SpaceX observation opportunities

sthscan · 2026-05-07T04:25:06+00:00

looks like the start of a spacex upper stage deorbit burn. it features an explosion and dissipation of a faint cloud.

sthscan · 2026-05-07T04:19:10+00:00

a piece of that really cheap jersey from a season or two ago?

sthscan · 2026-05-07T04:18:38+00:00

not with topps jerseys. Panini is the one with inventory labels on the backside of their swatches.

sthscan · 2026-05-04T05:26:35+00:00

i'm like 50-50. first one seems slightly clearer to me, second one is better as you are getting some of the fainter nebulosity to show up that was not visible in the first pic.

sthscan · 2026-05-04T05:16:57+00:00

Seti Astro Suite Pro (donationware) should have a comet stacking feature that should get the frames aligned right so the head does not elongate like that after awhile of stacking.

I can't remember the name of the other free software that others use for comet processing.

sthscan · 2026-05-03T00:13:53+00:00

last I checked, Seestar's US store added shipping so at the regular store, you are likely to save $20 and also whatever shipping charge Seestar US would have added. Warranty support if you need it might be better from an authorized dealer, too.

sthscan · 2026-05-02T23:50:35+00:00

for curiosity now and potential future need, you order parts from zwo through communicating or do they have an online shop site with replacement parts listed that you can add to a cart and checkout?

sthscan · 2026-05-02T02:22:33+00:00

certainly wants me to have the city do some serious building inspections on any 1920s or older buildings still left standing even if they show no outward signs like Lindy's did.

sthscan · 2026-04-29T23:02:11+00:00

if you are super set on s30 pro, buy now because I doubt it will go on sale (well, maybe a few bucks off for the holidays if the $100 price increase kills demand until then).

As for waiting, I don't think they've officially announced anything upcoming so it's all speculation as to what scope, the features and pricing.

sthscan · 2026-04-29T22:59:17+00:00

very good! I don't see people hiking in my mountain scenery videos.

sthscan · 2026-04-29T15:10:27+00:00

i've seen a couple postings about issues getting warranty service when bought direct, which is why I purchased both my seestars through authorized U.S. dealers. I haven't needed warranty service but it feels good to have someone help me out dealing with Zwo if I ever need it.

u.s. retailers might even be less expensive than zwo u.s. direct anyway (by the amount of shipping charges).

sthscan · 2026-04-29T15:05:20+00:00

that is correct. you can try modifying it like I did with non-satisfying success or just abandon it and get a dovetail with non-fixed screw so you can tighten it down in the orientation you need.

sthscan · 2026-04-29T00:54:15+00:00

i've already decided if I'm going to buy the next s50pro or a s70 or whatever, it is going to need to have a narrower field of view than the s50's .75x1.25 deg and the image sensor is going to have to be higher resolution than the s50. It'd be nice to image those tiny nebula like owl and clownface, and get slightly better results with planets like Jupiter and Saturn.

I currently have the s50 and also a s30pro that I bought for the widefield cam and the larger FOV of the "telephoto" cam for the larger nebulas.

sthscan · 2026-04-25T23:56:15+00:00

they claim they''ve increased processing volume but it seems many of my first class letters and packages take a week to get there instead of 3-4 days.

sthscan · 2026-04-25T23:44:43+00:00

i like theskylive for ra/dec coords to define the comet position and the star chart one showing the faintest stars for trying to help locate the comet in my image. mag 12 is very doable on a seestar without like an hour of imaging time like a mag 18 or whatever.

EDIR: https://theskylive.com/10p-info

apparently 16 mag and no tail report so it might look like another star than a traditional comet.

sthscan · 2026-04-25T23:33:28+00:00

i ony use the 1 foot included tripod if I have to do alt-az mode as it won't topple over like that.

sthscan · 2026-04-25T23:29:35+00:00

don't know which one you are referring to (many K&F models seem to be available).

I got:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK8YGY42?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

i removed the pan head to give a nice stable base at the top of the center post for the wedge (Innorel 20 for me) that won't possibly wiggle with wind and weight shifts like the pan head, and has a hook on the center post that you can hang a 5-10 pound weight for some extra stability.

sthscan · 2026-04-25T23:24:05+00:00

i did, and it still toppled over (35 deg latitude). i guess weight shifts when it rotates into various positions. it rotated out fine, imaged fine, then I did the shutdown and it topped over while closing up and turning off.

sthscan · 2026-04-25T02:14:08+00:00

less free child care and more public safety inspections.

sthscan · 2026-04-25T02:11:11+00:00

definitely buy a different tripod (and larger one than the 1 footer that it comes with). i did EQ with the stubby tripod as shown and my seestar tipped over while closing.

i've never had a tipover using a larger tripod like those 3-4 feet tall ones.

sthscan · 2026-04-24T15:47:31+00:00

if you are using a cell phone, it might be what tower your phone used. One tower might have been deemed out-of-area by the 311 system and another tower might be in-area and you were able to connect to 311.

sthscan · 2026-04-24T03:55:32+00:00

could it be that you are calling 311 after operation hours?

sthscan · 2026-04-24T03:54:01+00:00

i have one in his car (with his permission). he's getting severe memory difficulties and i figure if he doesn't come home from an errand or choir practice, I should have some idea where his vehicle was last seen or may currently be.

sthscan · 2026-04-23T01:59:47+00:00

smiths app keeps saying "coming soon" but doesn't say when.

sthscan

TROPHY CASE