Shamrock Banks ObservatoryThis is the live meteor fence going from across the State of Michigan at the 44th Parallel. It is a 'front scatter radar' I built from stuff in my garage and a software defined radio (SDR).
The principle of the fence is rather straight forward. There are a series of over the horizon fm radio stations broadcasting at 102.3 along this line (Bad Axe, Big Rapids and Pentwater). I cannot read the signals to those stations directly. But when a meteor passes overhead I can see them briefly and record a trace. Specifically a sharp, vertical green or yellow line and there is a spike in the wavelength.
Imagine a searchlight over the horizon from you. It may be very powerful, but due to the curvature of the earth we can not see it. However if an aircraft at great height flies between us and the searchlight (or just past it) and is illuminated by the searchlight, we CAN see the plane.
As a meteor rips through the upper atmosphere at a height of 60-100 miles, it leaves a trail of ionized gases that persist briefly. Those gases reflect the signal from Q102 and I receive them with my directional antenna. They appear as strong vertical lime green lines that stand out from the background 'snow'. The fuzzy horizontal lines are atmospheric, the meteors and bright and sharp vertical lines. The lower third is the coarse view, you only see the bigger ones there. The upper left is fine tuned for the smaller ones.
Of note, when testing this the other day and in front of radar experts in the chat, I was able to track two passes of the ISS to my west. It appears as a series of strong lime green vertical dashes.
This presentation is not a discussion, it simply gives the same raw data I see for you to observe yourself. I'll be making a presentation video on the meteor fence going over all this on ResearchFlatMoon in the coming week. I'll stream the fence from evening to morning, as meteors are most frequent from Midnight to about 11 or 12 later that morning (why? does it have to do with the rotation and orbit of the earth???).
Later I will stream the two radio telescopes in the Shamrock Banks Observatory for your viewing pleasure.
The Shamrock Banks Observatory Meteor Fence LiveShamrock Banks Observatory2022-05-04 | This is the live meteor fence going from across the State of Michigan at the 44th Parallel. It is a 'front scatter radar' I built from stuff in my garage and a software defined radio (SDR).
The principle of the fence is rather straight forward. There are a series of over the horizon fm radio stations broadcasting at 102.3 along this line (Bad Axe, Big Rapids and Pentwater). I cannot read the signals to those stations directly. But when a meteor passes overhead I can see them briefly and record a trace. Specifically a sharp, vertical green or yellow line and there is a spike in the wavelength.
Imagine a searchlight over the horizon from you. It may be very powerful, but due to the curvature of the earth we can not see it. However if an aircraft at great height flies between us and the searchlight (or just past it) and is illuminated by the searchlight, we CAN see the plane.
As a meteor rips through the upper atmosphere at a height of 60-100 miles, it leaves a trail of ionized gases that persist briefly. Those gases reflect the signal from Q102 and I receive them with my directional antenna. They appear as strong vertical lime green lines that stand out from the background 'snow'. The fuzzy horizontal lines are atmospheric, the meteors and bright and sharp vertical lines. The lower third is the coarse view, you only see the bigger ones there. The upper left is fine tuned for the smaller ones.
Of note, when testing this the other day and in front of radar experts in the chat, I was able to track two passes of the ISS to my west. It appears as a series of strong lime green vertical dashes.
This presentation is not a discussion, it simply gives the same raw data I see for you to observe yourself. I'll be making a presentation video on the meteor fence going over all this on ResearchFlatMoon in the coming week. I'll stream the fence from evening to morning, as meteors are most frequent from Midnight to about 11 or 12 later that morning (why? does it have to do with the rotation and orbit of the earth???).
Later I will stream the two radio telescopes in the Shamrock Banks Observatory for your viewing pleasure.
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwLive Telescope on a Bright MoonShamrock Banks Observatory2024-10-19 | This will be one of the last evenings with the color camera on the RASA 11. We have a nearly full moon and a great deal of light, so Mag 15 is going to be the most we can get, but let's see what is up in the firmament this evening.
Rasa 11 Telescope ZWO 6200 Color Camera Celestron CGX-L mount
BobLive Telescope Looking for CometsShamrock Banks Observatory2024-10-03 | Rather than put on a formal star party tonight, I'm just live streaming my asteroid/comet imaging. I'll play some music and let the images run. This is a working observatory and most of the functions are automated.
Rasa 11 Telescope ZWO 6200 Color Camera Celestron CGX-L mount
BobPartial Lunar Eclipse 10pmShamrock Banks Observatory2024-09-18 | We have a small partial lunar eclipse tonight. I'll start a live telescope view at 10pm Eastern (US). Enjoy some tunes as we confirm the earth is indeed round.
80mm Refractor Telescope QHY 174 Color Camera ZWO AM5 harmonic mount
BobActive Sun in H AlphaShamrock Banks Observatory2024-09-15 | Today we are having a look at a very active sun (X Flare x 2 in 24 hours) with many sun spots and prominences. This is first light with the new QHY 174 high speed color camera and the results are just amazing. Minimal commentary, just enjoy the view and the music.
SolarMax III DS Hydrogen Alpha Telescope QHY 174 Color Camera ZWO AM5 harmonic mount
BobT Coronae Borealis Nova WatchShamrock Banks Observatory2024-09-10 | Every 80 years T Coronae Borealis goes Nova, and it is due to go again this month. As there is too much light pollution from the dredges in the lake, I've decided to direct the RASA 11 to the location of the pending Nova. Will it come tonight before dropping below the trees? Who knows, but if it does, you will be there to see it.....
T Coronae Borealis goes nova every 80 years because it is part of a white dwarf/red giant star system. The dying red giant has its mass poached by the dwarf, and the influx of mass forms an accretion layer and the gravity and heat of the white dwarf have had enough. The white dwarf novas, blowing of the collected mass. Then the process starts again, rinse and repeat. For more than 800 years we have observed this nova (which will be visible to the naked eye) occur regularly every 80 years. There is flickering just before the the nova, and that flickering has been observed, so it is set to go any min.
First light at 10pm Eastern
RASA 11 Telescope ZWO 6200mc camera Celestron CGX-L Mount
BobNew Moon and No Dredging....Shamrock Banks Observatory2024-09-01 | We have a 2% moon which set about 7pm tonight. The dredging on the lake (and the floodlights that come with it) are taking a break this weekend. Great time to pull out the telescope and do some stargazing! I'll be following up on my 'cold moonlight' mythbusting tonight as well. Be ready with your requests! We may have a special guest (the Aurora) tonight.
First light at 10pm Eastern
RASA 11 Telescope ZWO 6200mc camera Celestron CGX-L Mount
BobComets and SatellitesShamrock Banks Observatory2024-06-11 | Tonight we are looking at comets and satellites. I've taken down the RASA 11 for maintenance and replaced it with the 8" RC at 1620mm focal length. We are also sporting a color camera tonight.
8 in RC Telescope ZWO 6200mc camera Celestron CGX-L Mount
Be sure to check out the new channel youtube.com/channel/UCOHdBpPS0wOwPWPQEMWmvwAAurora and the ISSShamrock Banks Observatory2024-05-12 | We are experiencing a massive geomagnetic storm and the aurora is being seen as far south as Florida. The show in Michigan was amazing. This was a live view of the aurora and a pass of the ISS using my iPhone.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobEclipse AftershowShamrock Banks Observatory2024-04-08 | The full solar eclipse was amazing. Two computer failures, one camera failure, and the worse internet I've ever been forced to use ruined the main event. But here is the aftermath in H Alpha just for fun.
Coronado Solarmax III DS H Alpha Telescope ZWO 533mc camera ZWO AM5 Harmonic Mount
Be sure to check out the new channel youtube.com/channel/UCOHdBpPS0wOwPWPQEMWmvwAPreview of Eclipse Coverage 4-8Shamrock Banks Observatory2024-04-07 | Final testing of the twin telescope (white light and h-alpha) for tomorrow's eclipse. Subscribe to be notified of the start of the live stream on THIS channel. Actual Eclipse in HD tomorrow
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobThe Sun in Hydrogen AlphaShamrock Banks Observatory2024-02-06 | This is the Sun in Hydrogen Alpha using a Coronado Solarmax III Double Stacked Solar Telescope. On the right we have spaceweatherlive.com to identify the sunspots. I'll come in periodically to look at different features. Otherwise, enjoy the music.
Coronado Solarmax III DS H Alpha Telescope ZWO 533mc camera ZWO AM5 Harmonic Mount
Be sure to check out the new channel youtube.com/channel/UCOHdBpPS0wOwPWPQEMWmvwAThe Sun in Hydrogen AlphaShamrock Banks Observatory2024-02-05 | This is the Sun in Hydrogen Alpha using a Coronado Solarmax III Double Stacked Solar Telescope. On the right we have spaceweatherlive.com to identify the sunspots. I'll come in periodically to look at different features. Otherwise, enjoy the music.
Be sure to check out the new channel youtube.com/channel/UCOHdBpPS0wOwPWPQEMWmvwAThe Sun in Hydrogen AlphaShamrock Banks Observatory2024-01-22 | This is a Solarmax III DS hydrogen alpha telescope on an AM5 mount looking at the chromosphere of the sun. Today is a little cloudy any you will see the clouds pass in front of the sun. As they do, the intensity will change and you'll see additional detail. In the right lower corner you can see the realtime solar image from spaceweatherlive.com to compare details.
Be sure to check out the new channel youtube.com/channel/UCOHdBpPS0wOwPWPQEMWmvwAThe Sun in Hydrogen AlphaShamrock Banks Observatory2024-01-19 | This is a Solarmax III DS hydrogen alpha telescope on an AM5 mount looking at the chromosphere of the sun. I'll be in the live stream commenting and discussing what we are seeing.
Be sure to check out the new channel youtube.com/channel/UCOHdBpPS0wOwPWPQEMWmvwARabbit in the Moon Learning the SeasShamrock Banks Observatory2024-01-15 | The Moon is one of the first targets that backyard astronomers look at. There are a great number of features that can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope. Chief amongst these are the mare or seas of the moon. In this episode we use the 'Rabbit in the Moon' to easily identify these seas.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobTelescope Recommendation for Serious BeginnersShamrock Banks Observatory2024-01-10 | If you have come to the point you want to get some good astronomy equipment, there are a lot of possibilities out there. If I was at the start of my hobby and ready to get my first serious equipment, this is the set up I would get.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobSunspots and CloudsShamrock Banks Observatory2023-12-07 | A little Lofi Girl for Nerds from Shamrock Banks Observatory- 20 min of solar astronomy featuring sunspots, moving clouds and music for your relaxation and enjoyment....
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel ...
BobShamrock Banks Observatory | The Sun Live!Shamrock Banks Observatory2023-12-01 | Today I thought I'd just live stream the Sun for awhile. We are nearing the solar maximum and there is a lot of sunspot activity! We do have a few clouds passing in front of the Sun, but honestly that just makes it interesting.
Woodland Hills Telescope is a sponsor of Shamrock Banks Observatory, but I get no commission and buy my gear at full price from them. I personally use the gear I talk about. www.telescopes.net tell them Dr. Bob sent you. They will still serve you.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
I'll be imaging tonight so I am setting up the secondary mount with the 8 inch RC Telescope and a color camera. We'll be looking at nebula and galaxies as I click away on asteroids and comets. The thumbnail is an example of what we will be viewing (the Orion Nebula).
Woodland Hills Telescope is a sponsor of Shamrock Banks Observatory, but I get no commission and buy my gear at full price from them. I personally use the gear I talk about. www.telescopes.net tell them Dr. Bob sent you. They will still serve you.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwShamrock Banks Observatory | Livestream of the SunShamrock Banks Observatory2023-11-14 | It is a beautiful day and I'm using the EON 110 with a white light filter to track the Sun with the AM5 Mount. Just a live stream, watch the sunspots....
Woodland Hills Telescope is a sponsor of Shamrock Banks Observatory, but I get no commission and buy my gear at full price from them. I personally use the gear I talk about. www.telescopes.net tell them Dr. Bob sent you. They will still serve you.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwShamrock Banks Observatory | Galaxies LiveShamrock Banks Observatory2023-11-14 | Tonight we will use the 8" RC to look at galaxies and take requests. I'll be doing comet work with the main telescope (RASA 11 with 6200mm Camera) and to pass the time I have the color ZWO 533 set up on the AM5 Mount in the yard. We have a beautiful, clear night and should get some great images running both telescopes.
Woodland Hills Telescope is a sponsor of Shamrock Banks Observatory, but I get no commission and buy my gear at full price from them. I personally use the gear I talk about. www.telescopes.net tell them Dr. Bob sent you. They will still serve you.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwIs this the Ultimate Set Up???Shamrock Banks Observatory2023-11-10 | Years into this I've worked with manual mounts, Alt/Az mounts, GoTo mounts and a boatload of free and paid software to do my backyard astronomy. Thanks to the generosity of the patreons and supporters of this channel, I think I have come up with the ULTIMATE set up for the serious amatuer astronomer.
Join me tonight as we put it through it's paces. Here are some highlights-
1/ No counterweight needed up to 25 pounds, using a counterweight gets you up to 44# of gear (20Kg) 2/ Polar Alignment is almost too easy. 3/ Perfect focus is done automatically. 4/ Slew to your target, the scope figures out where you ended up and automatically centers your target in the frame. 5/ Full Planetarium- click an object and go right to it, or pick from several catalogues or tonight's best.
Run everything from your smart phone, tablet or, wait for it, RUN IT DIRECTLY FROM A MAC!!! Yes, everything can be done natively on a Macbook.
Tonight we look at the ZWO AM5 mount, ZWO 533 Color Camera and the Orion EON 110 Refractor. As an aside, the entire rig weighs less than the RASA 11 by itself.
Woodland Hills Telescope is a sponsor of Shamrock Banks Observatory, but I get no commission and buy my gear at full price from them. I personally use the gear I talk about. www.telescopes.net tell them Dr. Bob sent you. They will still serve you.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwAsteroid Session with Shamrock Banks ObservatoryShamrock Banks Observatory2023-11-05 | Just a recap of last night's asteroid session where we got over a dozen orbital measurements. In this short video I go through the process of measuring asteroids.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLive Telescope | The Full MoonShamrock Banks Observatory2023-11-01 | Tonight we are using the big telescope to look at the full moon to identify seas and craters and other features visible to binoculars, telescopes and the naked eye. There are more than 20 seas visible on the moon, and only a few are commonly known.
The telescope focus and collimation are excellent, we will be using the large frame color camera and I'll be taking requests after we look at the moon. Note, the thumbnail shows the relative size of the Continental US on the face of the moon.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwLive Telescope | The Waxing MoonShamrock Banks Observatory2023-10-23 | Tonight we are using the big telescope to look at the waxing moon (60%) to identify seas and craters and other features visible to binoculars, telescopes and the naked eye. There are more than 20 seas visible on the moon, and only a few are commonly known.
The telescope focus and collimation are excellent, we will be using the large frame color camera and I'll be taking requests after we look at the moon.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwLive Telescope | Galaxies and CometsShamrock Banks Observatory2023-10-17 | Tonight we are using the big telescope to look at the remains of the recent supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) and then we will look for and measure the orbits of comets. Of course we'll take a look at some satellites.
The mount is back from the shop and working perfectly. I'll start off with some galaxies and other objects of interest (I'll take requests) then head over to look at some comets and do some work. It should be a fascinating tour of the sky and will go for several hours on the YouTube Channel and facebook.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwStar Collimation- Lessons LearnedShamrock Banks Observatory2023-10-12 | Tonight I'm taking a few minutes to do a star collimation on the 8" RC. This is part of my nightly routine, and we are starting from the raw laser collimation with the Hotech Advanced SC Collimator.
We will compare 'pretty good' collimation to 'a little better' collimation by doing an auto focus routine on both with NINA Hocus Focus. Then we will have a look at some asteroids and see what our limit of detection in my Bortle 3 Sky (New Moon) turns out to be.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobAdvanced SCT Collimation - Hotech CollimatorShamrock Banks Observatory2023-09-17 | In this episode of 'Lessons Learned' I address the problems I've had with my Meade SCT and poor focus. In most cases this is due to poor collimation of the mirrors. Standard (read inexpensive) laser collimation only addresses the secondary mirror and the visual back- completely ignoring the primary mirror and the centering of the secondary mirror on the corrector plate/spider.
The Hotech Advanced SC Collimator is the answer to this problem- using this device, I was able to collimate with precision, lining up the visual back, secondary mirror and centering the secondary mirror on the primary. The result was I was able to improve my focus from a dismal 4.0 HFR to a crisp 2.5.
BobLive Telescope | Comets and SupernovasShamrock Banks Observatory2023-09-15 | Tonight we are using the big telescope to look at the remains of the recent supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) and then we will look for and measure the orbits of comets. I am tuning up the Meade 10"SCT (f/10, 2770mm focal length).
I just collimated it with the Hotech Advanced SC Collimator and I'm getting a HFR of 2.5, which is EXCELLENT and nearly what I get with the RASA, despite having nearly 5 times the focal length.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwComet Nishimura | Shamrock Banks ObservatoryShamrock Banks Observatory2023-09-04 | I had a request to image Comet C/2023 P1 (Nishimura)- Discovered near earth on Aug 11 by a Japanese Photographer taking images of the night sky (probably looking at the Constellation Gemini). When processing the images he accidentally discovered a previously unknown comet and reported it to the MPC.
This is a short video showing the process of finding and imaging the comet. Once the orbit was measured I reported the update to the Minor Planet Center.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLive Telescope | Super Moon and PlutoShamrock Banks Observatory2023-08-31 | The 'Super Blue Moon' has been on the news all day, let's have a look tonight. I'm also going to get another image of Pluto to compare to the one I took on the 15th.
When we have that done, I'll be looking at asteroids over in discord and just before dawn, I'm going to try and get a follow up measurement of a newly discovered comet.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwBeat to Quarters- Observatory Set UpShamrock Banks Observatory2023-08-27 | In this short video, I introduce the observatory set up sequence- 1/ Balancing the Telescope 2/ Polar Alignment 3/ Synchronize the Mount to Stellarium 4/ Automatic Focus
Software Used: SharpCap Polar Alignment Stellarium to Aim the Telescope Nina for Plate Solving and Autofocus
This video is pretty much real time with the actual set up of the observatory to make our first image sequences.
The next evening with better weather I was able to observe and measure the orbits of 40 asteroids down to Mag 19.5 and as a bonus had the planet Neptune in all the images.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLive Telescope | Perseids Meteor Shower LiveShamrock Banks Observatory2023-08-13 | Tonight we'll just do a long term live stream of the Perseids Meteor Shower through the RASA 11 and the monochrome ZWO 6200mm camera. I will run the stream for about 2 hours, you can expect to see both satellites and meteors rather frequently.
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwShamrock Banks ObservatoryShamrock Banks Observatory2023-08-09 | A short introduction to the observatory and the images it produces. Many of these are live test shots done while streaming, there is minimal processing and these are right off the telescopes.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseScience Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLive Telescope | Lets See What is Up There!Shamrock Banks Observatory2023-06-17 | Now that everything is calibrated and working, we are going to have a look at the night sky with the Big Telescope and ZWO 6200 Color Camera. We'll look at Nebula, Galaxies, Satellites and learn a little about the software that makes Shamrock Banks Observatory work!
We will be live on YouTube and you can join the discussion on Discord in real time (be sure to join the discord early so you can participate).
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwShamrock Banks Live! - Comet HuntingShamrock Banks Observatory2023-05-12 | Tonight we will have the inaugural live stream from the new observatory. All the tests are done, the telescope is collimated, focused and polar aligned, LET'S GO FIND SOME COMETS!!!!!
We will use the RASA 11, ZWO 6200 Color Camera and Celestron CGX-L mount to find some of the comets currently visible- Taking and stacking 60 x 60sec exposures. Then we'll run the images through Tycho Tracker and make some scientific observations of the comets and asteroids we catch- reporting their position and orbits to the Minor Planet Center.
Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, Shamrock Banks Observatory has obtained as second ZWO 6200- this one is a monochrome camera and will be the primary camera for the observatory and our asteroid work in the coming weeks. I'll see about getting a few shots inside the observatory to show its function as well.
We are looking for new Patreons to help sponsor a SOLAR TELESCOPE to increase our observations (this is Michigan, and we have to take clear skies when we get them- even if it is daytime).
Be sure to check out the new channel youtube.com/channel/UCOHdBpPS0wOwPWPQEMWmvwAISS Radio LiveShamrock Banks Observatory2023-03-19 | This is just a live view of the current position of the ISS and a software defined radio (SDR) output tuned to the repeater frequency (437.8) of the ISS. As the ISS passes near Michigan in the US you will see the doppler shift of the radio during approach, station passage and departure from the area.
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwLessons Learned in Astronomy | Laser CollimationShamrock Banks Observatory2023-02-15 | Collimation of a telescope seems to be a popular subject in Amateur Astronomy. I first looked at it a couple of years ago with a simple reflector telescope, so I thought I'd go through the procedure with more complex telescopes.
Today we will collimate an Orion 8 inch Ritchey Chretien and a 10 inch Meade Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope. The procedure is similar and we'll look at laser collimators, tilt plates, and complicating factors such as flexion and balance.
Bottom line, collimation can be perfect, but do you want to spend 3 hours of your limited telescope time doing it? Or do you want to use the telescope. We look at bench collimation and star collimation in this episode.
In our next video, I'll walk you through the nightly set up of your rig and put all this together for you.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLive Telescope | RASA 11 is taking RequestsShamrock Banks Observatory2023-02-13 | For the last few nights I've been working with the observatory to find and measure the orbits of asteroids. Tonight we are going to have some fun and do a little sight seeing. I will be taking requests for imaging. Look at Stellarium or another planetarium program, put the location as 'Saginaw, Michigan'. If the object is viable in that, I can probably get the telescope on it.
We'll look at Galaxies, Nebula, Comets, Satellites, even the moon in full color with a top of the line camera.
We are using the Rowe Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) 11 inch telescope. This is a unique kind of telescope- an 11 inch diameter aperture with 620mm focal length. The result is a a LOT of light coming to the camera in a very wide field, f/2.2 telescope. This results in some rather spectacular views of the Universe, and we can move smoothly from target to target.
Besides, I have the NASA Seal of Approval, so the telescope comes preloaded with all known and unknown objects just like in Wiki......
Equipment and Software: Celestron f/2.2 RASA 11 Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount ZWO 6200MM Camera SharpCap for imaging and live stacking PHD2 Guiding
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwLive Telescope | Comet and MoonShamrock Banks Observatory2023-02-03 | I've got the RASA and the ZWO 6200 Color Camera set up already and tonight between around 2-4am I'll be imaging the comet and the moon to get material for new videos. Things went super well last night and I expect it to be a great stream. I'll be on discord (not broadcasted) and in the chat. I don't expect many folks to stop by at that hour so it is a good time to make imaging requests if you are around.
Equipment tonight: RASA 11 f/2.2 FL 620 Ap 279mm ZWO 6200 MC one shot color Celestron CGX-L Mount SharpCap imaging, we might switch over to Sequence Generator Pro and test it out
Targets: The Green Comet The Moon Satellites M31 might make a guest appearance
Besides, I have the NASA Seal of Approval, so the telescope comes preloaded with all known and unknown objects just like in Wiki......
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!
Music Credit Relaxation Works youtube.com/channel/UCpBL_gbrWW6wQhlOt5R7kXwLessons Learned in Astronomy: Telescopes 2Shamrock Banks Observatory2023-01-23 | In this episode we discuss the different kinds of telescopes and how to select the right telescope for the right job. Wide Field, fast telescopes for Nebula, Narrow Field/High Magnification for Galaxies and Planets.
We talk about Refractors, SCT's, Richie Chretiens and the RASA. Newtonian Reflectors and Dobsonian Telescopes are mentioned.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobDiscovering a New Near Earth Asteroid?Shamrock Banks Observatory2023-01-20 | Mirror from Bob the Science Guy- Possible Discovery of a Near Earth Asteroid. Featuring Tycho Tracker to identify asteroids, comets and NEO's.
As we go through 'Learn the Sky' and 'Lessons Learned' we'll progress to 'Electronic Assisted Astronomy' where we go through all this computer control and imaging/evaluation. Just wanted to show you some of the cool things in store on this channel.
Equipment: RASA 11 Telescope ZWO 6200MC Camera Celestron CGX-L Mount
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLessons Learned in Astronomy: Telescopes 1Shamrock Banks Observatory2023-01-17 | This is the first of two episodes talking about telescopes in my 'Lessons Learned' series. Today we discuss the parts of a telescope and terms used to describe them- aperture, focal length, f/stop and touch on mirrors vs lenses.
In our next episode we'll talk about the different designs of telescopes, how to select the right telescope for the right job, and which one should be your first telescope.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLessons Learned in Astronomy: The MountShamrock Banks Observatory2023-01-09 | We head back to the kitchen table for a chat about the lessons I've learned in 2 years of astronomy. Today we talk about the key to backyard astronomy, the mount.
This is not done in the studio, we are just having a chat between friends and sharing my experiences in the journey to becoming a real amatuer astronomer.
Hobby skywatching requires very little equipment- just your eyes and a pair of binoculars and a desire to learn the sky. When you decide to take the next step, and are willing to make the investment and put the work in, learn from the mistakes of others with this series.
Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobVerifying the ISS from Shamrock Banks ObservatoryShamrock Banks Observatory2022-12-05 | We had a well timed pass of the ISS last night, so I decided to try and track it with the telescope and radio doppler on a discord live stream. This is the edited version with all the important parts. The raw, uncut 9 min video is available here: youtu.be/bRT2fuXHaBE
Thank you Judy for joining me and helping to keep an eye on things for me while I was busy with the observatory equipment.
Shamrock Banks Observatoy: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobRoadmap of the SkiesShamrock Banks Observatory2022-11-19 | In this initial video in our 'Learn the Skies' series, we look at some basic software and websites to find your way around the night sky. We also discuss the 'clock' in the sky, light pollution and viewing conditions.
Software and websites: stellarium.org The Stellarium website, download your OS version
In this video we will talk about the 'Electronic Assisted Astronomy' Playlist where we discuss combining your telescope with your computer to locate and slew to targets, plate solve, track asteroids and satellites, and use video capture and focusing software.
As always, if it is a clear night here in N. Michigan, we'll be live streaming the telescope. If we have crap for weather, I'll be making videos for the educational playlists. I hope you will enjoy your stay.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobShamrock Banks Intro NewShamrock Banks Observatory2022-11-17 | Hi fellow stargazers. Welcome to Shamrock Banks Observatory, an official observatory of the Minor Planet Center. n addition to live streaming the telescopes looking at Deep Sky Objects, Satellites, Planets and the Moon, we have playlists of note for those new to the hobby: 1/ Learn the Sky 2/ Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned
In the first, we'll go over all 88 known constellations, both in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere and learn a little about the science of astronomy. Topics covered include: The Celestial Sphere Using Planetarium Software Using Weather/Observing Conditions Software Finding Targets of Interest
In the second playlist, we'll look at the MANY mistakes I made in my first 3 years including: Spending Money you don't have to spend Picking the wrong telescope mount Realizing the mount is more important than the telescope Having more telescope than you can operate Using the right instrument for the right reason
So browse through the videos and see if your questions are answered.
Note: The primary job of the observatory is to observe, and on clear nights that is what we will do (live streamed) with a variety of telescopes ranging from Cameras with 24mm lenses to the 11 inch RASA.
On those nights the Astronomy Gods bless us with crappy Michigan weather, I'll make videos (some live streams) that will go into the educational playlists.
Shamrock Banks Observatory: youtube.com/c/CommonSenseSciencery Please consider becoming a Patreon of the Channel- All money donated through paypal or from the patreons goes directly into improvements in the channel (
BobLunar Eclipse Live Nov 8, 2022Shamrock Banks Observatory2022-11-08 | We have a lunar eclipse today- I'm up and will record some footage in case you missed it. This is about 30 min of the eclipse leading up to totality.
For folks in the US- Get out and vote today!!!
Equipment and Software: Orion 8" RC Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount ZWO 533MM Cameras SharpCap Astrophotography Tool PHD2 Guiding
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL (AT LEAST 5 MIN) TO POST TO THE LIVE STREAM. This is to build the audience for the live streams, you won't come if you don't know about them, so just hit the button and ring the bell.
Note, if the link does not work, check out the latest stream on Shamrock Banks Observatory and a fresh link will be in the description!