The Sunshine Protection Act How It will Impact My Enjoyment of the Hobby of Astronomy Observing and Imaging

 

The House of Representatives just passed the Sunshine Protection Act on  July 14th, 2026 by a 308-117 vote. Its predicted outcome in the Senate is uncertain and faces a murky road. While President Trump is pushing for a quick Senate approval, the bill faces opposition from senators concerned about dark winter mornings and limited floor time before the session ends.  In addition it is not high up on President Trump's list of priorities so it really could get pushed to 2028 for a 2029 implementation IF it clears and the bills in both chambers can be reconciled. 

So I did something fun.  I came up with how this bill, if PASSED would impact my observing here in northern Utah. 

I share some of the reasons it is facing opposition in the Senate and review how in 1973/74 the United States Actually tried doing this and it was repealed quickly.  Basically people thought they'd love it but after school childrent tragically losing lives in the darkness and no real impact on energy savings or retail sales, the public support plumented and it was repealed in late 1974.  

I also go through the pros and cons of both astronomy and in general if this passes. I share an article from KSL News, a local news outlet on the impact it could have on the Utah Ski Industry which I found insightful. I can adjust easily either way so I am not so set on this. I do share my personal preference which is to stay on standard time year round. 

Anyway, head over to Eadsy Astronomy for the full article and I'd love to hear which you would prefer and why in the comments. Please keep comments on task and friendly, we can agree or disagree civily and if not, I will remove comments that are not civil in nature as a FYI.

Supernova and Their Remnants in the Milky Way, a Visual Journey via Images!

 

Did you knnow that there are 310 cataloged supernova remnants (SNRs) in the Milky Way (compiled in Green’s Catalogue of Galactic Supernova Remnants), with dozens more unconfirmed candidates identified in recent radio and X-ray surveys?

Because the vast majority were hidden behind dense interstellar dust in the Galactic plane and discovered only via modern radio, infrared, and X-ray astronomy, they are divided into:

Historically Documented Supernovae (observed visually by naked-eye astronomers).

Young / Famous Modernly Discovered Galactic Supernovae & Remnants (unseen visually when they occurred or discovered via multi-wavelength surveys).

Major Prehistoric / Long-Known Supernova Remnants (visible to modern telescopes).

Both in the video and more importantly in the article over at Eadsy Astronomy I go into each of these SNR's that fit into these 3 groups! So come along and for the FULL artricle, and I mean FULL, head over to Eadsy Astronomy and take a look at how wonderful these SNR's are! 

Supernovae Remnants in the Milky Way Galaxy to Observer or Image: Update to the Supernovae Remnant Challenge; August 12th, 2026

 

I first created my Visual Supernova Remnant challenge I believe back in 2014. I've updated it multiple times and today I am releasing the newest version over at Eadsy Astronomy. I'm calling it Supernova Remnants of the Milky Way Galaxy. I've updated it with sketches I've done and including information of observations and findercharts from R. Vogel, Steve Gottlieb and sketches from Mel Bartels to go along with my own. Huge KUDOS to each of them for making me excited to chase these objects down! 

The goal here is for those that want to view supernova remnants in our Milky Way Galaxy and/or image them. I also include two new imaging only challenges that are for serious imagers. They are SNR G107.5-5.2 The Nereides Nebula and Sh2-224 The Rice Hat Nebula, both SNR's found recently by Amaetur Astronomers! 

To get the PDF and the FULL report with findercharts, head over to Eadsy Astronomy at this LINK. 

What to Do when Conditions Prohibit you from Observing or Imaging?

 

Well this is USUALLY the week I don't post much because I am heading out with either my 14' or my 17.5" dobsonian telescope to observe.  Well conditions, weather ie monsoon and fires, smoke from major fires out here are going to prohibit and limit my visual enjoyment of the hobby this week. 

So, I could be negative and down about it, but I have PLENTY to do and share this week so I'll take advantage of the downtime from the field and show what I do both in the video here and in my article over at Eadsy Astronomy on what I will be doing! 

For the full article head on over to Eadsy Astronomy LINK. Please join the community there if you want to be notified when I post a video and an article as it goes there first now. 

Eadsy Astronomy Weekly Newsletter for the Week of August 9th to the 15th, 2026

 

No videos today. I'll be doing them as individual videos for each of the items in the newsletter. I wanted to get the newsletter out so IF you want to see it or get a copy, head over to Eadsy Astronomy LINK.  Again, if you are a member there whether free or contributing, you get the article and videos as I post them there. Thanks for looking and clear skies! 

Lunar Progression 

Chasing the Winged Horse A Stargazers Guide to the Pegasus Constellation

Look up at the autumn sky, and you will find Pegasus, one of the largest and most captivating constellations in the night sky.  I've actually compiled two observing lists. One for a 100mm to 102mm refractor and then the other for 14" to 18" dobs, though I'm sure a 12" dob could give these a go also. Here they are.   Both lists can be used for either imaging or visual observing. 

Please head over to Eadsy Astronomy LINK for the full program, list of targets and a PDF or Google Doc version.