A Night of Celestial Capture: California Nebula (NGC 1499)

On December 6, 2025, I had the opportunity to capture one of the most iconic nebulae of the winter sky: the California Nebula (NGC 1499), located in the constellation Perseus. I used my Seestar S50 telescope, from coordinates 115°W, 36°N, with a total exposure time of 3 hours and 27 minutes. Despite the presence of the Waning Gibbous Moon (95% illumination) and transparency/seeing conditions of 3, the image revealed surprising details.

Shape and Structure

The nebula extends like an elongated, curved cloud, evoking the silhouette of the state of California, from which it takes its name. Its structure is rich in filaments and ripples, giving it a dynamic appearance, almost like a cosmic wave suspended in space.

Brightness and Contrast

Looking at the image, brighter areas are visible in the center, where hydrogen-alpha emission is most intense. The edges, in contrast, fade smoothly into the starry background, showing the gradual transition from ionized gas to empty space. I can see areas with a hint of green.

Embedded Stars

Numerous stars appear within and around the nebula. Although they are not a physical part of the cloud, their light interacts with the surrounding gas, creating contrasts and highlighting the nebula's internal texture.

Diffuse Edges

The outer boundaries of NGC 1499 are diffuse, with a smooth gradient that blends into the surrounding space. However, some internal filaments show greater definition, adding depth and complexity to the image.

Other Objects in the Field

The field is populated by a rich tapestry of background stars, which frame the nebula and are reminiscent of the vastness of the Perseus region. No other bright nebulae are visible in the frame, allowing NGC 1499 to be the undisputed star.

A Conversation on Outdoor Adventure Series Podcast

I am honored to share that I recently joined the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast to talk about my journey as a STEAM educator, Solar System Ambassador, and astronomy enthusiast. From my first telescope in Spain to designing inclusive astronomy experiences in Las Vegas, this path has been filled with curiosity, storytelling, and community connection.

In the episode, I reflect on:

• How mythology and family support sparked my fascination with the stars.
• The challenges of pursuing astronomy before today’s technological advancements.
• The importance of integrating art into science, technology, engineering, and math.
• My volunteer work with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, hosting up to 100 outreach events per year.
• The emotional and transformative reactions of children and adults when they first observe celestial wonders.

You can listen to the full episode here:
Exploring the Cosmos: Francisco Silva

I invite you to join me in celebrating curiosity, exploration, and the joy of looking up at the night sky. Please share the episode with your family, friends, and colleagues—together we can spread the wonder of the cosmos. 

Keeping Curiosity Alive: A Conversation on The Art Box Podcast

Curiosity is the spark that keeps us learning, creating, and connecting. Recently, I had the honor of joining The Art Box Podcast (Episode 377:Keeping Curiosity Alive) to share my journey as a STEAM educator, Solar System Ambassador, and community storyteller.  

In the episode, we explored how curiosity is not just a personal trait—it’s a bridge. It connects science with art, communities with the cosmos, and generations with the joy of discovery. For me, curiosity is the heartbeat of outreach: it invites us to ask questions, to wonder, and to see the world with fresh eyes.  

Highlights from our conversation:

- How curiosity fuels creativity and lifelong learning  

- The role of storytelling in making science accessible  

- Building bridges between cultures and communities through education  

- Why keeping curiosity alive is essential in today’s fast-changing world  

You can listen to the full episode here: The Art Box Podcast – Episode 377

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

 Last night I took my first astronomical photograph of M45, using my Seestar S50, pointed at the M45 star cluster, also known as the Pleiades.

During a 54-minute exposure, I captured something that left me speechless: in addition to the bright stars, nebulous areas appeared, like clumps of gas floating among them. At first, I thought I couldn't possibly have been that lucky.

What are those clouds surrounding the Pleiades?

The Pleiades are immersed in a cloud of interstellar dust that reflects the blue light of its young stars. What my camera captured wasn't Earth-bound clouds, but reflected nebulosity, part of M45's cosmic environment. It's a kind of celestial veil that only reveals itself with patience, good optics, and clear skies.

The map we still need

I stumbled across a project that fascinated me: The Nippon Foundation–GEBCO Seabed 2030. In a world where we can see images of galaxies millions of light-years away, we still don't have a complete map—and therefore, a complete understanding—of our own planet.

This international effort seeks to change that. Its goal is clear and monumental: to map 100% of the planet's ocean floor by 2030, and to do so in an open, collaborative, and accessible way for everyone.

In July 2020, I shared on this very blog a reflection that came up constantly at my outreach events. (Link) Many participants were surprised to learn that we have better maps of Mars or the Moon than of our own oceans. And my answer was always the same: it's not a lack of scientific interest, but rather that much of the underwater data is classified, protected for reasons of national defense and military strategy.

I used to say that we certainly have more and better maps of the seabed, but that the public doesn't have access to them. And now, with Seabed 2030, that's starting to change.

From a scientific perspective, this project is a gem. The topography of the seabed influences ocean currents, biodiversity, tsunami formation, and global climate. Without a detailed map, we are—literally—navigating blind in many respects.

In terms of safety, having accurate maps is vital for navigation, laying submarine cables, responsible resource exploration, and responding to natural disasters.

And from a technological standpoint, Seabed 2030 is an impressive deployment: multibeam sonar, autonomous underwater vehicles, artificial intelligence, and collaborative platforms that integrate data from multiple sources. It's cutting-edge science, applied to a profoundly human purpose: to better understand ourselves.

What inspires me most is that this project isn't just for scientists or governments. Any individual or institution with bathymetric data can contribute. It's an open invitation to collaborate on a map that will be a treasure for all humanity.

In a time when we talk so much about exploring other worlds, Seabed 2030 reminds us that there are still vast territories to discover right here, beneath the waves. And that understanding them is key to protecting them.

"For the Benefit of All"

In a world where the stars seem unreachable and earthly challenges overwhelm us, in an era marked by speed, competition, and uncertainty, there are institutions that remind us that knowledge, cooperation, and curiosity remain our best tools for building a better future. NASA is not just a space agency; it is a mirror reflecting what we are capable of achieving when science is put at the service of all.

Since its creation more than half a century ago, NASA has transcended its initial roles as an agency dedicated to transporting humans and cargo into space. It has evolved into a beacon of knowledge and hope, inspiring humanity to look beyond the horizon and reflect on our place in the universe.

Image created by AI

From space, our planet has no borders. NASA has taught us to see it for what it truly is: a fragile, living, and interdependent blue sphere. Thanks to its satellites and observation missions, we have been able to:

- Monitor climate change and its effects in real time.

- Improve agriculture and livestock farming with precise data on humidity, temperature, and soil.

- Anticipate natural disasters, saving lives and resources.

- Optimize global communications, connecting remote communities.

All of this through technologies that were born to explore other worlds but have transformed our own.

NASA doesn't just take astronauts and cargo into space; it takes us, as a species, toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. It has revealed:

- The history of the stars that gave us life.

- The dance of the planets, moons, and comets that surround us.

- The possibility of life beyond Earth, raising new questions about what it means to be alive.

Every image from the Hubble telescope, every piece of data from the Perseverance rover, every echo from the cosmic microwave background is an invitation to think, imagine, and feel part of something bigger.

NASA's motto, "For the Benefit of All," is not just rhetoric. It is an ethical statement that upholds the idea that knowledge should uplift us, not divide us; that exploration should serve human dignity, not profit or power.

At a time when some propose turning NASA into yet another company subservient to private or military interests, it is vital to remember that its greatest legacy lies not in its contracts, but in its capacity to inspire, educate, and unite.

In the conversation about which space agency has generated the most knowledge for the global community, the answer is clear: NASA. Its leadership is based on an unprecedented Open Access policy. While other agencies may be more secretive, NASA releases the vast majority of its mission data (from the Hubble Telescope to Earth's climate observations) free of charge and without restrictions. This treasure trove of information is available to scientists, entrepreneurs, and students worldwide.

It has not only made data available to us, but has also cultivated a culture that the private sector draws upon. By democratizing access to knowledge, it becomes a "force multiplier" for science and innovation across the globe.

All of this—protecting the planet, advancing knowledge, inspiring generations—costs just pennies per person. Less than a cup of coffee. And yet, its value is immeasurable.

NASA is an investment in the best of us: in our ability to look to the sky and ask ourselves not only what's out there, but who we are here.

The Final Journey: Recycling and the Rebirth of Hydrogen

In a world seeking balance with its environment, recycling is not just a practice; it's a promise for the future. Hydrogen-powered vehicles—both FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) and HICEVs (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles)—represent a fascinating chapter in this narrative of sustainability and renewal.

Closing a Cycle: The Legacy of Hydrogen

The magic lies not only in the birth of these vehicles but also in their farewell. Upon reaching the end of their useful life, FCEVs and HICEVs have the opportunity to close a cycle, transforming from simple means of transportation into rich sources of recyclable materials.

Image created by AI

Hidden Treasures: Precious Metals in Fuel Cells

The fuel cell is the heart of the FCEV, and within it lies a hidden treasure: platinum. This precious metal, crucial for converting hydrogen into electricity, not only powers cars but also inspires innovative minds seeking to maximize its recovery at the end of a vehicle's life cycle.

Through advanced chemical and mechanical processes, platinum is recovered with an efficiency of 95% or more, turning old into new. Leading companies like Toyota and Hyundai have implemented buyback programs that ensure these crucial components are not only reused but also pave the way for new generations of vehicles.

Reinvention: From Tanks to New Creations

Hydrogen tanks, made from a durable blend of carbon fiber and composite materials, are not easily discarded. Instead, they undergo a shredding process that allows for the partial reuse of the material in new creations, thus reducing the environmental impact and closing another chapter in the vehicle's life cycle.

A Sustainable Future: The Rebirth

This final journey is more than just dismantling; it's a rebirth. As valuable materials are recycled, the possibility of new beginnings in emerging technologies and sustainable solutions is nurtured.

An Invitation to Change: A Walk Toward the Future

The journey of hydrogen as a fuel is a powerful reminder that every ending can be a new beginning. Hydrogen vehicles not only take us where we need to go, but they also teach us valuable lessons about sustainability and environmental impact.

So, as we gaze toward the horizon of a greener future, let us remember that every hydrogen car that is recycled is a renewed promise toward that dream world. This rebirth speaks not only of a closed cycle; it celebrates the human capacity to innovate and transform the old into something new and bright.

How do you see your role in this process? Will you join the recycling journey, helping to breathe new life into the materials that once powered vehicles full of promise toward a more sustainable future?

Share your thoughts and experiences about hydrogen recycling in the comments. Together, we can inspire meaningful change and create a lasting impact on our world.