With #3 recently discovered in the analysis during preparation of Gaia DR4 data, there are now 3 black holes in the Gaia catalog. Or more precise, 3 binary systems consisting of a companion star and a likely stellar-mass black hole.
Regarding the BH3 image, at first I wasn’t sure whether I found the right object, as the catalog gives the coordinates RA=19h39m18.7115472s, DEC=+14d55m54.010992s and the read-out in Pixinsight showed ICRS RA=19h39m18.68s, DEC=+14d55m50.3s. But thanks to the discussion with Ulrich Bastian I found out that it is necessary to take into account the large proper motion of the object, which results in almost 4″ deviation in declination. Calculating the current position for 2024.5 with Astropy yields RA=19h39m18.66368537s DEC=+14d55m50.2085012s.
Almost exactly 10 years ago, I photographed the magnificient Pavo Galaxy with the IAS 20 inch AK3, my first object with such a “big scope”. Here’s the result of June 2024, with much more exposure time on the very same telescope. I originally planned to use my QHY268M with the AK3, but this camera is now used at the new IAS remote telescope. So back to the roots with a ASI294MC Pro one-shot-color camera.
The first light of the new IAS remote telescope at Hakos, Namibia. NGC 5139 aka Omega Centauri, the most massive known globular cluster in the Milky Way.
“Second” light of the new IAS remote telescope at Hakos, Namibia, featuring IC 4628, the Prawn Nebula in Scorpius. (Actually taken while on-site in June. ;-)
So many animal picture to dig through … but here comes a first selection of images from our 4 day visit to the Etosha National Park, Namibia in September 2023. Unbelievable, the sheer number of animals at the waterholes and along the pads during the dry season.
Massen von Tierbildern, die erstmal abgearbeitet werden müssen … aber hier schon mal eine erste Auswahl Bilder von vier Tagen im Etosha Nationalpark, Namibia im September 2023. Unglaublich, welche Mengen von Tieren an den Wasserlöchern und entlang der Schotterpisten während der Trockenzeit zu sehen und zu fotografieren waren.
Recent data from the IAS remote telescope, collected over two nights. NGC 1546, NGC 1549, and NGC 1553, plus IC 2058 in this field of view in the constellation Dorado. The interacting galaxies NGC 1549 and 1553 are part of the Dorado Group.