Exploring the Cosmos from Red Rock, NV with the Seestar 50

Location: Camping in Red Rock, Nevada

Instrument: Seestar 50

Sky Conditions: Cloudless and windless, but with a not-so-transparent roof

Capturing the Wonders of Space

I recently had the opportunity to photograph some of the most fascinating objects in the night sky with my Seestar 50 telescope. The night in Red Rock, NV, was promising: clear skies and a stable atmosphere, although with a not-so-transparent roof, which somewhat affected the sharpness of the images.

The objects I observed include:

M42 (Orion Nebula): A spectacle of gas and forming stars.

M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy): Its spiral structure never ceases to amaze me.

M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy): A galaxy with defined arms and a bright center.

M44 (Benger Cluster): A swarm of young stars.

M81 (Bode's Galaxy): A sharp view of this stunning spiral.

NGC 2175 & IC 417: Two little-known but surprising objects.

M97 (Owl Nebula): A faint object with intriguing details.

NGC 2237 (Rosette Nebula): A rapidly evolving star garden.

M106 & M67: Two galactic gems with unique characteristics.

M4: A globular cluster that stands out among the stars.

Reflections on Observing

Despite the less-than-ideal sky conditions, every image I captured reflects the majesty of the universe. Astronomical observing isn't just about image quality, but also about timing, patience, and connection with the cosmos.

If you're interested in astrophotography, feel free to try darker skies and experiment with different filters to improve your capture. Do you have any tips or similar experiences? Let me know in the comments!

World of Warcraft: The Evolution of Character and Warband Menus

With the introduction of Warbands, the character menus in World of Warcraft have undergone a major overhaul. From a new selection screen to expanded customization options, players now have more freedom to organize their characters. Inspired by the manga/anime style, I've categorized my characters into tiers or "classes" of importance based on their progression and usefulness. Here's how my system works:

S-Class: The Star Protagonists

My elite characters, all level 80, represent the pinnacle of power and dedication. They are the pillars of my adventures:

- Nashiraagie (Human Paladin): Noble and resilient, capable of protecting and healing their party while delivering powerful blows.

- Luminosum (Iron Dwarf Warlock): Master of the dark arts and summoning, always a step ahead in strategy.

- Brikenhead (Undead, Death Knight): A sinister warrior, relentless in close combat, he doesn't hesitate to exploit diseases, as well as summoned undead, to inflict high-level damage.

- Zhugang (Pandaren Monk in the Horde): A skilled fighter with a perfect balance between offense and healing.

Class A: The Mighty Sidekicks

These characters, level 70+, are my featured warriors with great potential in battle:

- Dadihalgiedi (Kul Tiras Warrior): Specialist in physical combat and military tactics.

- Ferrumpungu (Wargen Hunter): Cunning and precise, always accompanied by fierce allies.

- Zeelzy (Goblin Rogue): Swift and stealthy, ideal for ambushes and sabotage.

- Zhelrer (Dracthyr Evoker in the Horde): An ancient connection to dragons, master of devastating powers.

Class B: The Brave Ones in Training

Level 70 characters who continue to grow in strength and skill:

- Thanlandgrie (Void Elf Priest): Channeler of dark energy, spiritual protector of the group.

- Alainndaga (Night Elf Mage): Intellect and magic at their finest, with the ability to destroy and control.

- Armuscap (Highmountain Tauren Druid): Guardian of nature with versatile talents in combat and healing.

- Dorzlak (Zandalari Troll Shaman): Shamanic spirit who masters the elements to attack and heal.

Class C: The Promising Aspirants

These characters are just beginning their journey, preparing for future battles:

- Orwatodon (Tauren Druid): Deep connection with nature, balanced and adaptable.

- Pelithagaux (Nightborne Warlock): Explorer of arcane and dark energies.

- Grondaran (Demon Hunter): A bold warrior who faces chaos with determination.

- Eldrel (Dracthyr Evoker in the Alliance): Another dragon in training, promising to dazzle in the future.

Red Moon

Last night's Lunar eclipse was a reminder of nature's wonders. 

Despite the stormy weather and rain, the skies eventually cleared in time, allowing us to witness the Moon's incredible transformation. It's a beautiful lesson in patience and acceptance sometimes the most breathtaking moments come after the storms.

It gets dark enough to see Star around the Moon.

Spain Launches Its First Military Satellite: A Leap Forward in Space Technolog

On January 30th, Spain marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first military satellite, SPAINSAT NG 1. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is now positioned in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth—nearly three times the planet's diameter.

Operated by the Spanish company Hisdesat, SPAINSAT NG 1 is hailed as the most advanced satellite in Spain and the first in Europe equipped with cutting-edge technology antennas. This innovation includes X-band antennas and beam-hopping technology, enabling the satellite to redirect electronic signals without physical movement. Additionally, it boasts the ability to detect and neutralize interference on Earth, ensuring secure communications for Spanish military forces and NATO.

The satellite is expected to remain operational until 2037, providing reliable and secure communication capabilities. Looking ahead, its twin satellite, SPAINSAT NG II, is scheduled for launch around September or October 2025. Together, these satellites will cover two-thirds of the planet, securing communications from Denmark to Singapore.

This achievement underscores Spain's growing presence in the space sector and its commitment to advancing technological innovation.

Honored and Grateful: A Journey Through the Cosmos

Today marks an extraordinary milestone in my journey as a STEAM educator and an advocate for scientific literacy. I am deeply honoured to be recognized by the Clark County Board of Commissioners for my dedication to sharing the wonders of the universe with our community.

My journey began in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain, where my fascination with the cosmos was sparked at a young age. Inspired by my mother's love for the stars and my sisters' enthusiastic encouragement of stargazing, I developed a deep passion for astronomy and the sciences. This passion has been the driving force behind my life's work.

When I moved to Las Vegas, I found a community that shared my curiosity and excitement for space exploration. Over the past eleven years, I have had the privilege of working with numerous organizations to promote scientific literacy, including the Scouts of America, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Civil Air Patrol, Native Tribal Organizations, UNLV, and many more. My contributions to citizen science projects for NASA, JPL, The Planetary Society, and others have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

In 2013, I joined the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, and since 2018, I have served as the Vice President of the Society’s Education Outreach Program. This role has allowed me to conduct over 100 STEAM events annually, sharing my passion and knowledge with thousands of community members. In 2022, I was selected for NASA’s Solar System Ambassador’s Program, further fueling my commitment to space exploration and public education.

Today's recognition is a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from so many incredible individuals and organizations. I am especially grateful to Commissioner Gibson and Commission District Liaison Blanca Vazquez for their unwavering support and belief in my mission. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been instrumental in my journey.

I am humbled by this honour and remain committed to inspiring curiosity and promoting scientific literacy. The universe is vast and full of wonders, and together, we can explore it, learn from it, and be inspired by it.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your support means the world to me. Let's continue to look up and explore the cosmos together!

With gratitude and humility,

Francisco Silva

Mars Opposition is Coming!

Prepare for a celestial show this winter!
Get ready, stargazers! It has been 2.2 years. It is not the best opposition, but we can try. From late December 2024 to January 16th, 2025, Mars will reach its closest point to Earth (opposition).
This means the Red Planet will be brighter and bigger, and we'll even have a chance to see its icy south pole!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to gaze at the Red Planet's southernmost point. It's a once-in-a-while treat that will leave you starstruck! Share with friends and family who love space, and astronomy, or want to experience the thrill of witnessing something truly cosmic.
Check out this amazing AI-generated image of Mars' south pole!

Thought for the Day Historic Moment for Humanity

The First Private Spacewalk of the Polaris Dawn Astronauts!

We are witnessing history today, folks! The groundbreaking event known as "The First Private Spacewalk by the Polaris Dawn Astronauts" is unfolding before our eyes. This momentous occasion not only signifies a leap for private space exploration but also marks an unprecedented milestone in humanity's quest to reach beyond Earth's boundaries.

Polaris Dawn, a private mission led by a visionary team of space enthusiasts and experts, has embarked on this extraordinary journey to showcase what can be achieved when innovation and determination come together. The astronauts aboard Polaris Dawn have successfully conducted their first-ever private spacewalk - an achievement that will resonate through the annals of history for generations to come!

As we stand on the precipice of a new era in space travel, it's essential to recognize and celebrate these advancements. The collaboration between governments, private organizations, and passionate individuals has paved the way for groundbreaking accomplishments like today's first-ever private spacewalk.

This event highlights not only the incredible capabilities of Polaris Dawn but also serves as a testament to humanity's unwavering spirit to explore unknown frontiers and push the boundaries of what we think is possible. It encourages us all to dream bigger, work harder, and believe that even lofty goals can become achievable realities when shared with like-minded individuals passionate about progress.

Let's come together as a human community and share in this momentous occasion!
The future is now, and it's being written in the stars!