Space Junk

Imaging with filters can dramatically improve the signal to your camera allowing for much higher quality images.  The question of which filter to use on what object can be daunting.  Dustin and Tony dive into the topic of filters, specifically narrow band filters to give you insight on what they are, what you can get from using them and what to look for in a good filter. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

At long last, the launch of the next big NASA flagship telescopes: JWST is ready for launch, sitting atop its rocket and awaiting good weather.  This telescope marks the pinnacle of ambition for NASA as it is doing something that has never been done before.  Launching a telescope of this size is a first for the human race and promises to bring us insights about our place in the universe like nothing that has come before. Humanity will look farther into the universe than ever and JWST, the most technically advanced and capable telescope ever built, will collect light from a time when the very first stars and galaxies were born. In this episode, Dustin and Tony talk about this amazing telescope, and we answer a listener question about getting Stellina or eVscope for an astronomy club. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

Using filters in amateur astronomy can be confusing, but once you get through some of the basics, they can really enhance your sessions under the stars - either visually or photographically.  In this episode, Tony and Dustin go through filter basics, what they can do for you visually and when imaging, as well as offer advice on which ones to get and why. We also go over filter wheel options and strategies for using all of this amazing optical gear. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

Taking images through your telescope has never been easier.  What used to be complicated, time-consuming and expensive is now accessible to people who've never used a telescope before.  Getting started in taking pictures of the night sky is orders of magnitude simpler than it was decades ago when film reigned supreme. Now, with modest equipment budding astrophotographers can achieve amazing results right out of the gate, but navigating all that gear can be overwhelming.  In this episode of Space Junk Podcast, we'll explore strategies and gear to get you off to a roaring start taking images that will please your family, friends and all your social media followers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

Building your own observatory is a great way to enhance your enjoyment of getting out under the stars.  Whether it's a simple cover for your tripod-mounted telescope, an easy to build roll off roof on a shed, or a beautiful clam-shell dome with all the bells and whistles, having an observatory can increase the amount of time using your equipment while decreasing your stress level. In this episode Dustin and Tony discuss all options for creating a personal observatory to house your equipment and offer advice and tips for making your observatory easily and with minimal mistakes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

It's good to be back!  To get things started again, we are talking about the beginning - the beginning of getting started in the hobby of amateur astronomy.  We've also brought some gear to check out.  The links are here: https://optcorp.com/products/star-party-essentials-adventure-kit https://optcorp.com/collections/astronomy-accessory-kits/products/beginning-astronomy-telescope-starter-kit (pre-order) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

There are things we can see, supported by mathematics, that appear superluminal.  In a new book by Robert Nemiroff, we explore some of these and since the author also happens to be the co-founder of the Astronomy Picture of the Day website, well, we talk about that too! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

It's no surprise, but JWST will be delayed again.  Now we're looking at a November (at the earliest) 2021 launch thanks to problems with the Ariane 5 rocket.  NASA has selected two missions to go to Venus and Jeff Bezos will get into his own rocket. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your astrophotos into major distribution outlets?  What makes a high-quality astronomy image?  In this episode, Dustin and Tony talk with some of the best astro imagers in the world: Rogelio Bernal Andreo, Bray Falls and Chuck Ayoub and get their advice.  Listen to their stories and learn from the best. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

The Dark Energy Survey has released it's latest catalog of over 200 million galaxies to help study dark energy.  How do they do it?  What equipment is involved? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

Welcome to our first segment of Astronomy News from Space Junk Podcast.  The successor to Hubble is finally getting ready for launch.  This month the mission team at Northrop Grumman are putting the final touches on the telescope and testing is almost complete.  Soon, the telescope will be placed on a ship to French Guyana where it will hopefully launch in October. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

We've all heard of the Astronomy Picture of the Day from NASA, but there is another website showcasing amazing photos from the amateur community: The Amateur Astronomy Picture of the Day.  Our guests Charles Lillo and Jason Matter tell us the story of how they got AAPOD going and what you can win if you submit your images for consideration! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

Automating an observing run is one of the most efficient uses of your equipment.  You can plan the night's observing, then let your equipment do the work!  But what do you need to make this possible?  What can you expect for results? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

NASA has always excelled at helping us visualize the Cosmos.  Brian Day works at the Solar System Exploration Research Institute, one of the premier groups at NASA that use data from a variety of space probes, telescopes and observatories from around the world to enable us to explore solar system objects like the Moon, Titan, Mercury and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support

TagBackTV is a popular gaming streamer on YouTube who has incorporated his love of astrophotography into his streams, introducing a new audience to amateur astronomy --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support