Astronomy!

9Mike2 · Feb 29, 2020

RoamWithJon said:
Few shots I’ve taken while I was out. They’re edited more for Instagram @JonRvr.

Shot @ bonsai tree
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Shot @ Mono lake during a forest fire
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“Vortex” Polaris star trail
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You sure can tell where North is in this shot...

JackA · Mar 24, 2020

Are there any recommended smartphone/tablet APPs that will help a person identify planets, stars, objects in the night sky?

9Mike2 · Mar 24, 2020

I use Stellarium, on my laptop. I also use Heavens Above to keep up on Satellites and the space station, they list "for your local" when and how brite it will be, Stellarium has same info and what they transmit on and who owns it. Stellarium lets you zoom in on all objects and will label them if you want...

RRitchey · Mar 24, 2020

I admit it, I am a sky nerd. Still learning and a beginner in the hobby, though. I have several telescopes, nothing too big or fancy yet, but collection is growing. I always try to take one of the smaller scopes or a good set of binos whenever we travel. If it is dark, I am staring at the sky. Of course 1/2 the time it is with a glass of wine or scotch and a cigar, but I love staring at the vastness of space and seeing what I can locate up there. I want to get in to astro-photography, just haven't had the time to dedicate to it yet. Love the pictures you guys are sharing.

9Mike2 · Mar 24, 2020

Check out the Astronomy Forum, some good people over there that can help you out, They have meets too, all over the world

Road · Mar 24, 2020

JackA said:
Are there any recommended smartphone/tablet APPs that will help a person identify planets, stars, objects in the night sky?

.

I like StarWalk (iOS, tho think it's available for Android too) a lot. Matches the night sky as you hold your phone up (after moving your phone in fig 8 to orient it), and has been very helpful for constellations, individual stars, planets, Milky Way, etc.

I also use Moon and Moon Phase for lunar. Once you start getting into it, and lean more towards night sky photography needs or telescope needs, you'll find more and more for your particular style of night sky watching.

Here's a good link with an overview: