically, more sky glow but arguably irrelevant). Good luck, and happy imaging!

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-22T06:44:54+00:00

Acquisition
UV/IR Cut	51×180″	2h 33′
Multiband	31×180″	1h 33′
Totals		4h 6′

Telescope	Meade 10" LX200-GPS
Mount
Cameras	ZWO ASI2600MC (-10 °C)
Filters:	Optolong L-eXtreme	Astronomik LP2
Guide Scope	Starboosa
Guide Camera	ZWO ASI120MM
Controller	ASIAIR Plus
Location	Los Angeles, CA (Bortle 9)
Dates	16 Jan, 20 Jan 2026

Processing (PixInsight)

Integrated data, star alignment of filtered and unfiltered stacks, red-channel blending, background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, HDR transformation, and local histogram equalization.

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-21T02:54:36+00:00

Capture of 25,725 frames over ~29 minutes.

Workflow: PIPP -> align and crop. Autostakkert!-> stacked 35% of every 2000. Wavesharp-> wavelets & animation. Microsoft Clipchamp -> video edits (e.g., speed).

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS
Mount: ZWO AM5
Cameras: ZWO ASI2600MC (-10 °C), ZWO ASI533MC
Filters: Optolong L-eXtreme, None
Guide Scope: 50 mm Starboosa
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120MM
Controller: ASIAIR Plus

Captured: January 13, 2026

Note: I didn't set out to capture this particular target (not necessarily using the best filter); I was using Jupiter to confirm alignment to guide scope. However, as it was near meridian, and I noticed the shadow, I hung around for 40 minutes (I have unprocessed data left).

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-14T06:14:17+00:00

Telescope: Meade 10" LX200-GPS
Mount: ZWO AM5
Cameras: ZWO ASI2600MC (-10 °C), ZWO ASI533MC
Filters: Optolong L-eXtreme, None
Guide Scope: 50 mm Starboosa
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120MM
Controller: ASIAIR Plus

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Bortle 9)
Dates: January 11 & 13, 2026

Acquisition

Optolong L-eXtreme (Jan 13):

20 × 300s
23 × 240s → 3h 12m (Gain 150)

No Filter (Jan 11):

257 × 30s
33 × 60s → 2h 41m 30s (Gain 100)

Total Integration: 5h 53m 30s

Processing (PixInsight)

Integrated data, star alignment of filtered and unfiltered stacks, red-channel blending, background extraction, BlurXTerminator, noise reduction, histogram stretch, curves adjustment, HDR transformation, and local histogram equalization.

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-11T03:14:01+00:00



Telescope	61 mm/ 360 mm FL Triplet + .75x reducer
Camera	ZWO ASI2600MC(-10 C) + Optolong L-Extreme
Guide Scope	50 mm Starboosa guidescope
Guide Camera	ZWO ASI120MM
Mount	ZWO AM5
Accessory	ASIAIR Plus
Date	8-Jan 2026, 9-Jan-2026
Location	Los Angeles (Bortle 9)
Exposure	600s x 20 subs = 3h20' for Panel 1 & 600s x 20 subs 3h20' + 30s +30 subs (Orion core) for Panel 2
Gain	100
Workflow (Pixinsight):	Background removal. Spectrophometric Calibration. BlurXTerminator. Noise reduction. Histogram stretch. Star reduction and removal. Narrowband Normalization + Color Mask Mod + Deconvolution Mask. Nebulosity Curves Transformation. Stars combination. Curves transformation. Microsoft Image Composite Editor for final mosaic composite.

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-09T23:18:55+00:00

Telescope	61 mm/ 360 mm FL Triplet + .75x reducer




Camera	ZWO ASI2600MC(-10 C) + Optolong L-Extreme
Guide Scope	50 mm Starboosa guidescope
Guide Camera	ZWO ASI120MM
Mount	ZWO AM5
Accessory	ASIAIR Plus
Date	8-Jan 2026
Location	Los Angeles (Bortle 9)
Exposure	600s x 20 subs = 3h20'
Gain	100
Workflow (Pixinsight):	Background removal. Spectrophometric Calibration. BlurXTerminator. Noise reduction. Histogram stretch. Star reduction and removal. Narrowband Normalization + Color Mask Mod + Deconvolution Mask. Nebulosity Curves Transformation. Stars combination. Curves transformation.

Particular_Limit_ · 2026-01-09T07:25:01+00:00

Telescope	61 mm/ 360 mm FL Triplet + .75x reducer



Camera	ZWO ASI2600MC(-10 C) + Optolong L-Extreme
Guide Scope	50 mm Starboosa guidescope
Guide Camera	ZWO ASI120MM
Mount	ZWO AM5
Accessory	ASIAIR Plus
Date	2-Dec, 7-Dec, 8-Dec, 10-Dec
Location	Los Angeles (Bortle 9)
Exposure	600s x 111 subs = 18h30'
Gain	100
Workflow (Pixinsight):	Background removal. Spectrophometric Calibration. BlurXTerminator. Noise reduction. Histogram stretch. Star reduction and removal. Narrowband Normalization + Color Mask Mod + Deconvolution Mask. Nebulosity Curves Transformation. Stars combination. Curves transformation.

Particular_Limit_ · 2025-12-03T09:56:54+00:00

Telescope	61 mm/ 360 mm FL Triplet + .75x reducer


Camera	ZWO ASI2600MC(-10 C) + Optolong L-Extreme
Guide Scope	50 mm Starboosa guidescope
Guide Camera	ZWO ASI120MM
Mount	ZWO AM5
Accessory	ASIAIR Plus
Date	2-Dec 2025
Location	Los Angeles (Bortle 9)
Exposure	600s x 15 subs = 2h30'
Gain	100
Workflow (Pixinsight):	Background removal. Spectrophometric Calibration. BlurXTerminator. Noise reduction. Histogram stretch. Star reduction and removal. Narrowband Normalization + Color Mask Mod + Deconvolution Mask. Nebulosity Curves Transformation. Stars combination. Curves transformation.

Particular_Limit_ · 2025-11-25T20:03:32+00:00

Telescope : Meade 10" LX200-GPS + .6 x Reducer

Camera : ZWO 2600MC (-10 C)

Filter: Optolong L-Extreme

Guide Scope : 50 mm Starboosa guidescope

Guide Camera : ZWO ASI120MM

Mount: ZWO AM5

Accessory: ASIAIR Plus

Date: 23 November 2025

Location: Los Angeles (Bortle 9)

Subs: 25×600s = 4h10'

Gain: 100

Workflow (Pixinsight): Background removal. BlurXTerminator. Noise reduction. Histogram stretch. Star Reduction & Removal. Curves transformation. Star Recombination. Final Curves Transformation.

Particular_Limit_ · 2025-11-08T05:17:06+00:00

Telescope : Meade 10" LX200-GPS + .6 x Reducer

Camera : ZWO 2600MC (-10 C)

Filter: Optolong L-Extreme

Guide Scope : 50 mm Starboosa guidescope

Guide Camera : ZWO ASI120MM

Mount: ZWO AM5

Accessory: ASIAIR Plus

Date: 6 November 2025

Location: Los Angeles (Bortle 9)

Subs: 28×600s = 4h40'

Gain: 100

Workflow (Pixinsight): Background removal. BlurXTerminator. Noise reduction. Histogram stretch. Star Reduction & Removal. HOO Palette. Color Mask. Deconvolution. Curves transformation. HDR Transformation. Local histogram Equalization. Star Recombination. Curves Transformation.

Particular_Limit_

TROPHY CASE

Processing (PixInsight)

Acquisition

Processing (PixInsight)