STEAM with Francisco

Tonight’s Moon shining bright over the desert sky — every crater crisp and alive.

https://ciberbitacoraoffranciscosilva.blogspot.com/2026/05/thought-of-day-files-are-out-now-what.html

Thought of the Day: The Files Are Out. Now What? UAP,UFO

MAY 2026: SUMMER NEBULAE & THE BLUE MICROMOON!
The nights are getting warmer, and the galactic core is climbing higher! As your Solar System Ambassador and EOP, I am thrilled to introduce the May 2026 Astrophotography Challenge. This month, we are diving into deep-sky remnants and a very rare lunar event!

🎯 May Targets:
Trifid Nebula (M20): Known as the "Three-Lobed Beauty," this stunning object is a rare combination of an emission, reflection, and dark nebula all in one.
Crab Nebula (M1): The famous remnant of a supernova observed nearly a thousand years ago. It’s a complex pulsar wind nebula that serves as a fantastic technical challenge.

🌟 BONUS CELESTIAL EVENT: The Blue Micromoon! On May 31, we will witness the smallest full moon of 2026 as it reaches apogee. Because it is the second full moon in a single month, it earns the "Blue Moon" title!

🗓️ Timing & Conditions:
Prime Imaging Window: May 12 – 19.
Moon Watch: We have an excellent ~20% illumination window mid-month, providing the dark skies needed for prime nebula photography.

💡 Ambassador Tips for May:
Trifid Color: Use an H-alpha filter to really bring out the deep reds and vibrant colors of M20.
Crab Detail: M1 shows its best structure when using an OIII filter.
Micromoon Challenge: Take a photo on May 31 and compare its size to your previous moon shots—you’ll really see the 14% difference!
Look South: The Milky Way is rising, so keep an eye on the southern horizon for these summer targets.
How to Enter: Share your captures in our Facebook group! Whether you're chasing the pulsar in the Crab or measuring the Micromoon, we want to see your results. Include your gear details and use our hashtags!

Clear skies and happy imaging!

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First fully operational night at the telescope farm!

Last night the entire system came alive under a beautifully clear sky, and watching every telescope lock onto its target felt like witnessing a dream take shape.

I captured M61, M68, and M104 — three cosmic stories unfolding across millions of light‑years. A mature spiral galaxy, an ancient globular cluster, and the iconic Sombrero Galaxy… each one reminding us why we look up in the first place.

This is just the beginning. Nevada’s first telescope farm is officially awake.

https://ciberbitacoraoffranciscosilva.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-new-impetus-for-humanity-towards.html

A new goal for humanity: Towards a permanent presence on the Moon Thanks for visiting my blog, I have created this blog for sharing with all internet users of the Cyberspace, my hobbies and thoughts, you can find my blogs about astronomy, philosophy, video games, books, PCs and laptops, mobiles and more . As well I hope that you share your experiences and ideas wi...

Something exciting is coming in 2026...

I'm thrilled to tease a brand-new year-long project called "Cosmos Explorers" – a fun, community-wide astrophotography challenge that will take us on a monthly journey through the most stunning wonders of the universe!

Think breathtaking nebulae, glowing galaxies, epic solar system events, and some truly special celestial moments you won't want to miss...

Program Overview:
Monthly astrophotography challenges throughout 2026 & 2027 😉
Diverse celestial targets across multiple categories 🤓
Community voting system for monthly recognition
Open to all LVAS members and friends
Inclusive of all equipment levels and experience, beginners, pros, phone cameras, big telescopes... You name it!.

This program aims to:
✓ Encourage active observation and imaging
✓ Foster knowledge sharing within our community
✓ Document Nevada's spectacular night sky
✓ Inspire both new and experienced astrophotographers

More details (including the full 2026 lineup) coming very soon... but trust me, you're going to want to mark your calendars and charge those batteries!

Who’s ready to capture the cosmos with us?