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Observatory Blog

Eyes on the Ozarks Skies

Best astrophoto of the North America Nebula with the Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4 and medium format camera

Best astrophoto of the North America Nebula with the Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4 and medium format camera

I used my Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4 and ZWO 461MM medium format camera to capture what I feel is one of the best astrophotos of the North America Nebula published anywhere to date.
Posted 7/24/2026
Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae

Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae

Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae captured together by amature astronomer Richard Harris at Ozark Hills Observatory using a 4" Takahashi telescope and 62 megapixel camera.
Posted 1/3/2026
I captured California Nebula with my telescope in the Ozarks

I captured California Nebula with my telescope in the Ozarks

Richard Harris reveals the hidden beauty of NGC 1499, California Nebula through 18 hours of deep-sky imaging. A breathtaking look at sulfer and hydrogen light, cosmic structure, and the quiet wonder waiting above Missouri’s dark skies.
Posted 10/6/2025
Richard Harris's WR 102 image featured at NASA's INTUITIVE Planetarium

Richard Harris's WR 102 image featured at NASA's INTUITIVE Planetarium

Hottest Star In The Universe: Richard Harris's WR 102 Image Featured At NASA’s INTUITIVE Planetarium and In French School Textbooks - A breathtaking astrophoto from the Ozark Hills Observatory that connects science, art, and education across continents.
Posted 8/31/2025
Takahashi Epsilon 160ED and a night with Andromeda M31

Takahashi Epsilon 160ED and a night with Andromeda M31

Under a stretch of rare clear skies, I set out to capture M31, the Andromeda Galaxy, in one night using the Takahashi Epsilon 160ED and ATIK 16200, gathering nearly five hours of LRGB data for a closer look at our neighboring island universe.
Posted 8/23/2025
Crescent Nebula and surrounding structures wide-field

Crescent Nebula and surrounding structures wide-field

Explore the Sadr Region in stunning detail with a 25-hour deep-sky image capturing the Crescent Nebula and surrounding structures in Cygnus. Shot from the Ozarks using narrowband and LRGB filters, this wide-field view reveals hidden beauty in the heart of the Milky Way.
Posted 6/22/2025
Orion Nebula 2024

Orion Nebula 2024

We return to the Orion region after 2 years to uncover new details using our latest gear, the Takahashi FSQ-106 EDX4, a 6200MM camera, and 3nm Chroma filters. This setup promises to reveal even more breathtaking features than my 2022 attempt.
Posted 12/24/2024
NGC 1893 and IC 405 Nebulae Takahashi FSQ106 EDX4 widefield

NGC 1893 and IC 405 Nebulae Takahashi FSQ106 EDX4 widefield

Stunning widefield view of NGC 1893 and IC 405 nebulae, captured with the Takahashi FSQ106 EDX4 by Richard Harris at Ozark Hills Observatory. This vibrant image reveals vivid cosmic colors and intricate nebular structures, showcasing deep-sky wonders in breathtaking detail.
Posted 12/7/2024
Capturing Comet C2023 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Over Springfield, Missouri

Capturing Comet C2023 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Over Springfield, Missouri

Capturing Comet C/2023 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS over Springfield, Missouri with my Canon 6D Mark II and Rokinon 12mm widefield lens—an astrophotography adventure highlighting the beauty of the night sky.
Posted 10/13/2024
Veil Nebula astrophotography over Ozark Hills

Veil Nebula astrophotography over Ozark Hills

Astrophoto of the Veil Nebula, captured with a Takahashi FSQ-106 EDX4 telescope by astrophotographer Richard Harris, showcasing both the Eastern and Western sides against the backdrop of the scenic Ozark Hills.
Posted 8/8/2024