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CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

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Cloudy Nights Announcements

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

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A Note of Thank and a Few W... - last post by Astronomics

Discussion of CN Articles, Reviews, and Reports

A place to discuss the articles posted on Cloudy Nights

Forum moderators: Dan Crowson, Dobs O Fun
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Celestron Origin Review - last post by mourip

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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
  • 37,010 topics
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Dumb Questions From a Beginner - last post by rgoode57

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)

  • 15,540 topics
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Describe your favourite dar... - last post by Jim Waters

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
  • 1,471 topics
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Northeastern US (Maine) Dis... - last post by Scott123

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.

Forum moderators: Napp, osbourne one-nil, polslinux
  • 2,757 topics
  • 35,961 replies
Dark public lands on the ch... - last post by FirstSight

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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
  • 27,025 topics
  • 454,566 replies
What is the most durable pr... - last post by hamishbarker

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

  • 23,087 topics
  • 395,497 replies
Your "Beater" Pair - last post by jarrodeu

Binoviewers

Binoviewer discussion forum

Forum moderators: nikm, zleonis
  • 6,176 topics
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Binoviewers and Powermates,... - last post by vicuna

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).

  • 25,671 topics
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Celestron C5  focusser knob... - last post by UKnewbie1729

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
  • 18,418 topics
  • 530,308 replies
Craigslist, eBay, and other... - last post by deSitter

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
  • 42,658 topics
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Anyone use PI finder? - last post by Jon Isaacs

Eyepieces

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

Forum moderators: Dobs O Fun, FirstSight, therealdmt, Uwe Pilz
  • 39,863 topics
  • 790,194 replies
University Optics Question - last post by photoracer18

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
  • 47,748 topics
  • 564,426 replies
Medium mount for C-11 Visual - last post by Paul Skee

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
  • 2,534 topics
  • 35,881 replies
SQM 18.50 versus 20.50. - last post by Mauro Da Lio

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
  • 7,865 topics
  • 145,917 replies
Thomas Observatory Build Th... - last post by Victory Pete

Reflectors

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

  • 27,688 topics
  • 473,363 replies
Newtonian Secondary Mirror... - last post by jkevn

Refractors

A forum for discussing refractor telescopes.

  • 37,668 topics
  • 885,318 replies
Curious about slower refrac... - last post by briansalomon1

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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
  • 54,414 topics
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Tethys' shadow on Satur... - last post by KiwiRay

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
  • 87,018 topics
  • 918,308 replies
Summer in Texas - last post by markalot63

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.

  • 65,927 topics
  • 567,926 replies
Continue to oversample or g... - last post by WadeH237

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
  • 50,901 topics
  • 423,458 replies
Looking For Cable Recs  Gui... - last post by triplemon

Film Astrophotography

Discussions about astrophotography using film.

Forum moderators: gstrumol, Uwe Pilz
  • 2,740 topics
  • 19,555 replies
North America Nebula on Tec... - last post by lumière tangible

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.

  • 10,427 topics
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New Pegasus Astro Electroni... - last post by JTYoder2017

Sketching

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

Forum moderators: frank5817, gstrumol, mdowns, Uwe Pilz
  • 15,801 topics
  • 141,669 replies
Arp 330 - last post by nof

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
  • 1,106 topics
  • 38,625 replies
SeeStar S50 Pro - last post by tommyr

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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
  • 9,921 topics
  • 103,740 replies
I guess I'm not meant t... - last post by dweller25

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.)

  • 11,221 topics
  • 80,705 replies
Post Your Cell Phone or Sma... - last post by RMay

Deep Sky Observing

A dark place to discuss deep sky observing and observations

Forum moderators: BrentKnight, GUS.K, Katz
  • 11,074 topics
  • 139,155 replies
New BRIGHT Nova in Lupus! - last post by PlanetNamek

Double Star Observing

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

Forum moderators: AnakChan, Uwe Pilz, zombie1210
  • 4,737 topics
  • 49,471 replies
Hercules 2025: The upper 10... - last post by The Ardent

Solar Observing and Imaging

Hot place to discuss solar observing and imaging topics

Forum moderators: gstrumol, GUS.K, gustavo_sanchez, Jared, Napp
  • 45,607 topics
  • 333,237 replies
A mix of things 6/24/2025 - last post by gstrumol

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
  • 1,891 topics
  • 20,695 replies
Processing data from April... - last post by ch-viladrich

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
  • 673 topics
  • 4,614 replies
What are your 5 favorite co... - last post by Amar A. Sharma

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
  • 2,438 topics
  • 20,541 replies
Nova Lup 2025 - last post by KShank

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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
  • 19,845 topics
  • 235,518 replies
DoveTail Mount on Top of C9... - last post by Lardo5150

Questar Forum

A forum for discussing Questar and Quantum telescopes

Forum moderators: gstrumol, zombie1210
  • 2,794 topics
  • 35,649 replies
Quantum 6 OTA only - last post by Toddeo

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
  • 12,229 topics
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lx90 8" LNT Orthogonali... - last post by bdoyle

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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
  • 4,462 topics
  • 109,195 replies
Cherry Springs Star Party J... - last post by JimB1

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
  • 6,076 topics
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Electronic Back Issues of S... - last post by Scott Banker

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
  • 12,962 topics
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PHD2 and ASCOM Remote dynam... - last post by Bob Denny

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
  • 7,407 topics
  • 111,613 replies
Maybe batteries are less ba... - last post by bobzeq25

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
  • 1,433 topics
  • 12,513 replies
Widmanstätten Pattern - last post by Paul G

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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
  • 1,820 topics
  • 24,418 replies
ZWO Asi2600MC Pro on a Micr... - last post by topcode

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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
  • 7,662 topics
  • 58,989 replies
Analog Sky Dream 200mm Bino... - last post by PEterW

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