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Observatory Blog

Eyes on the Ozarks Skies

IC 1396 Elephants Trunk Nebula from the Ozarks

IC 1396 Elephants Trunk Nebula from the Ozarks

IC 1396, known as the Elephant's Trunk Nebula, is a stunning region of ionized gas and interstellar dust in the constellation Cepheus. Captured from the Ozarks in Missouri by Richard Harris, this image showcases intricate structures and vibrant colors, highlighting the beauty of this cosmic formation.
Posted 7/16/2024
M27 Dumbbell Nebula with a Takahashi FSQ106EDX4 instrument

M27 Dumbbell Nebula with a Takahashi FSQ106EDX4 instrument

We captured the breathtaking beauty of the M27 Dumbbell Nebula on a hot summer night with the Takahashi FSQ106EDX4 telescope. Explore detailed images of this stunning planetary nebula, renowned for its intricate structure and vivid colors. Discover the universe's wonders with precision and clarity, showcasing the exceptional performance of the FSQ106EDX4 in astrophotography under warm, clear Ozarks skies.
Posted 7/13/2024
Upgrade in the dome to the Software Bisque MX mount

Upgrade in the dome to the Software Bisque MX mount

Ozark Hills Observatory upgrades from an LX850 to the advanced Software Bisque Paramount MX+ mount, enhancing precision and stability for astronomical observations. Experience superior tracking and imaging capabilities with this state-of-the-art equipment. Stay tuned for more stellar updates!
Posted 6/2/2024
NGC 6888 Crescent Nebula captured with Takahashi FSQ-106EDEX4

NGC 6888 Crescent Nebula captured with Takahashi FSQ-106EDEX4

Discover the stunning NGC 6888 Crescent Nebula captured with the Takahashi FSQ-106EDEX4 by Richard Harris. This remarkable image showcases the intricate details and vibrant colors of this celestial wonder, making it a must-see for astrophotography enthusiasts and stargazers alike.
Posted 5/31/2024
Astronomy classifieds and telescope equipment news ScopeTrader re-launches

Astronomy classifieds and telescope equipment news ScopeTrader re-launches

I'm thrilled to announce the relaunch of ScopeTrader, the astronomy classifieds platform I originally created in 2001. Now featuring a modern design, daily astronomy news, community discussions, and more, ScopeTrader aims to be better than ever!
Posted 5/14/2024
Northern lights aurora in Missouri

Northern lights aurora in Missouri

Because of a massive solar storm recently, folks in the Ozarks were able to experience the Northern Lights.
Posted 5/11/2024
NGC 5353 HCG 68 Hickson Group 68 Galaxies TEC 180 FL APO180FL

NGC 5353 HCG 68 Hickson Group 68 Galaxies TEC 180 FL APO180FL

We explore the majestic NGC 5353 and its surrounding galaxy group, Hickson Group 68 (HCG 68) using our TEC 180 FL telescope. A rarely photographed object, we captured NGC 5353, its interaction with neighboring galaxies, and what these phenomena reveal about the universe's vast, intricate tapestry.
Posted 4/30/2024
Experiencing the 2024 Solar Eclipse in the Ozarks

Experiencing the 2024 Solar Eclipse in the Ozarks

The solar eclipse in April 2024 gave us the opportunity to see the moon eclipse over the sun while we ran time-lapse photos on our ZWO SeeStar, and Askar FRA600.
Posted 4/9/2024
The Rosette Nebula astrophoto taken with the Sharpstar 61EDPH III in SHO data only

The Rosette Nebula astrophoto taken with the Sharpstar 61EDPH III in SHO data only

We captured the awe-inspiring Rosette Nebula through the lens of the Sharpstar 61EDPH III telescope from the heart of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Posted 3/15/2024
M81 and M82 galaxies astrophoto through a TEC APO180FL telescope

M81 and M82 galaxies astrophoto through a TEC APO180FL telescope

A relatively brief observation, lasting just 3 hours, captured two galaxies nestled together: M81 (also known as Bode's Galaxy) and M82, utilizing our prized telescope, the TEC APO180FL telescope and ZWO 6200MM.
Posted 2/10/2024