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In this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, I walk you through my current PixInsight workflow, the exact process I’m using right now to turn raw astrophotography data into a finished deep-sky image. 

This is not a beginner’s overview or a list of tools. Instead, I explain why I use each step, how the processes fit together, and what I look for as the image evolves. Whether you’re refining your own PixInsight workflow or trying to understand how experienced imagers structure their processing, this episode will help you think more clearly and work more efficiently. 

This workflow reflects about 4 years of experience, experimentation, and refinement and it continues to evolve. If you’re serious about deep-sky astrophotography, PixInsight, and improving your processing results, this episode is for you. 

You’ll also find free downloadable versions of the pre-processed image stacks used in this episode, so you can follow along with the workflow or try your own processing approach. The data is available in both .XISF and .FITS formats, making it easy to load directly into PixInsight or other astrophotography software. Whether you want to replicate the steps shown in the video or experiment with different techniques, these files give you hands-on access to the exact data used in the episode. It would be great if you could post links to your version of the data in our Facebook Group. 

NGC 1499 stacked image in XISF format: https://tinyurl.com/NGC1499XISF 

NGC 1499 stacked image in FITS format: https://tinyurl.com/NGC1499FITSWZ 

Download a PDF of the work flow here: https://tinyurl.com/AGWorkflowPI

Special thanks to Franklin Marek (Seti-Astro) for his innovative scripts and software. If you use his tools, please consider supporting his work at http://setiastro.com. 

Thanks as well to Mike Cranfield and Bill Blanshan for their outstanding scripts, generously shared with the community. 

Mike’s work can be found at https://cosmicphotons.com 

Bill’s at youtube.com/@anotherastrochannel2173 

🔭 Subscribe to The AstroGuy Podcast for monthly sky guides, deep-dive astronomy topics, and real-world astrophotography insights.

Leave a comment with your own workflow questions or tips. 

#PixInsight #Astrophotography #PixInsightWorkflow #DeepSkyImaging #AstroProcessing 

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In this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne explores the best things to see in the sky in January of 2026, from brilliant planets to iconic deep-sky objects in Orion the Hunter. 

January offers some of the best stargazing of the year, with long winter nights and clear, steady skies. Learn when and where to observe Jupiter at opposition, how to spot Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. We’ll explore an ancient crater on the moon, discuss some upcoming launches and much more. 

Whether you observe with your eyes, binoculars, or a telescope, this episode will help you make the most of the January night sky. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, your support helps bring astronomy to more people every month. 

Contact: [email protected] 

Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380 

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem! 

Links: 

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee 

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod 

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35 

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media 

The January 2026 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideJan26 

The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide 

Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs 

The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTF 

Affiliate Links 

High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG 

Audio Credits: 

Hymn to the Dawn By Scott Buckley 

Adrift Among Infinite Stars By Scott Buckley 

The Long Dark By Scott Buckley 

www.scottbuckley.com.au 

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 

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In this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne walks you through everything unfolding in the December 2025 night sky, one of the best observing months of the year thanks to long, dark winter nights and crisp, steady air. We start with a full planetary roundup, including Jupiter’s stunning December performance, Saturn’s nearly edge-on rings, and a look at Mercury’s early-morning apparition. We also cover the ongoing activity from Comet Lemmon, the fragmented C/2025 K1 ATLAS, and the rare interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS, along with clear explanations of what it is, and what it isn’t.

December brings two meteor showers, with the Geminids once again offering the year’s most reliable performance, and the Ursids providing a second chance for shooting stars under dark skies. In space news, we discuss NASA’s ESCAPADE mission and Blue Origin’s major landing milestone, along with the final chapter for Japan’s Akatsuki Venus orbiter.

This month’s Lunar Feature spotlights the Bay of Rainbows a favorite target for lunar observers. Then we wrap up with a deep-sky tour through Taurus, highlighting Aldebaran, the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the spectacular lunar occultation of M45 on December 3rd and MORE.

Whether you’re observing with binoculars, a telescope, or just your winter coat and a clear sky, December has something worth getting outside for.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, your support helps bring astronomy to more people every month.

Contact: [email protected]
 Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!

Links:

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media

The December 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideDec25

The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide

Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs

The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTF

Affiliate Links

High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG

Credits

Audio Credits:

Hymn to the Dawn

By Scott Buckley

Phase Shift 

By Scott Buckley

Voice of Earth 

By Alex Productions

Under the Sun

By Keys of Moon

The Long Dark

By Scott Buckley

www.scottbuckley.com.au

Music promoted by 

https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

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In this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne sits down with planetary imager Greg Shanos, one of the most dedicated and skilled amateur astronomers working today. Greg recently completed an extraordinary observing project: imaging 15 out of 16 Titan transits across Saturn during this year’s rare transit season. These events only occur during brief windows every 15 years, making his achievement one of the most complete amateur records of the phenomenon.

Before the interview, Wayne reminds listeners about the 1,000-subscriber contest, where one lucky viewer will win a free autographed and numbered print. If you haven’t entered yet, be sure to visit the contest video and leave a comment before November 25th.

In the main segment, Greg shares how he planned and executed his transit campaign, the gear and imaging workflow he relied on, the challenges he faced along the way, and what these observations reveal about the Saturnian system. Greg was recently honored with the 2025 Walter A. Haas Observer Award from ALPO, recognizing his significant contributions to lunar and planetary observing.

This episode offers a deep look at the power and passion of amateur astronomy — and how one dedicated observer can produce scientifically meaningful work that stands alongside professional data.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment—it really helps us grow and reach more interested folks.

Contact: [email protected]
 Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!

 Links:

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media

The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide

Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs

The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTF

WinJupos https://jupos.org/gh/download.htm

Firecapture https://www.Firecapture.de

Sharpcap https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/

Autostakkert4 https://www.autostakkert.com/wp/download

Registax6 https://www.astronomie.be/registax/

Astraimage https://astraimage.com

GIMP https://www.gimp.org/downloads

Photoshop CS4 https://www.adobe.com/photoshop    

Here’s the link to Greg’s images: http://pvol

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In this episode of The AstroGuy Podcast, Wayne explores what’s happening in the night sky this November. The evening skies are filled with bright planets — Jupiter shines brilliantly all month, Saturn’s rings appear nearly edge-on, and Uranus reaches opposition on November 21st, making this the best time of the year to view the distant ice giant. Neptune remains faint in Pisces, while Mercury, Mars, and Venus make brief appearances near sunrise and sunset.  

Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) continues to impress observers, while Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) offers a fainter but rewarding binocular challenge. The Leonid meteor shower peaks on November 17th and 18th under dark, moonless skies, with about a dozen meteors per hour expected.  

In space news, SpaceX achieved another milestone with the successful dual splashdowns of Starship and its booster during Flight 11. 

This month’s lunar feature is Gassendi Crater, a striking, terraced impact crater on the edge of Mare Humorum.

The Deep Sky Tour focuses on Perseus, high in the eastern sky on November evenings. Wayne shares the mythology behind the hero who rescued Andromeda and highlights Perseus’s brightest stars — Mirfak and Algol — along with several deep sky treasures.

Wayne also previews the next episode — an interview with planetary imager Greg Shanos, who recently captured 15 of 16 Titan transits across Saturn.  

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment—it really helps us grow and reach more interested folks.

Contact: [email protected]
 Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!

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We’ve reached 1,000 subscribers! In this special episode of the AstroGuy Podcast, I’m sharing the story behind one of my first deep-sky photos — the North America and Pelican Nebulae — and announcing an exclusive giveaway for viewers. You could win a signed, one-of-a-kind metal print of this image! Join me as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to what’s next for the channel.

Celebrating 1,000 Subscribers + Exclusive Giveaway!

Welcome to a very special episode of the AstroGuy Podcast on YouTube!
 We’ve reached an incredible milestone — 1,000 subscribers! This episode is all about saying thank you to the amazing astronomy community that’s grown around this channel.

I’ll share a little about how this journey began, what’s ahead for the channel, and how you can enter a contest to win something truly special — a signed, numbered (1 of 1) metal print of one of my early astrophotos featuring the North America and Pelican Nebulae.

Thank you for watching, listening, commenting, and being part of this growing space-loving community! 

How to Enter the Contest

To enter:
 1. Make sure you’re subscribed to the AstroGuy channel.
 2. Leave a comment on the contest video telling me your favorite astro-object and what you like about it.

3. Entries must submitted before midnight on November 21, 2025.

4. Prize will only be shipped to a US address.

That’s it! One random commenter will be chosen to win the signed, 1-of-1 metal print of my photo of the North America and Pelican Nebulae.

Winner will be announced in an the “What’s Up in the December 2025 Skies?” episode and via community post.

Contest Disclaimer

This contest is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with YouTube. By participating, you agree to release YouTube from any liability related to this contest.
 Open to subscribers of the AstroGuy YouTube channel who are at least 18 years old.
 No purchase necessary.
 Personal information collected will only be used for prize delivery.
 By entering, you agree to comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Entries that violate these terms will be disqualified.

Links:

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media

The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide

 Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025r2-info

 Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025a6-info

 Affiliate Links

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG

Audio Credits:

Last and First Light 

by Scott Buckley

www.scottbuckley.com.au

Music promoted by 

https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

https://creativ

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What’s Up in the October 2025 Skies

October is one of the best months of the year for stargazing! In this episode we explore everything happening in the skies this month:

Mercury, Mars, and the Moon make for some beautiful conjunctions in the evening sky. Venus still dominates the mornings, while Jupiter and Saturn put on steady shows all night. 

October brings the chance to spot two comets, plus, the Orionid meteor shower peaks under dark skies with no Moon interference.

Then we’ll take a close-up look at Petavius Crater, one of the Moon’s most spectacular impact sites,  and then we dive into Pegasus exploring some of its bright stars, to a standout globular cluster to several galaxy groups and faint, and unique planetary nebula to round out the tour. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stargazer, there’s something here for everyone this month.

If you catch a glimpse of the comets, Orionid meteors, or any of the features we’ve talked about, share your observations with us in the AstroGuy Podcast Facebook Group or tag us on social media.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment—it really helps us grow and reach more interested folks.

Contact: [email protected]
Text/Voicemail: (973) 404-0380

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!

Links:

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media

The October 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideOct25

 The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide

 Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs

 The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTF

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025r2-info

Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Information: https://theskylive.com/c2025a6-info

Affiliate Links

High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG

OIII Filters: https://bit.ly/4gLlHzX

Audio Credits:

Hymn To The Dawn 

by Scott Buckley

Adrift Among Infinite Stars

by Scott Buckley

Last and First Light 

by Scott Buckley

www.scottbuckley.com.au

Music promoted by 

https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

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In this episode I recount how I rediscovered the pure joy of visual observing. For years, I’ve been focused on capturing images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, but one night with just a pair of 7x50 binoculars reminded me why I fell in love with the night sky in the first place.

From spotting several of my favorite deep sky objects, to catching Saturn and Neptune in the same binocular field, the experience was both simple and magical. No cables, no cameras, no software—just me, and the universe.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:
 - Why visual observing matters
 - How binocular astronomy is the perfect starting point
 - Favorite binocular targets, tips, and resources
 - A challenge for you to reconnect with the sky

Sometimes the most meaningful moments in astronomy come not from images or data, but from simply looking up. Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or have been at it for decades, I hope this episode inspires you to step outside, look up, and reconnect with the night sky.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the joy of stargazing.

Join the AstroGuy Podcast community on Facebook, and share your own observing experiences!

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review. Carpe Noctem!

Keywords (comma separated):

Links:

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media

The September 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideSept25

The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide

Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs

The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTF

Affiliate Links

High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG

Fujinon 7x50 Binoculars: https://amzn.to/4noSXz1

Bushnell 10x50 Binoculars: https://amzn.to/3I603cO

Phil Harrington’s Touring the Universe through Binoculars: https://amzn.to/46hKyGP

 Credits

Audio Credits:

Under the Sun

by Keys of Moon

 Last and First Light

by Scott Buckley

 Adrift Amongst Infinite Stars

by Scott Buckley

 www.scottbuckley.com.au

 Music promoted by 

https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

 Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

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In this episode of the AstroGuy Podcast, we dive into all the celestial highlights you can enjoy throughout September 2025. We’re also celebrating our 100th episode! 

Whether you’re just starting out in astronomy or you’re a seasoned observer, this episode has something for you!

Here’s what we explore:

Planetary Roundup
— Two planets reach opposition this month! Find out when and where to see them at their very best.

Lunar Feature of the Month
— Explore one of the brightest, most distinctive craters on the Moon, with its fan-shaped rays and fascinating history.

Astronomy News and Updates
— From space missions to recent discoveries, we’ll cover what’s happening beyond Earth.

Deep Sky Tour: Cassiopeia
— Take a guided tour through this rich Milky Way constellation. 

Whether you’re using binoculars, a small telescope, or simply your eyes, you’ll find tips, background, and observing advice to help you make the most of September’s skies.

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, comment, and share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Carpe Noctem!

Links:

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media

The September 2025 Episode Guide: https://tinyurl.com/AGGuideSept25

 The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide

Our “Astronomy Basics” episode: https://youtu.be/MtUkLVneNYs

The “Great Astronomers” Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4C8zx3Um7L05cMfYQC5z_UaQACdduTF

Affiliate Links

High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG

Credits:

Hymn To The Dawn 

by Scott Buckley

I Walk With Ghosts 

by Scott Buckley

Adrift Among Infinite Stars 

by Scott Buckley

The Long Dark 

by Scott Buckley

www.scottbuckley.com.au

Music promoted by 

https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

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In this installment of the Great Astronomers Series, we dive into the life and legacy of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, one of astronomy’s most quietly revolutionary figures. From painstakingly measuring the brightness of stars on photographic plates to uncovering the relationship that would become the foundation for modern cosmology, Leavitt’s work changed our understanding of the universe.

Learn how her discovery of the period-luminosity relationship in Cepheid variable stars enabled astronomers like Edwin Hubble to measure the vast distances between galaxies and prove that the universe is expanding.

In the episode, we go over:

·         Henrietta Leavitt’s early life and education

·         Her work as a Harvard “computer”

·         Discovering the Cepheid variable relationship

·         How her data made cosmic distance measurements possible

·         Her lasting impact on astronomy and why she deserves wider recognition

What did you think of Henrietta Leavitt’s story? Do you have a favorite “Great Astronomer” you’d like featured next? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed the episode.

Carpe Noctem, Seize the Night!

Links:

Feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or two! We really appreciate it! 

https://tinyurl.com/AstroGuyCoffee

Our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/astroguypod

Cranford TV-35: https://www.cranfordnj.org/tv-35

Clark TV-36: https://www.ourclark.com/194/Clark-News---Our-Clark-Media

The Full Episode Guide of DSO’s sorted by Catalog Name: http://tinyurl.com/AGFullGuide

Charles Messier episode: https://youtu.be/3JvAEj29OBo?si=P7E2wCvIP9ZN00ZF

William Herschel episode: https://youtu.be/1sCFTQf03Wk?si=v5FNwCEf6YIRUWiU

Caroline Herschel episode: https://youtu.be/ZVrIHoOVmvY?si=jTcGgdBVkMCn5Rv7

Affiliate Links

Here's a great resource for teachers to teach about Henrietta Leavitt: https://justaddh2oschool.com/2025/08/11/meet-henrietta-swan-leavitt-the-unsung-astronomer-who-measured-the-universe-great-astronomers-series/

High Point Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/?rfsn=7714880.bb6129

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gFQmOG

The Glass Universe: https://amzn.to/45rsR6W

Credits

Last and First Light

by Scott Buckley

 The Long Dark

by Scott Buckley

 Music promoted by 

https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

 Creative Commons CC BY 4.0