Observatory Blog

Eyes on the Ozarks Skies

Astrophotography

Capture the cosmos with Richard Harris at Ozark Hills Observatory! Specializing in astrophotography, Richard unveils the mysteries of the night sky, revealing breathtaking galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Explore the universe through his lens and discover the celestial wonders hidden in the Ozark Hills. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply star-struck, Richard's astrophotography is sure to ignite your imagination and inspire awe. Join us for a cosmic journey and witness the captivating beauty of the cosmos!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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