I took an image of M81, here's how I did it!

May has arrived, and with it comes warmer evenings, vibrant landscapes in full bloom, and a night sky packed with incredible sights to enjoy. Whether you're setting up a telescope, grabbing a pair of binoculars, or simply stepping outside to look up, there's plenty to see this month.In this episode, we’ll explore some of the highlights of the May night sky: Which planets are visible this month, when and where to look for them.  We'll spotlight one of the Moon’s most breathtaking and detailed features, examine a meteor shower, a comet and then we’ll take a tour through one of the sky’s most underrated, but rich constellations.Whether you're an experienced astronomer who’s been observing for years, or you're just starting your journey into the night sky, this episode is packed with tips, background information, and observing advice to help you make the most of your nights under the stars.Make sure to subscribe to the AstroGuy Podcast for monthly sky tours, deep dives into celestial phenomena, and tips to enhance your observing experience. 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-MediaOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs Comet SWAN information: https://theskylive.com/c2025f2-infoMay 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGMay2025GuideThe Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuideAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG Music Credits:Spring Flowers by Keys of Moonhttps://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonEvening Improvisation by Spheriáhttps://soundcloud.com/spheriamusicAdrift Among Infinite Stars by Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auRelaxing Chill MusicARNOR by Alex-Productionshttps://onsound.eu/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

April means it's time for one of the most anticipated annual events in amateur astronomy and this one isn’t in the sky.  On April 5th and 6th the 34th North East Astronomy Forum, aka NEAF was held! In this episode we’ll highlight some of the vendors, talks and more.  If you’ve never been to NEAF this episode lets you know why it’s a must-attend for visual observers, astrophotographers, and gear lovers alike. From top-tier speakers and cutting-edge gear and surprise product launches, we’ll give you a breakdown of NEAF 2025.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-MediaOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs NEAF Information: https://www.neafexpo.com/  Affiliate Links High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG ZWO Products: https://bit.ly/3Y0ZpC1 Pegasus Astro Smart Eye Electronic Eyepiece: https://www.highpointscientific.com/pegasus-astro-smarteye Astro-Physics: https://www.astro-physics.com Celestron Products: https://bit.ly/3RipDfB Nagler Type 7 Eyepieces: https://bit.ly/42dKB5J SkyWatcher Heliostar 76 Ha Solar Telescope: https://bit.ly/3G3br7J SkyWatcher HAC125DX Mini Astrograph: https://bit.ly/4j7sTqe SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro: https://bit.ly/3YmHjL9 Music Credits: Transcendence by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com The Things That Keep Us Here by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au MANTRA by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

April is here! And with it comes warmer days, blooming flowers and trees along with crisp evening skies.  This month the planets are still putting on a nice show, and we’ll explore one of the most famous areas on the Moon, learn about the Lyrid Meteor Shower, get a space mission update and explore some of the best that Canes Venatici has for us to observe on April evenings.   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 April 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/April25EpGuide The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuideOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYsCharles Messier episode: https://youtu.be/3JvAEj29OBo?si=P7E2wCvIP9ZN00ZFWilliam Herschel episode: https://youtu.be/1sCFTQf03Wk?si=nkc4_SaeR61Z5BOpMarch 13-14, 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse live stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/oo797dcWNCU?si=7dw5HseQhEr9syD3Affiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGCreditsImages: Wayne ZuhlJohn RichardsESA/NASAThe Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)R. Gendler G. Bacon Juan IacruzJohn VickeryJim MatthesAdam BlockJordan CochranBruce WatersChris CallieJianfeng DaiBruce McClureJohn HallEarthSky.orgNASA LROSloan Digital Sky SurveyDaniel Nobre Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music Credits:Phase Shift by Scott Buckley Voice of EarthLast And First Light by Scott BuckleyThere Was A Time by Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Smart telescopes are changing the way we explore the night sky, making astrophotography more accessible than ever. In this episode, I’m joined by two amateur astronomers, astronomy author Phil Harrington and Al Papsun to discuss the latest advancements in smart telescope technology. We’ll dive into the capabilities of many different smart scopes, exploring how these devices are reshaping the amateur astronomy experience.Are smart telescopes the future? What do they do well, and where do they fall short? Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first telescope or a seasoned observer curious about the latest tech, this episode will give you all the insights you need. So sit back and enjoy, it’s going to be a LOT of fun! 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-MediaAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGPurchase Phil Harrington’s books: https://amzn.to/4i8RhaC

March is here, roaring in like a lion, and only time will tell if it will go out like a lamb. You’ve certainly noticed that the days are getting longer and soon, the Winter weather will make way for warmer temperatures as Spring approaches.  This month, we’ll explore the planets, the crater Cassini on the Moon, a spectacular Lunar Eclipse that will be visible this month, then we’ll explore some of the galaxies that Leo has for us to enjoy and there’s a fun challenge there as well.  So sit back and enjoy, it’s going to be a LOT of fun! If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!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/astroguypodThe March 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/March25EpGuideThe Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYsPhil Harrington’s article about this month’s DSO challenge: See www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/column/phil-harrington-s/cosmic-challenge-leo-trio-2-r3231March 13-14, 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse Information : https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2025-march-14Mars Occultation Live Stream January 13, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/MarsJan13OccAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGPurchase Phil Harrington’s book “Cosmic Challenge: The Ultimate Observing List for Amateurs”: https://amzn.to/3XiF62zMusic Credits:Keys of Moon Under the Sun (Chosic)Phase Shift by Scott Buckley Last And First Light by Scott BuckleyThere Was A Time by Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auDistant Sky by Keys of Moonsoundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Brown and Jonathon Eggleston, who are members of the West Virginia Astrophotography Association.  This unique organization is promoting astrophotography at all levels, they hold monthly star parties, have an annual conference, the advocate about proper lighting and much more  So enjoy the conversation as we learn about the WVAA  It’s going to be a LOT of fun! 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-MediaOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYsInterview with Dr. Mario Motta about Light Pollution: https://youtu.be/iPhFjIUwZ7w?si=qUT-O0wDzIRXh0zY WVAA Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15jK5qArEp/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WVAA304Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wvastrophotography?igsh=YTloeTB2MndjYm9rDiscord: https://discord.gg/Xxbg9ujqTA Affiliate LinksZWO Seestar: https://bit.ly/4hE0Jm3Dwarf Labs Dwarf 3: https://bit.ly/405SsjqHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG 0:00 Intro1:24 Interview1:05:49 Conclusion

Winter is in full swing, and despite that February is often the coldest month of the year, it’s the shortest and there’s lots of great object to explore.  In this episode, we’ll explore the planets and how to see them and an update on Comet ATLAS.  We’ll look at several space mission updates, explore a large crater on the moon and then explore some of the best objects that can be seen in Canis Major.  It’s going to be a LOT of fun! 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 February 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGFeb25 The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuideOur “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYsWilliam Herschel Episode: https://youtu.be/1sCFTQf03Wk?si=dpCUG_4WHUU2DSN4Mars Occultation Live Stream January 13, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/MarsJan13OccLinks: Affiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGCredits Videos:Blue OriginNASA Space FlightAmy Brown Images:Wayne ZuhlNGC 2359 & NGC 2362 images Copyright Adam Block/Mount Lemmon  SkyCenter/University of ArizonaComet ATLAS image Caroline JonesFireflySpace.comHakutoR by ArtvillPUNCH by punch.space.swri.eduNASA/LRONGC 2204 by Donald PelletierNGC2360 images by Roberto Mura Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Sky simulations were made using Stellarium Music Credits:Phase Shift by Scott Buckley Last And First Light by Scott Buckleywww.scottbuckley.com.auDistant Sky by Keys of Moonsoundcloud.com/keysofmoon Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  0:00 Intro0:32 Planetary Roundup8:05 Comet Update8:27 Space Mission Updates 10:40 Lunar Feature of the Month12:47 DSO’s21:16 Conclusion

2024 is behind us and it was a very busy year astronomically speaking.  There were several groundbreaking space missions, eclipses, aurora, comets and much more that graced our skies.  In the episode we’ll explore some highlights of the year.   Stay tuned till the end as we have some information about what will be coming up as far as our content in the new year.  It’s going to be a LOT of fun! 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-MediaWhat’s Up in the December 2024 Skies?:  https://youtu.be/iSiHbd2AS7kT Cor Bor episode: https://youtu.be/iocIBrldMPEComet Tsuchinshan-Atlas Episode: https://youtu.be/GfFwpbAjeAYThe Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuideWayne Zuhl's AstroBin page: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Nighthoek/Affiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGZWO ASI-2600MC-AIR: https://bit.ly/4g1cpOpZWO Seestar S30: https://bit.ly/41Wk0u4Dwarf Labs Dwarf III: https://bit.ly/4gDblRNZWO CAA: https://bit.ly/3BKCJOH Celestron Origin: https://bit.ly/3DIKSnd Credits: Aurora VideoKaitlyn SeabrightCreative Commons No Derivatives license CC-BY-ND Images:Bill GriffethBobby MarinovDonna HarrisScott BadgerPhil HarringtonSky & TelescopeESO/E. SlawikJohn WalkerCarlesa25Wayne Zuhl Hera imageESA – Science Office, CC BY-SA IGO 3.0 Music Credits:Distant Sky by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Phase Shift by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ There Was A Time by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy New Year!!! Hopefully you had a joyous holiday season filled with lots of clear skies! In this episode, we’ll discuss the planets, a meteor shower, a comet, then we’ll explore what is considered the brightest feature on the moon, before taking a sneak peek at some great astronomical events that will be happening in 2025. 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/astroguypod Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35 Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide To learn more about degrees, arcminutes, arcseconds, magnitude and more, check out our Astronomy Basics episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs?si=5Ge1Zq7V3q6lB92s March 13-14 Mars Occultation: https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20250114_16_100 Blue Ghost CLIPs Mission info: https://fireflyspace.com/blue-ghost/ SPHEREx info: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/spherex/ Europa Clipper info: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/ March 14th Lunar Eclipes Maps and Timings: https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20250314_09_100 March 29th Partial Solar Eclipse info: https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20250329_09_100 Asteroid Day info: https://asteroidday.org/ JUpiter ICy Moons Explorer info: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice JUNO info: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/juno/ September 7th Lunar Eclipse info: https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20250907_09_100 September 21st Partial Solar Eclipse info: https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20250921_09_100 Affiliate Links High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG Binoculars: https://amzn.to/3ZRGfyu Binocular Mount: https://amzn.to/3ZGyU4I 

This December sure has been interesting!  Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve likely heard about the myriad of mysterious drone sightings that began in New Jersey in November.  In this episode, we tell the story of the drong sightings, explain what a drone is, what they’re used for, along with tips to identify that what you’re seeing is actually a drone and not a plane or helicopter in the distance.  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 Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide Links:The FBI 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)Tips.FBI.govNew Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.  www.NJOHSP.govAffiliate LinksHigh Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOGBinoculars: https://amzn.to/3ZRGfyuBinocular Mount: https://amzn.to/3ZGyU4I   Music Credits:Voice of Earth by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Dark Knight by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Under The Sun by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/