![Read more about the article Dark Sky Astrophotography [Smokey Mountain Getaway]](https://i0.wp.com/kevinrfrancis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Planets-8-11-2018.jpg?fit=1076%2C1116&ssl=1)
August is a busy month for my family, and we took a weekend to visit the Smokey Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Wow what a great opportunity to do dark sky…
Telescope Buying Guide Buying a telescope is much like buying a car. Asking a car owner "What car should I buy?" will lead to a multitude of answers. This can…
![Read more about the article Astronomy and Politics Disagree – Opinion [Science]](https://i0.wp.com/kevinrfrancis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/PIA00452_modest.jpg?fit=453%2C614&ssl=1)
It's a typical Saturday afternoon at the Abbitt Observatory. The patrons and amateur astronomers are enthusiastic and the discussion is fun bordering on intense. A joyful moment in the life…
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During the last star party at The Virginia Living Museum, I laid eyes on Mars for the first time this year. It rose above the horizon to become the fitting…
![Read more about the article Saturn: Photographing the Cassini Division 2018 Update [Rings]](https://i0.wp.com/kevinrfrancis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Saturn-7_10_2018.jpg?fit=496%2C496&ssl=1)
Light travels about 2 hours from the Sun to Saturn to your telescope.  We can spend about that much time searching for the perfect picture of planet and rings. Because…
![Read more about the article Derotation in Astrophotography [Field Rotation]](https://i0.wp.com/kevinrfrancis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Jupiter-7_2_2018-Derotated.jpg?fit=672%2C672&ssl=1)
Derotation in Astrophotography is Amazing I learned something new this weekend. I learned about a technique in astrophotography called Derotation. I'm amazed at what a little imagination and scientific skill…
![Read more about the article Beautiful Solar Prominence [Flares]](https://i0.wp.com/kevinrfrancis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sun-7_8_2018.jpg?fit=658%2C409&ssl=1)
Solar Prominence The Sun, our closest star, is also a complex and active part of the solar system. On Sunday July 8, 2018 we witnessed sizable activity in the form…
This summer night was meant to be a warm evening capturing Jupiter, Venus & Saturn. Mercury just happened to appear near the horizon and I thought I should give it…
![Read more about the article Equipment Spotlight: Google Pixel Really Blue [Color]](https://i0.wp.com/kevinrfrancis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/GooglePixelReallyBlue.jpg?fit=3000%2C2048&ssl=1){kind=tracking}
The pictures are improving, my editing skills are improving, and the results are joyful, but in case you haven't noticed yet, my camera of choice is my Google Pixel Really…
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