StellarMate OS keeps showing a notification that a new PHD2 version is available – but what’s actually behind it? I dug in, worked through terminal output and apt packages, and finally dissected the package itself. The result is surprising.
Category: article
Plan your observing night: find out when galaxies, nebulae and star clusters are best placed in the sky from your location.
Sometimes the best outings happen almost by accident. That is how it was on the day I picked up my son from the Albert Einstein Science Park in Potsdam after the finals of the Geo-Olympiade — and we spontaneously decided to explore the grounds together on foot. What was meant to be a relaxed walk turned into a small journey through 150 years of scientific history.
Recently, in addition to the ToupTek62AM, I also purchased a ToupTek24AC camera.
A Step-by-Step Guide – Using the ToupTek SkyEye 62AM and SkyEye 24AC as Examples
Last week, I finally hit the “buy” button. After extensive research, I chose the Harmonic Drive mount WD-20P from WarpAstron.
It was time for a permanent adaptation of an astrocomputer to my Vixen VC200L.
I chose the ToupTek StellaVita.
More contrast under suburban skies — my real-world experience with the Baader UHC-L Booster Filter (50.4 mm).
Three projects, challenging conditions, and an honest technical conclusion from my backyard in Koblenz.
I’m increasingly considering capturing RGB data with a one-shot color camera instead of continuing with mono and separate filters. While mono remains efficient, the RGB workflow is time-consuming, and early tests with two cameras have shown that it can significantly reduce routine overhead. As a result, my focus has shifted less toward pure image quality and more toward handling and workflow efficiency.
Perfect detailed planning of the deep-sky object and the framing using Stellarium HiPS full-sky surveys!