Total Lunar Eclipse taken with a 4-inch f/9 refractor and a DSLR camera on January 31, 2018 at the PAGASA Observatory in UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. Photo Credit: Anthony Urbano
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© Anthony Urbano (Manila, Philippines)
For inquiries, please contact the Manila Street Astronomers. Photo Credit: MSA (Published with permission.)
Manila Street Astronomers will be holding a free telescope viewing on October 28, 2017 (Saturday) at SM North EDSA in Quezon City and at the Alabang Town Center in Alabang. Feel free to bring your kids and family as we celebrate the 2017 International Observe the Moon Night.
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© Anthony Urbano (Manila, Philippines)
In astrophotography where DSLRs are expected to take images continuously for several hours, spending on expensive spare DSLR batteries may not be the best investment. The DIY modification below shows how I used an old DSLR battery and a DC adapter as an alternative way of powering your DSLR during an overnight stargazing event.
DIY power adapter for powering DSLRs from an external 12V battery. A voltage regulator called ‘7808’ is used to ensure that the voltage output remains at 8 V.
Related article: Improved Field Battery
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© Anthony Urbano (Manila, Philippines)
A green laser points at Venus, currently visible in the western horizon about an hour after sunset. This photo was taken on November 30, 2016 from the observing deck of Seven Suites Hotel Observatory in Antipolo.
Lately, you might have noticed what appears to be a very bright star prominently visible in the western horizon about an hour after sunset. This ‘star’ is in fact the planet Venus.
Venus is the brightest among the five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) that can be seen with the naked eye. The planet will continue to be prominent in the sky until around March 2017.
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© Anthony Urbano (Manila, Philippines)
As you move away from a city, the glaring lights that cause light pollution are greatly diminished, allowing one to see fainter stars. In recent years, Antipolo has been of a particular interest to astronomy enthusiasts, perhaps this is due to its relatively dark skies and short travel distance from Manila. A popular destination is Seven Suites Hotel Observatory, which opened in 1998. This hotel allows you to conduct stargazing sessions in the comforts of a hotel. Another popular site is intended for the outdoor type who wants to setup tents in a camp site–the Big Handy’s Grounds.
For about 7 years now, me and my colleagues–a rather tight group (less than ten people) have been taking astronomical photos from a less known but equally capable site in Antipolo. It has become our favorite observing site because it is safe, it has power (for our laptops, telescopes, and cameras), there are facilities that we can use, and of course, we can arrange exclusive access to the place.
Basically, any place in Antipolo, be it a resort, a campsite, or a full-fledged hotel, should offer skies dark enough for visual and astronomical photography work. If you are into astronomy, find a spot there and start observing!
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© Anthony Urbano (Manila, Philippines)
The Seven Suites Hotel Observatory differentiates itself from all other hotels in the country with its unique feature: it is a hotel and at the same time, an astronomical observatory!
Here are some reasons why I believe Seven Suites a good place to conduct astronomical observations, especially for kids and the family:
1. It offers skies dark enough for some decent visual observations and astronomy photography. For astronomy enthusiasts, a safe place with dark skies is very appealing.
2. It is equipped with a 12-inch telescope (one of the most powerful in the country). Using this telescope, it is possible to see Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its rings, icecaps of Mars, phases of Venus, the craters of the moon, some galaxies, and nebula. Of course, it will all depend on the weather and the time of the year.
3. Its resident astronomer, Ramon, is more than qualified to guide you in observing the moon, stars, and the planets. Ramon is also a good friend of mine and a colleague at the UP Astronomical Society (our astronomy club back in college).
4. It has a good vantage point. Since it is located in the elevated areas of Antipolo, you can take good photos of the sunset and city lights from its observing deck. It is recommended that you bring cameras or binoculars.
5. It is a hotel observatory! You can either spend the night under the stars (literally sleep under the stars) or opt to book a room instead. It means you get to enjoy astronomy without the hassle of camping out. It also means you’ll have access to electricity and the Internet.
Next time you hear news about astronomical events such as a super moon, a meteor shower, a solar or lunar eclipse, an appearance of a comet, or simply, a desire to enjoy some star or moon gazing, be sure to check out Seven Suites.
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© Anthony Urbano (Manila, Philippines)
Science Education Associate, University of the Philippines, Diliman. Click on the photo to view full profile.
Let me show you objects within reach of a small backyard telescope. Click on the image to view my humble collection of astrophotos!
Interested in joining a stargazing event? Click on the image to learn how.
Take a look at some of the equipment used in amateur astronomy. Click on the image to learn more.
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Grab that toolbox and start building your own DIY projects! Click on the image to learn more.
Lunar Eclipse on July 28, 2018
Equipment for sending and receiving SSTV images
