Welcome to Hank’s January 2026 Astrophotography Blog. This month I was able to have my telescope working for part of two evenings. Weather has been a big factor for many of us, and the big winds here dropped a couple of dozen pine trees on our property. Fortunately, there was no damage to our buildings, including the observatory!
First up is an image of the Jellyfish Nebula in Gemini. In the past I just focused on the main Jellyfish, but this time I wanted to capture some of the big nebulosity near it, too. The nebula is thought to be a remnant of a big supernova explosion that occurred about eight thousand of years ago and is about 5,000 light years away. X-ray emissions have been detected there, indicating it may have a neutron star at its core.
The Cone Nebula gets its name for the dark cone shaped cloud at the top. It is part of a larger star-forming region that includes the Christmas Tree Cluster. As for me, I think it looks more like a chicken with its head pointed at the sky.
One of my favorite things is tracking the progress of the Moon from the dark new Moon to the full Moon and back again, taking photos all the while with my cell phone. Here are a couple from this month. The first is Jupiter next to the Moon, and the second is a near full Moon looking east from our house. I’m not sure why, but it always surprises me….
Until next time, Clear Skies! -Hank
Mick & Rob loving your shots. We see two dragons fighting in the “CONE”
thanks for your posts
Two Dragons! That’s it! Thanks. -Hank
Full moon tonight is awesome.
These shots are incredible Hank.
Thanks
Thanks Alisa! Part of being lucky is to pay attention. Take care. -Hank
As always love the shots!! That is one fat jellyfish.
my fav is the moon! Thanks!
In space there is room for fat jellyfish! -Your Uncle Hank
Love your photographs, beautiful.
Thanks Else! -Hank
amazing pictures!
Thanks! Keep looking up! -Hank