SpaceX is being criticised by astronomers for the Starlink constellation of communication satellites, and rightly so. On the other hand, SpaceX is rapidly developing a two stage rocket that's 9 meters in diameter and capable of putting 100 tons of cargo on Mars, which is fascinating because the largest single segment telescope mirrors are a bit over 8 meters. Musk hopes to land a Starship, the 9 meter diameter second stage, on Mars in 2022 or 2024. That means a Keck class telescope can be launched into orbit sometime after that Mars landing. By the way, those Starships on Mars will be able to return to Earth.
What does that mean for a SpaceKeck? Why not binoculars orbiting between Earth and Mars, which is about 187,500,000km. These binoculars can be on opposite sides of the Sun, or 375,000,000km apart, which would provide pictures with incredible details of planets around nearby stars. There are additional challenges to making this SpaceKeck binocular, so one is not likely to be built anytime soon. However, there are many less ambitious, valuable large telescopes that become viable, soon.
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Posted by starwatcher-alThe occultation of Mars on the 7th.
Posted by starwatcher-alThe occultation of Mars on the 7th.
Posted by starwatcher-alSolar minimum was in 2019 so the sun is ramping up in flares, spots and prominences.
Posted by starwatcher-alI missed the early phases of the eclipse but the clouds mostly left during totality. All in all a great eclipse. Next one is Nov. 8-22
Posted by starwatcher-alI missed the early phases of the eclipse but the clouds mostly left during totality. All in all a great eclipse. Next one is Nov. 8-22
Posted by RobecologyFor those following the JWST.
Posted by AnonySchmoose The post-launch set-up of the new James Webb telescope has gone very well.
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.
Posted by starwatcher-al Did you know that you can see Venus in the daytime?
Posted by starwatcher-alOne of these days I think that I'll figure out this Nikon.