DeepSkyMike
@deepskymike.bsky.social
Visual observer 39 years. Spotting as many different objects from my light polluted sky as I can. Current total = 2129
Just updated my profile to reflect that I have now logged 2061 different astronomical objects from my bortle 6/7 backyard.
Most of my new deep sky targets are now difficult to pull from the sky glow but I reckon I can manage another 300ish.
Then there’s plenty of asteroids and comets to log.
Most of my new deep sky targets are now difficult to pull from the sky glow but I reckon I can manage another 300ish.
Then there’s plenty of asteroids and comets to log.
March 25, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Just updated my profile to reflect that I have now logged 2061 different astronomical objects from my bortle 6/7 backyard.
Most of my new deep sky targets are now difficult to pull from the sky glow but I reckon I can manage another 300ish.
Then there’s plenty of asteroids and comets to log.
Most of my new deep sky targets are now difficult to pull from the sky glow but I reckon I can manage another 300ish.
Then there’s plenty of asteroids and comets to log.
My 2000th Different object found from my light polluted backyard.
P.Neb Pk 232-1.1 in Canis Major.
P.Neb Pk 232-1.1 in Canis Major.
December 27, 2025 at 1:49 PM
My 2000th Different object found from my light polluted backyard.
P.Neb Pk 232-1.1 in Canis Major.
P.Neb Pk 232-1.1 in Canis Major.
First time I’ve ever gotten the telescope out on Christmas night. Just got back in the house a little bit colder than when I left it 5 hours ago. Seen plenty of objects including 6 new faint planetary nebulae. Happy Christmas indeed 😊
December 26, 2025 at 1:44 AM
First time I’ve ever gotten the telescope out on Christmas night. Just got back in the house a little bit colder than when I left it 5 hours ago. Seen plenty of objects including 6 new faint planetary nebulae. Happy Christmas indeed 😊
My 171st planetary nebula observation from the early hours this morning. 20inch dob. Bortle 6.
December 20, 2025 at 2:54 PM
My 171st planetary nebula observation from the early hours this morning. 20inch dob. Bortle 6.
Got up at 5am this morning to try to spot 3I/ATLAS a 7 billion year old interstellar comet currently sight seeing through our solar system. It was only a small 10th mag fuzzy spot through the scope but it was amazing to contemplate what my eye was seeing.
November 21, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Got up at 5am this morning to try to spot 3I/ATLAS a 7 billion year old interstellar comet currently sight seeing through our solar system. It was only a small 10th mag fuzzy spot through the scope but it was amazing to contemplate what my eye was seeing.
I missed the Venus occultation by a mere 2 minutes today. Clouds came over and obscured the event just before it happened then cleared again just after. 😟
September 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM
I missed the Venus occultation by a mere 2 minutes today. Clouds came over and obscured the event just before it happened then cleared again just after. 😟
Just been crunching the numbers of my observing sketches since I started logging objects I’ve seen back in ‘87.
I’ve amassed 2476 sketches of 1995 different objects.
All from Bortle 6 skies.
Plenty more to see hopefully 🙂
I’ve amassed 2476 sketches of 1995 different objects.
All from Bortle 6 skies.
Plenty more to see hopefully 🙂
September 10, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Just been crunching the numbers of my observing sketches since I started logging objects I’ve seen back in ‘87.
I’ve amassed 2476 sketches of 1995 different objects.
All from Bortle 6 skies.
Plenty more to see hopefully 🙂
I’ve amassed 2476 sketches of 1995 different objects.
All from Bortle 6 skies.
Plenty more to see hopefully 🙂
Scope out cooling down ready for tonight’s wonders.
August 31, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Scope out cooling down ready for tonight’s wonders.
Bought myself a new pair of binoculars. My old 15x70’s, which I’ve had for many years, were a little worn out. They were also quite heavy handheld. These are just right but arrived showing double images. A quick trip to YouTube and now they perform flawlessly.
May 13, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Bought myself a new pair of binoculars. My old 15x70’s, which I’ve had for many years, were a little worn out. They were also quite heavy handheld. These are just right but arrived showing double images. A quick trip to YouTube and now they perform flawlessly.
The slim Crescent moon with earthshine, right next to the Pleiades is one of the most beautiful sights in all of binocular astronomy.
April 1, 2025 at 8:41 PM
The slim Crescent moon with earthshine, right next to the Pleiades is one of the most beautiful sights in all of binocular astronomy.
I’m getting some spectacular visual views of Jupiter at the moment. All you astrophotographers must be getting some impressive images!
February 25, 2025 at 8:08 PM
I’m getting some spectacular visual views of Jupiter at the moment. All you astrophotographers must be getting some impressive images!
Jupiter and Venus. From earlier today in broad daylight. iPhone 15. HANDHELD. 14 inch dob.
February 22, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Jupiter and Venus. From earlier today in broad daylight. iPhone 15. HANDHELD. 14 inch dob.
If you want to keep your telescope/camera gear clean of dust I highly recommend getting yourself one of these devices (shown with eyepiece for scale).
These air blowers can give you a gentle blow or a full on gale.
Also ideal for blowing water off your freshly washed mirrors.
These air blowers can give you a gentle blow or a full on gale.
Also ideal for blowing water off your freshly washed mirrors.
December 14, 2024 at 2:42 PM
If you want to keep your telescope/camera gear clean of dust I highly recommend getting yourself one of these devices (shown with eyepiece for scale).
These air blowers can give you a gentle blow or a full on gale.
Also ideal for blowing water off your freshly washed mirrors.
These air blowers can give you a gentle blow or a full on gale.
Also ideal for blowing water off your freshly washed mirrors.
My 14 inch f4.6 Dob
November 20, 2024 at 10:18 PM
My 14 inch f4.6 Dob
My 20 inch f3.3 Dob.
November 14, 2024 at 8:07 PM
My 20 inch f3.3 Dob.