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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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Carol Anderson - csa/montana - last post by noisejammer

Discussion of CN Articles, Reviews, and Reports

A place to discuss the articles posted on Cloudy Nights

Forum moderators: Dan Crowson, Dobs O Fun
  • 2,714 topics
  • 33,536 replies
Daystar Filters’ SR-127 ‘QT... - last post by C0rs4ir_

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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
  • 36,754 topics
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Finding galaxies, how to in... - last post by Brain&Force

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)

  • 15,259 topics
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observing in Santiago, Chile - last post by Cotts

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
  • 1,449 topics
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Life out there or not? - last post by Jim in PA

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
  • 2,719 topics
  • 35,572 replies
What Does it Mean to be a D... - last post by Napp

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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
  • 26,678 topics
  • 447,775 replies
here comes the 8" f/8 b... - last post by doppio

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

  • 22,758 topics
  • 386,864 replies
New Oberwerk Price Increases - last post by wrighty338

Binoviewers

Binoviewer discussion forum

Forum moderators: nikm, noisejammer, zleonis
  • 6,112 topics
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Your Thoughts On The Celest... - last post by Shorty Barlow

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).

  • 25,267 topics
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Comacorr or such for CC6 - last post by quilty

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
  • 18,230 topics
  • 521,315 replies
Drive Correctors - last post by svenk123

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
  • 42,268 topics
  • 480,597 replies
iOptro Carbon Fiber Tripod... - last post by Boeglewatcher

Eyepieces

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

  • 39,421 topics
  • 775,668 replies
Vote for a new Masuyama 12.... - last post by Astrojensen

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
  • 47,059 topics
  • 555,189 replies
JTW new GEM Mount P75 Trident, - last post by ribuck

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
  • 2,482 topics
  • 35,229 replies
star diagonal ? - last post by skyward_eyes

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
  • 7,770 topics
  • 143,997 replies
Dedicated allsky camera - last post by JeyC

Reflectors

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

  • 27,451 topics
  • 467,890 replies
6 inch planetary optimized... - last post by TayM57

Refractors

A forum for discussing refractor telescopes.

  • 37,216 topics
  • 869,721 replies
Askar 185mm APO refractor -... - last post by davidc135

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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
  • 53,938 topics
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Suggest camera (678 vs 662... - last post by woldsstargazer

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
  • 85,129 topics
  • 894,853 replies
What is wrong with these st... - last post by AstroOlly

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.

  • 64,925 topics
  • 559,899 replies
New Moonlite Focuser motor - last post by terry59

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
  • 50,680 topics
  • 421,376 replies
Recoloring with a OSC using... - last post by vidrazor

Film Astrophotography

Discussions about astrophotography using film.

Forum moderators: gstrumol, Uwe Pilz
  • 2,721 topics
  • 19,411 replies
Rangefinder camera on a tel... - last post by TxStars

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.

  • 10,340 topics
  • 173,744 replies
Hyperstar - the Game Changer - last post by amitshesh

Sketching

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

Forum moderators: frank5817, gstrumol, mdowns, Uwe Pilz
  • 15,531 topics
  • 139,779 replies
How to identify faint objec... - last post by Nightwid

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
  • 866 topics
  • 32,696 replies
EQ Mode is Coming Soon for... - last post by Greenflash1

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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
  • 9,839 topics
  • 102,890 replies
Planetary Viewing over then... - last post by quilty

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.)

  • 10,924 topics
  • 78,805 replies
Atlas Kwok  Pau - last post by beggarly

Deep Sky Observing

A dark place to discuss deep sky observing and observations

Forum moderators: BrentKnight, GUS.K, Katz
  • 10,922 topics
  • 137,245 replies
What are reddest stars (the... - last post by Khalidd Alburaidi

Double Star Observing

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

Forum moderators: AnakChan, Uwe Pilz, zombie1210
  • 4,675 topics
  • 48,938 replies
Almach B-C - last post by R Botero

Solar Observing and Imaging

Hot place to discuss solar observing and imaging topics

Forum moderators: gstrumol, GUS.K, gustavo_sanchez, Jared, Napp
  • 44,378 topics
  • 326,602 replies
Entry costs into Solar Obse... - last post by The Ardent

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
  • 1,881 topics
  • 20,616 replies
Glenn Schneider passed - last post by Jim Waters

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
  • 654 topics
  • 4,216 replies
Comet 2024 G3 ATLAS New day... - last post by AstroDan2015

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
  • 2,394 topics
  • 19,926 replies
Blaze Star (T Coronae Borea... - last post by Airship

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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
  • 19,628 topics
  • 233,323 replies
CPC 11 fork converted to si... - last post by 47FIRE

Questar Forum

A forum for discussing Questar and Quantum telescopes

Forum moderators: gstrumol, zombie1210
  • 2,763 topics
  • 35,078 replies
Questar 25th Anniversary Te... - last post by 98105dude

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
  • 12,076 topics
  • 104,920 replies
10" LX200 training values - 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
  • 4,405 topics
  • 107,907 replies
Winter Star Party, FL. Any... - last post by Napp

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
  • 5,979 topics
  • 67,439 replies
This Week's Sky - last post by Dave Mitsky

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
  • 12,653 topics
  • 110,329 replies
New All Sky camera manageme... - last post by JeyC

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
  • 7,248 topics
  • 108,420 replies
Science Jokes IV... - last post by chrysalis

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
  • 1,428 topics
  • 12,435 replies
Are these tektites authentic? - last post by j.gardavsky

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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
  • 1,803 topics
  • 24,330 replies
Euromex Stereoblue Microscope - last post by stevie

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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
  • 7,530 topics
  • 57,566 replies
StargazingPal: A Free Starg... - last post by wvreeven

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