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Cloudy Nights Announcements

News from the Cloudy Nights team pertaining to the website and forums

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Merry Christmas and Happy H... - last post by Scott in NC

Discussion of CN Articles, Reviews, and Reports

A place to discuss the articles posted on Cloudy Nights

Forum moderators: Dan Crowson, Dobs O Fun
  • 2,708 topics
  • 33,433 replies
Cosmic Challenge: M1, the C... - last post by Dave Mitsky

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Beginners Forum (No Astrophotography)

A place for new astronomers to ask visual observing or basic equipment questions and report their findings.
- Advanced or specialized topics should be discussed in their dedicated forums.
- Beginning astrophotographers should read, and then post, in whichever imaging forum is most appropriate to their subject.

Forum moderators: DeepSky Di, dnrmilspec, GUS.K, WadeH237
  • 36,680 topics
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Skywatcher Flextube Shroud - last post by Manx79

General Observing and Astronomy

General Observing and Amateur Astronomy topics and questions that do not fit into our other forums. This includes unaided eye observing (satellites, weather, auroras etc) and non equipment topics (LASIK, observing sites, dressing for the cold/hot etc)

  • 15,187 topics
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Is the Amateur Astronomy de... - last post by Phil Cowell

Outreach

The official forum for the Astronomy Outreach Network. Post questions about Outreach, suggestions or even just publicize your Outreach events. If it has to do with promoting our great hobby, it goes here!

Forum moderators: Astrola72, dnrmilspec, mdowns
  • 1,447 topics
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Eye relief of eyepieces for... - last post by triplemon

Light Pollution

While CN does not typically allow politics, this is one forum in which the discussion of legislation dealing with this matter is permitted. This is a problem that will eventually affect all of us to one degree or another.

  • 2,711 topics
  • 35,471 replies
Object magnitude calculation. - last post by ButterFly

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ATM, Optics and DIY Forum

Amateur Telescope Making (ATM) and any do it yourself related activities. Ask questions, discuss and post pictures of telescope related projects, optics, telescopes, observing chairs, etc.

Forum moderators: cuzimthedad, Jared, Sean Cunneen, revans
  • 26,586 topics
  • 446,156 replies
Reuse of alternative optica... - last post by RichA

Binoculars

"Best Of Binocular" Library, How to Choose, Equipment Minireviews, Observation Reports, Testing Aspects, Aberrations and Deficiencies, Books, Binocular Mounts, Observing Lists, Exit Pupil vs Eye Pupil, Binocular Vision and more

  • 22,690 topics
  • 384,591 replies
Those on the fence about a... - last post by nicknacknock

Binoviewers

Binoviewer discussion forum

Forum moderators: nikm, noisejammer, zleonis
  • 6,100 topics
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ADC (Atmospheric Dispersion... - last post by R Botero

Cats & Casses

A forum for discussing Cassegrain (Classic Cassegrain, Ritchey-Chrétien, Dall–Kirkham, etc) and Catadioptric telescopes (Schmidt and Maksutov Cassegrains, ACF, Edge HD, etc).

  • 25,172 topics
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Best telescope type for lon... - last post by bokemon

Classic Telescopes

Telescopes from an era gone by. The place to discuss older telescopes. Antiques, flea market finds, and scopes from grandpa's attic. From the 1780's to the mid-1990's - refractors, reflectors, and early SCT's. Discussing all aspects of restoring, collecting, and observing with older scopes. Discussion of 25-year-old scopes still in production is OK but please don't post newer examples of those, except for actual side-by-side comparisons to demonstrate detail changes.

Forum moderators: Jared, Sean Cunneen, mdowns
  • 18,178 topics
  • 519,416 replies
Craigslist, eBay, and other... - last post by tim53

Equipment (No astrophotography)

A forum for discussion of visual and general astronomy equipment and accessories; a default location if you your topic does not fit into any of the more specialized equipment forums such as Mounts, Eyepieces, Refractors, etc.

Topics related to astronomy cameras and related imaging equipment should be posted in whichever imaging forum is most appropriate to that topic. These can be found in the Astrophotography and Sketching category.

Forum moderators: Jared, Katz, Wildetelescope, zleonis
  • 42,144 topics
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Help me revive my EQM-35 PR... - last post by Chofah

Eyepieces

A place to discuss our favorite eyepieces and eyepiece accessories, barlows, filters, etc.

  • 39,328 topics
  • 772,160 replies
Which brand for planetary,... - last post by CeleNoptic

Mounts

A Forum to discuss all types of mounts and mount accessories - including computerized, manual, GEM, fork mount, parallactic, alt-az, DSCs, PushTo and GoTo systems.

Forum moderators: dnrmilspec, FrostByte, polslinux
  • 46,859 topics
  • 552,726 replies
Mounts with multiple parkin... - last post by rgsalinger

Night Vision Astronomy

Night Vision Astronomy is astronomy performed with analog or digital devices capable of producing a real time view of celestial objects. This forum allows discussion of the equipment, its configuration and use, observing reports made using the devices, techniques for image capture, and the sharing of images the observer made to record their observations.

Forum moderators: dawnpatrol, DeepSky Di, polslinux
  • 2,463 topics
  • 35,012 replies
Thank you - last post by turtle86

Observatories

A forum for discussing the ins and outs of current observatories as well as sharing designs, and ideas. Manufacturers and Vendors are invited to attend.

Forum moderators: Astrola72, Dan Crowson, nikm
  • 7,758 topics
  • 143,721 replies
Using a Tuff Shed for my ne... - last post by scadvice

Reflectors

A forum for discussing Newtonian type reflecting telescopes (including Schmidt and Maksutov designs as well as Herschelian, Off-Axis, etc).

  • 27,388 topics
  • 466,520 replies
Guys with big scopes, how o... - last post by Astro-Master

Refractors

A forum for discussing refractor telescopes.

  • 37,105 topics
  • 866,187 replies
Celestron Omni AZ 102 Discu... - last post by Polyphemos

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Major & Minor Planetary Imaging

This forum is intended for discussion related to the imaging and processing of anything in the solar system other than our Sun, Moon, and comets. Solar imaging discussion should occur in the target-oriented "Solar Observing & Imaging" forum. Posts about imaging our Moon should go in the target-oriented "Lunar Observing & Imaging" forum. Posts about imaging comets should go in the target-oriented "Comet Observing and Imaging" forum. Aesthetic Deep Sky Object Imaging should generally be discussed in the Beginning or Experienced DSO Imaging Forum

Forum moderators: Sean Cunneen, nikm, Professor2112, RedLionNJ, TimN
  • 53,643 topics
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Jupiter, Mars, Venus 1-17-2... - last post by astroflak88

Beginning Deep Sky Imaging

This forum is intended for discussion related to beginning Deep Sky Object (DSO) imaging using any type of camera or mount. If you are interested in specialized or more sophisticated DSO techniques or are interested in imaging non-DSO targets please start your topic in a more appropriate forum.

Forum moderators: Astrola72, j.gardavsky, nikm, TimN, WadeH237
  • 84,686 topics
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IR blocking filter for Play... - last post by rgsalinger

Experienced Deep Sky Imaging

This forum is intended for discussion about practice & theory related to prime-focus Deep Sky Object (DSO) imaging through a telescope using any type of camera. If you are a beginner or interested in more specialized types of imaging, please use the appropriate forum.

  • 64,697 topics
  • 558,209 replies
Banding with Calibration fr... - last post by Arka

DSLR, Mirrorless & General-Purpose Digital Camera DSO Imaging

This forum is for more advanced discussion about accessories, techniques or approaches to astrophotography with general purpose (not astronomy dedicated) digital cameras. Topics include (but are not limited to): advanced afocal approaches, minimalist & camping rigs, nightscape photography, accessories & modifications. Discussions involving prime focus imaging with general purpose cameras can certainly occur here, but are also welcome in the Beginning or Experienced DSO Imaging Fora.

Forum moderators: Napp, TimN
  • 50,614 topics
  • 420,813 replies
Focus in DSLR Live View - last post by bignerdguy

Film Astrophotography

Discussions about astrophotography using film.

Forum moderators: gstrumol, Uwe Pilz
  • 2,718 topics
  • 19,378 replies
Michal's astrophotograp... - last post by Michal1

Electronically Assisted Astronomy (No Post-Processing)

Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) is the use of a camera in lieu of an eyepiece at the telescope to capture and view images in near real time. For the purposes of this forum, near real time images must have a maximum total integration of no more than 60 minutes and cannot be post-processed. The purpose of the EAA Forum is to give members a place to share their observing experiences, talk about the equipment used, and post images captured with EAA devices.

  • 10,303 topics
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Does ASI Air support M.2 PC... - last post by Momerath

Sketching

A forum for the discussion of sketching stellar objects, and displaying user drawings.

Forum moderators: frank5817, gstrumol, mdowns, Uwe Pilz
  • 15,472 topics
  • 139,464 replies
Playing with pixel art - last post by tibor.moldovan

Smart Telescopes

A forum for the discussion of all-in-one, computer controlled, astrographs. Such instruments include, but are not limited to, those made by Vaonis, Unistellar, DwarfLab & ZWO. This forum is intended for the discussion of instrument-specific hardware and software. The processing of final images, their use for outreach, or general astronomy topics may be more appropriate in other Cloudy Nights forums.

Forum moderators: gstrumol, mdowns, Napp
  • 817 topics
  • 31,101 replies
Seestar S50 case handle rep... - last post by Digital Don

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Solar System Observing

A friendly place to discuss planetary & solar system object observing.

Forum moderators: GUS.K, gustavo_sanchez, Napp, Starlancer
  • 9,815 topics
  • 102,562 replies
How large does a telescope... - last post by RichA

Lunar Observing and Imaging

A forum dedicated to the observation and appreciation of our Moon. Join us in the Lunie Bin and learn about the only world other than the Earth to bear the imprint of human feet. Images and sketches are most welcome. (Please limit the size of image files to 500K.)

  • 10,861 topics
  • 78,362 replies
SharpCap green blotches / s... - last post by Lucian

Deep Sky Observing

A dark place to discuss deep sky observing and observations

Forum moderators: BrentKnight, GUS.K, Katz
  • 10,894 topics
  • 136,800 replies
Zero Star Hop Deeps Sky Obj... - last post by vtornado

Double Star Observing

Double Stars, Rayleigh Limit and Dawes Limit; a place for observers with split personalities.

Forum moderators: AnakChan, Uwe Pilz, zombie1210
  • 4,649 topics
  • 48,764 replies
Lewis 57 and 56, L 57 L 56,... - last post by Rustler46

Solar Observing and Imaging

Hot place to discuss solar observing and imaging topics

Forum moderators: gstrumol, GUS.K, gustavo_sanchez, Jared, Napp
  • 44,215 topics
  • 325,687 replies
A Poor Man's Sodium Filter - last post by zeehas

Solar Eclipses

A forum for discussion of all things related to the North American total solar eclipses of 2017 and 2024, as well as any other solar eclipses - events, outreach, equipment, etc.
***Note that the 2017 and 2024 forums are locked, but are still available for viewing.***

Forum moderators: DeepSky Di, RedLionNJ
  • 1,880 topics
  • 20,614 replies
August 2, 2027 total solar... - last post by Alan D. Whitman

Comet Observing and Imaging

A place to discuss all things about comets. Both observing and imaging topics are welcome here.

Forum moderators: nicknacknock, Sean Cunneen, Uwe Pilz
  • 651 topics
  • 4,098 replies
Comet 2024 G3 ATLAS New day... - last post by Jehujones

Scientific Amateur Astronomy

A forum where amateurs can discuss their contributions to fields such as spectroscopy, photometry, astrometry, interferometry, and radio astronomy. Astronomical objects of interest may include variable and carbon stars, pulsars, supernovae, AGNs, exoplanets, asteroids, and short-lived energetic phenomena such as GRBs. The presentation of quantitative observational measurements, techniques used for acquisition, and relevant ensuing discussion are especially welcome.

Forum moderators: GUS.K, RedLionNJ, Starlancer
  • 2,378 topics
  • 19,775 replies
How to get started on detec... - last post by Matthew Paul

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Celestron Computerized Telescopes

Discussion forum for Celestron computerized telescopes and mounts using NexStar and StarSense technologies, including CPC, CPC Deluxe HD, NexStar SE/SLT/Evolution, etc.

Forum moderators: GUS.K, Wildetelescope
  • 19,577 topics
  • 232,857 replies
New (to me) Nexstar GPS 11... - last post by andersha4000

Questar Forum

A forum for discussing Questar and Quantum telescopes

Forum moderators: gstrumol, zombie1210
  • 2,753 topics
  • 34,926 replies
Any New News out of Questar? - last post by norcalryder

Meade Computerized Telescopes

A forum to discuss advanced Meade scopes. Among them the ETX, LX90, LX200, LX200 GPS, RCX, and the LX200 ACF series.

Forum moderators: osbourne one-nil, Professor2112
  • 12,044 topics
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LX200 SMT GPS Dead :-( - last post by OzAndrewJ

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Astronomy Clubs, Star Parties, Shows, & Conferences

For discussion and announcements of astronomy club meetings, star parties, astronomy conferences and other events.

Forum moderators: Dan Crowson, Napp, revans
  • 4,390 topics
  • 107,683 replies
Winter Star Party 2025 - last post by stevenwav

Astro Art, Books, Websites & Other Media

A place to share your astronomy artwork (non-photographic) and *non* commercial astronomy websites and discuss astro related books, magazines, charts, movies and TV shows.

Forum moderators: BrentKnight, dawnpatrol, Katz
  • 5,964 topics
  • 67,223 replies
NOVA: Black Hole Universe - last post by bigbangbaby

Astronomy Software & Computers

This is the place to discuss all things associated with computers & gadgets, both hardware and software (including PDAs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, astronomy programs and apps, Celestron SkyScout and Meade MySky devices, etc.) -- as they relate to astronomy.

Forum moderators: dnrmilspec, Napp, WadeH237
  • 12,600 topics
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Az Eq6 new with SkySafari 7 - last post by ButterFly

Science! Astronomy & Space Exploration, and Others

Discuss all science topics, particularly the sciences relating to Astronomy and Space Exploration. This includes all the natural sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Biology. They can include applied sciences such as engineering and construction as well. Wherever the scientific method is used, you can discuss it here. As always, no politics, pseudo-science, crack-pottery, or anti-science.

Forum moderators: FirstSight, RedLionNJ, therealdmt, Uwe Pilz
  • 7,225 topics
  • 108,045 replies
"Rapid unscheduled disa... - last post by Ron359

Space Rocks

This is the place to discuss meteorites and related subjects - including tektites, impact theories, and parent bodies. Got a question about collecting or caring for your meteorites? Ask it here.

Forum moderators: mdowns, TimN
  • 1,426 topics
  • 12,416 replies
Cutting A 56kg Campo del Cielo - last post by Joel Erkia

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Cloudy Days & Microscopes

This forum is to discuss birding and other daytime or indoor terrestrial usage of optics, and related equipment; e.g. microscopes.

Forum moderators: j.gardavsky, Sean Cunneen
  • 1,799 topics
  • 24,312 replies
American Optical 150 Potent... - last post by rwilliams319

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Vendor and Group Announcements

A place for vendors and non-CN related organizations to post announcements.

Forum moderators: GUS.K, nicknacknock, osbourne one-nil
  • 7,495 topics
  • 57,308 replies
Astroasis Oasis Focuser Ros... - last post by freeme62410

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