Supernova 2023ixf in M101

This morning I was able to image Supernova 2023ixf in galaxy M101, Pinwheel Galaxy. The supernova is a type II supernova and is located in constellation Ursa Major and about 21million light years away from Earth. My estimation of the brightness of the SN is less then magn 11.

Setting: TAL200K f/8.5 with ASI2600MC (bin2x2)on EQ8-R Pro

Guiding: ASI290MM with 60x240mm

Filter:Optolong L-Pro

Moon: Full Moon

Lights: 12x300s, flats, darks, bias, dark flats

Software: ASIAir plus

Editing: APP, CS4, DeNoise AI

Mars in Beehive M44

On June 2, 2023, Mars could be observed in open star cluster M44 "Beehive".

Different images were taken up to 8° above the horizon. 

Setting: TLAPO80/480 f/6 with ASI2600MC on EQ6

Filter: Optolong L-Pro

Moon: 94%

Guiding: Miniscope 30 f/4 with ASI290MM

Software: SharpCap4, N.I.N.A., 

Lights: 10x180s, Darks (5), Flats (10), Dark Flats(10) and Bias (5), 

Editing: APP, CS4, DeNoise AI

Again circumscribed halo with parhelic circle

Second day on a row.... a circumscribed halo with parhelic circle. For more information see my other blognote. See this link

Rare Parhelic Circle and Circumscribed Halo

 

The Sun yesterday, May 28, 2023. It's altitude was 57° above the horizon. Some high clouds with ice cristals cause the forming of halo's. This time a circumscribed halo and a rare parhelic circle. A parhelic is a reflection of the 22° (or this time the circumscribed halo). The parhelic circle runs through the center of the sun's disk and the centerpoint of the circleis located at the zenith.

I use CS4 to make some color/black white images to increase contract in order to see the parhelic circle.

An interesting website for more detailes on this optical phenomen : see this link. 

Halo             22   Parhelia   Tangent arc   Sun pillar    Circumzenithal   Parhelic circle   Supralateral arc/46� halo   120 parhelia   Parry arcs   Pyramidal crystal halos    All others

Relative Frequency 100  73  27  16  13   4 4.2 1.2 1.1 0.3 1.5

This means that a 22° halo can be seen 100 times per year. A circumzenithal circle 13 times a year and the mentioned parhelic circle 4 times a year.

Halo around Sun



Lecture on Einstein Telescope UHasselt

Together with my collegue Walter and 400 others, we attended a lecture on the Einstein Telescope (ET) at UHasselt. The lecture was organized by EOS, UHasselt and FWO. Information about the ET was provided by Prof. Alexander Sevrin (VUBrussels) and Prof. Nick Van Remortel (UAntwerpen). The debat was lead by Flanders ET projectleader Hans Plets.

Selfie with Prof. Alexander Sevrin (VUBrussels)

The Einstein Telescope is an advanced gravitational-wave observatory, currently in the planning stage. The border region of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, known as the Euregio Meusse-Rhine, is an ideal location. This is because of its tranquillity, stable ground and strong ecosystem of scientific institutions and high-tech companies.

For more information see the offical website of the Einstein Telescope 

The Einstein Telescope will be more sensitive then the current LIGO, VIRGO or KAGRA and will be the most sensitive instrument ever build. Some key differences that will boost sensitivity :

- the observatory will be build 200-300m underground to prevent any "noise and vibrations"

- the whole system will have a length of 10km (triangle shape) which is be much bigger then LIGO(4km) or VIRGO and KARGO both 3km

- the mirrors will be fully cooled up to -200°C and made of crystalline Silicon which will reflect the infrared laserbeams. 

ATT Essen 2023

ATT Essen (May 13, 2023) was again a great succes with a lot people. Lot's of material, learnings, discussion and of course some good fun! Thx to Walter & Jean-Claude. 

Jean-Claude, Walter with Baader Dados set up

Jean-Claude, Pascal, Walter and Philippe (MIRA)

Pascal, Jean Claude and Walter

Pascal and Walter with 50cm RC in the background

Long waiting row at arrival