What's up in the February 2026 Skies?

Send us a textFebruary 2026 delivers cold nights—and spectacular skies. In this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne walks you through everything to watch for in the night sky this month. We take an in-depth look at NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight toward the Moon since 1972, including mission objectives, the historic crew, and how you can follow the launch live with our community coverage. This month’s Lunar Feature of the Month highlights the fascinating crater pair Messier and Messier A, known for their unusual shapes and some of the most linear lunar rays on the Moon—plus a look at the legacy of Charles Messier himself. Our deep-sky tour explores the rich but often overlooked constellation Monoceros the Unicorn and it's myriad of deep sky objects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced observer, this episode is packed with observing tips, history, and inspiration to get outside under the winter stars. 🌙 Clear skies—and Carpe Noctem! Don’t forget to like and subscribe, your support helps bring astronomy to more people every month. Contact: [email protected] Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380 If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Links: Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee Our Facebook group page:   / astroguypod   Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35 Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-Ne... The February 2026 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/ The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name:

Send us a textIn this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, I walk you through my current PixInsight workflow, the exact process I’m using right now to turn raw astrophotography data into a finished deep-sky image. This is not a beginner’s overview or a list of tools. Instead, I explain why I use each step, how the processes fit together, and what I look for as the image evolves. Whether you’re refining your own PixInsight workflow or trying to understand how experienced imagers structure their processing, this episode will help you think more clearly and work more efficiently. This workflow reflects about 4 years of experience, experimentation, and refinement and it continues to evolve. If you’re serious about deep-sky astrophotography, PixInsight, and improving your processing results, this episode is for you. You’ll also find free downloadable versions of the pre-processed image stacks used in this episode, so you can follow along with the workflow or try your own processing approach. The data is available in both .XISF and .FITS formats, making it easy to load directly into PixInsight or other astrophotography software. Whether you want to replicate the steps shown in the video or experiment with different techniques, these files give you hands-on access to the exact data used in the episode. It would be great if you could post links to your version of the data in our Facebook Group. NGC 1499 stacked image in XISF format: https://tinyurl.com/NGC1499XISF NGC 1499 stacked image in FITS format: https://tinyurl.com/NGC1499FITSWZ Download a PDF of the work flow here: https://tinyurl.com/AGWorkflowPISpecial thanks to Franklin Marek (Seti-Astro) for his innovative scripts and software. If you use his tools, please consider supporting his work at http://setiastro.com. Thanks as well to Mike Cranfield and Bill Blanshan for their outstanding scripts, generously shared with the community. Mike’s work can be found at https://cosmicphotons.com Bill’s at youtube.com/@anotherastrochannel2173 🔭 Subscribe to The AstroGuy Podcast for monthly sky guides, deep-dive astronomy topics, and real-world astrophotography insights.Leave a comment with your own workflow questions or tips. #PixInsight #Astrophotography #PixInsightWorkflow #DeepSkyImaging #AstroProcessing 

Send us a textIn this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne explores the best things to see in the sky in January of 2026, from brilliant planets to iconic deep-sky objects in Orion the Hunter. January offers some of the best stargazing of the year, with long winter nights and clear, steady skies. Learn when and where to observe Jupiter at opposition, how to spot Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. We’ll explore an ancient crater on the moon, discuss some upcoming launches and much more. Whether you observe with your eyes, binoculars, or a telescope, this episode will help you make the most of the January night sky. Don’t forget to like and subscribe, your support helps bring astronomy to more people every month. Contact: [email protected] Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380 If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem! Links: Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35 Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media The January 2026 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideJan26 The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTF Affiliate Links High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG Audio Credits: Hymn to the Dawn By Scott Buckley Adrift Among Infinite Stars By Scott Buckley The Long Dark By Scott Buckley www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... 

Send us a textIn this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne walks you through everything unfolding in the December 2025 night sky, one of the best observing months of the year thanks to long, dark winter nights and crisp, steady air. We start with a full planetary roundup, including Jupiter’s stunning December performance, Saturn’s nearly edge-on rings, and a look at Mercury’s early-morning apparition. We also cover the ongoing activity from Comet Lemmon, the fragmented C/2025 K1 ATLAS, and the rare interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS, along with clear explanations of what it is, and what it isn’t.December brings two meteor showers, with the Geminids once again offering the year’s most reliable performance, and the Ursids providing a second chance for shooting stars under dark skies. In space news, we discuss NASA’s ESCAPADE mission and Blue Origin’s major landing milestone, along with the final chapter for Japan’s Akatsuki Venus orbiter.This month’s Lunar Feature spotlights the Bay of Rainbows a favorite target for lunar observers. Then we wrap up with a deep-sky tour through Taurus, highlighting Aldebaran, the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the spectacular lunar occultation of M45 on December 3rd and MORE.Whether you’re observing with binoculars, a telescope, or just your winter coat and a clear sky, December has something worth getting outside for.Don’t forget to like and subscribe, your support helps bring astronomy to more people every month.Contact: [email protected] Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!Links:Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffeeOur Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypodCranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-MediaThe December 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideDec25The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuideOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYsThe “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTFAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGCreditsAudio Credits:Hymn to the DawnBy Scott BuckleyPhase Shift By Scott BuckleyVoice of Earth By Alex ProductionsUnder the SunBy Keys of MoonThe Long DarkBy Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Send us a textIn this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne sits down with planetary imager Greg Shanos, one of the most dedicated and skilled amateur astronomers working today. Greg recently completed an extraordinary observing project: imaging 15 out of 16 Titan transits across Saturn during this year’s rare transit season. These events only occur during brief windows every 15 years, making his achievement one of the most complete amateur records of the phenomenon.Before the interview, Wayne reminds listeners about the 1,000-subscriber contest, where one lucky viewer will win a free autographed and numbered print. If you haven’t entered yet, be sure to visit the contest video and leave a comment before November 25th.In the main segment, Greg shares how he planned and executed his transit campaign, the gear and imaging workflow he relied on, the challenges he faced along the way, and what these observations reveal about the Saturnian system. Greg was recently honored with the 2025 Walter A. Haas Observer Award from ALPO, recognizing his significant contributions to lunar and planetary observing.This episode offers a deep look at the power and passion of amateur astronomy — and how one dedicated observer can produce scientifically meaningful work that stands alongside professional data.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment—it really helps us grow and reach more interested folks.Contact: [email protected] Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem! Links:Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffeeOur Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypodCranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-MediaThe Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuideOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYsThe “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTFWinJupos https://jupos.org/gh/download.htmFirecapture https://www.Firecapture.deSharpcap https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/Autostakkert4 https://www.autostakkert.com/wp/downloadRegistax6 https://www.astronomie.be/registax/Astraimage https://astraimage.comGIMP https://www.gimp.org/downloadsPhotoshop CS4 https://www.adobe.com/photoshop    Here’s the link to Greg’s images: http://pvol

Send us a textIn this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne explores what’s happening in the night sky this November. The evening skies are filled with bright planets — Jupiter shines brilliantly all month, Saturn’s rings appear nearly edge-on, and Uranus reaches opposition on November 21st, making this the best time of the year to view the distant ice giant. Neptune remains faint in Pisces, while Mercury, Mars, and Venus make brief appearances near sunrise and sunset.  Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) continues to impress observers, while Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) offers a fainter but rewarding binocular challenge. The Leonid meteor shower peaks on November 17th and 18th under dark, moonless skies, with about a dozen meteors per hour expected.  In space news, SpaceX achieved another milestone with the successful dual splashdowns of Starship and its booster during Flight 11. This month’s lunar feature is Gassendi Crater, a striking, terraced impact crater on the edge of Mare Humorum.The Deep Sky Tour focuses on Perseus, high in the eastern sky on November evenings. Wayne shares the mythology behind the hero who rescued Andromeda and highlights Perseus’s brightest stars — Mirfak and Algol — along with several deep sky treasures.Wayne also previews the next episode — an interview with planetary imager Greg Shanos, who recently captured 15 of 16 Titan transits across Saturn.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment—it really helps us grow and reach more interested folks.Contact: [email protected] Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!

Send us a textWe’ve reached 1,000 subscribers! In this special episode of the AstroGuy Podcast, I’m sharing the story behind one of my first deep-sky photos — the North America and Pelican Nebulae — and announcing an exclusive giveaway for viewers. You could win a signed, one-of-a-kind metal print of this image! Join me as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to what’s next for the channel.Celebrating 1,000 Subscribers + Exclusive Giveaway!Welcome to a very special episode of the AstroGuy Podcast on YouTube! We’ve reached an incredible milestone — 1,000 subscribers! This episode is all about saying thank you to the amazing astronomy community that’s grown around this channel.I’ll share a little about how this journey began, what’s ahead for the channel, and how you can enter a contest to win something truly special — a signed, numbered (1 of 1) metal print of one of my early astrophotos featuring the North America and Pelican Nebulae.Thank you for watching, listening, commenting, and being part of this growing space-loving community! How to Enter the ContestTo enter: 1. Make sure you’re subscribed to the AstroGuy channel. 2. Leave a comment on the contest video telling me your favorite astro-object and what you like about it.3. Entries must submitted before midnight on November 21, 2025.4. Prize will only be shipped to a US address.That’s it! One random commenter will be chosen to win the signed, 1-of-1 metal print of my photo of the North America and Pelican Nebulae.Winner will be announced in an the “What’s Up in the December 2025 Skies?” episode and via community post.Contest DisclaimerThis contest is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with YouTube. By participating, you agree to release YouTube from any liability related to this contest. Open to subscribers of the AstroGuy YouTube channel who are at least 18 years old. No purchase necessary. Personal information collected will only be used for prize delivery. By entering, you agree to comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Entries that violate these terms will be disqualified.Links:Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffeeOur Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypodCranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-MediaThe Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025r2-info Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025a6-info Affiliate Links Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGAudio Credits:Last and First Light by Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativ

Send us a textWhat’s Up in the October 2025 SkiesOctober is one of the best months of the year for stargazing! In this episode we explore everything happening in the skies this month:Mercury, Mars, and the Moon make for some beautiful conjunctions in the evening sky. Venus still dominates the mornings, while Jupiter and Saturn put on steady shows all night. October brings the chance to spot two comets, plus, the Orionid meteor shower peaks under dark skies with no Moon interference.Then we’ll take a close-up look at Petavius Crater, one of the Moon’s most spectacular impact sites,  and then we dive into Pegasus exploring some of its bright stars, to a standout globular cluster to several galaxy groups and faint, and unique planetary nebula to round out the tour. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stargazer, there’s something here for everyone this month.If you catch a glimpse of the comets, Orionid meteors, or any of the features we’ve talked about, share your observations with us in the AstroGuy Podcast Facebook Group or tag us on social media.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment—it really helps us grow and reach more interested folks.Contact: [email protected]/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!Links:Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffeeOur Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypodCranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-MediaThe October 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideOct25 The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTFComet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025r2-infoComet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025a6-infoAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGOIII Filters: https://bit.ly/4gLlHzXAudio Credits:Hymn To The Dawn by Scott BuckleyAdrift Among Infinite Starsby Scott BuckleyLast and First Light by Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Send us a textIn this episode I recount how I rediscovered the pure joy of visual observing. For years, I’ve been focused on capturing images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, but one night with just a pair of 7x50 binoculars reminded me why I fell in love with the night sky in the first place.From spotting several of my favorite deep sky objects, to catching Saturn and Neptune in the same binocular field, the experience was both simple and magical. No cables, no cameras, no software—just me, and the universe.In this episode, we’ll talk about: - Why visual observing matters - How binocular astronomy is the perfect starting point - Favorite binocular targets, tips, and resources - A challenge for you to reconnect with the skySometimes the most meaningful moments in astronomy come not from images or data, but from simply looking up. Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or have been at it for decades, I hope this episode inspires you to step outside, look up, and reconnect with the night sky.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the joy of stargazing.Join the AstroGuy Podcast community on Facebook, and share your own observing experiences!If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review. Carpe Noctem!Keywords (comma separated):Links:Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffeeOur Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypodCranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-MediaThe September 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideSept25 The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTFAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGFujinon 7x50 Binoculars: https://amzn.to/4noSXz1Bushnell 10x50 Binoculars: https://amzn.to/3I603cOPhil Harrington’s Touring the Universe through Binoculars: https://amzn.to/46hKyGP CreditsAudio Credits:Under the Sunby Keys of Moon Last and First Lightby Scott Buckley Adrift Amongst Infinite Starsby Scott Buckley www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Send us a textIn this episode of the AstroGuy Podcast, we dive into all the celestial highlights you can enjoy throughout September 2025. We’re also celebrating our 100th episode! Whether you’re just starting out in astronomy or you’re a seasoned observer, this episode has something for you!Here’s what we explore:Planetary Roundup — Two planets reach opposition this month! Find out when and where to see them at their very best.Lunar Feature of the Month — Explore one of the brightest, most distinctive craters on the Moon, with its fan-shaped rays and fascinating history.Astronomy News and Updates — From space missions to recent discoveries, we’ll cover what’s happening beyond Earth.Deep Sky Tour: Cassiopeia — Take a guided tour through this rich Milky Way constellation. Whether you’re using binoculars, a small telescope, or simply your eyes, you’ll find tips, background, and observing advice to help you make the most of September’s skies.If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!Links:Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffeeOur Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypodCranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-MediaThe September 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideSept25 The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuideOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYsThe “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTFAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGCredits:Hymn To The Dawn by Scott Buckley I Walk With Ghosts by Scott Buckley Adrift Among Infinite Stars by Scott Buckley The Long Dark by Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...