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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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Daystar Filters’ SR-127 ‘QT... - last post by polargazer

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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
  • 37,023 topics
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What’s a good telescope for... - last post by SparkyMike2010

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)

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Prices Going Down Inspite o... - last post by scanner97

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
  • 1,472 topics
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Life out there or not? - last post by JayinUT

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
  • 2,761 topics
  • 36,018 replies
A local good news story - last post by csrlice12

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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
  • 27,065 topics
  • 455,373 replies
SkyFlatW: Parametric, 3D pr... - last post by moshen

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

  • 23,114 topics
  • 396,084 replies
Vintage and Classic Binocul... - last post by Pinewood

Binoviewers

Binoviewer discussion forum

Forum moderators: nikm, zleonis
  • 6,177 topics
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Modifying the Orion 120ST t... - last post by Princess Leah

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).

  • 25,707 topics
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Apertura RC8 owner tips? - last post by Oldfracguy

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
  • 18,442 topics
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Unitron 6" telescopes w... - last post by combatdad

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
  • 42,688 topics
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Dual Speed, or Electric Foc... - last post by Sarkikos

Eyepieces

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

Forum moderators: Dobs O Fun, FirstSight, therealdmt, Uwe Pilz
  • 39,895 topics
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Top 5 Eyepiece Lines ever m... - last post by denis0007dl

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
  • 47,799 topics
  • 565,071 replies
Stellarvue M002C mount - last post by sw196060

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
  • 2,543 topics
  • 35,961 replies
Getting the most out of nig... - last post by Jethro7

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
  • 7,874 topics
  • 146,086 replies
Cow Patch Observatory Build - last post by joshman

Reflectors

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

  • 27,721 topics
  • 473,887 replies
14-15kg OTA Recommendations - last post by Odysea

Refractors

A forum for discussing refractor telescopes.

  • 37,706 topics
  • 887,006 replies
Visual chasing nebula with... - last post by Jon Isaacs

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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
  • 54,460 topics
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Saturn 07 July 2025 - last post by Mike Spooner

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
  • 87,170 topics
  • 920,286 replies
N.I.N.A. Weather Station Fa... - last post by Edward Nash

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.

  • 66,045 topics
  • 568,548 replies
Switching from ASIAIR to mi... - last post by drmikevt

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
  • 50,918 topics
  • 423,639 replies
Photographing nightime at t... - last post by timelapser

Film Astrophotography

Discussions about astrophotography using film.

Forum moderators: gstrumol, Uwe Pilz
  • 2,744 topics
  • 19,569 replies
Has anyone use this film  -... - last post by highfnum

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.

  • 10,438 topics
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New Pegasus Astro Electroni... - last post by steveincolo

Sketching

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

Forum moderators: frank5817, gstrumol, mdowns, Uwe Pilz
  • 15,824 topics
  • 141,814 replies
Western Mare Imbrium with D... - last post by frank5817

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
  • 1,119 topics
  • 38,995 replies
Seestar S50 photos - last post by Dart106A

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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
  • 9,928 topics
  • 103,848 replies
The planets and their objects. - last post by Juli Looking Up

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.)

  • 11,241 topics
  • 80,837 replies
The Moon Will Occult Pi Sco... - last post by 98105dude

Deep Sky Observing

A dark place to discuss deep sky observing and observations

Forum moderators: BrentKnight, GUS.K, Katz
  • 11,088 topics
  • 139,384 replies
Spiral Galaxies with Visibl... - last post by AndrMar

Double Star Observing

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

Forum moderators: AnakChan, Uwe Pilz, zombie1210
  • 4,746 topics
  • 49,541 replies
HU 575 in Bootes - last post by mccarthymark

Solar Observing and Imaging

Hot place to discuss solar observing and imaging topics

Forum moderators: gstrumol, GUS.K, gustavo_sanchez, Jared, Napp
  • 45,779 topics
  • 334,081 replies
Airylabs Solar Scintillatio... - last post by descott12

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
  • 676 topics
  • 4,669 replies
3I/Atlas - interstellar com... - last post by JWolf_21

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
  • 2,445 topics
  • 20,591 replies
C/2025 N1 (3I/ATLAS) second... - last post by dhkaiser

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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
  • 19,863 topics
  • 235,743 replies
Nexstar 6SE has accurate go... - last post by rb345

Questar Forum

A forum for discussing Questar and Quantum telescopes

Forum moderators: gstrumol, zombie1210
  • 2,798 topics
  • 35,686 replies
Same Questar on Ebay, three... - 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
  • 12,244 topics
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Connecting meade LX90 8... - last post by Step_Fish07

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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
  • 4,471 topics
  • 109,359 replies
Cherry Springs Star Party J... - 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
  • 6,085 topics
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Show Us Your Lunar Bookshelf - last post by eyeoftexas

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
  • 12,983 topics
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Thinking about mele quieter... - last post by dx_ron

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
  • 7,421 topics
  • 111,799 replies
Some Quantum Physics questions - last post by Bubbagumps

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
  • 1,821 topics
  • 24,422 replies
Shimadzu-Kalnew student mic... - last post by patrickt

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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
  • 7,672 topics
  • 59,076 replies
Prototyping a new Nohsmount - last post by Bill Barlow

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