Largest Telescopes in the Philippines

Here is another Philippine astronomy demographic regarding the largest telescope in the Philippines. In terms of astronomical optics "bigger is better". When the aperture (diameter of objective lens/mirror) of a telescope is larger it results to higher light gathering power, resolution, and useful magnification.

Manila Observatory

• Aperture: 19" Merz Refractor
  
• Historically the largest telescope in the Philippines, and in Asia during its time
• Destroyed by the Japanese during the Battle of Manila
  

PAGASA Astronomical Observatory

• Aperture: 18" (45 cm)
• Focal:
• Type: Reflector
• Status: In use, however mount is misaligned due to sinking ground of the observatory.
• Location: UP Diliman, Quezon City  

 

Akutsu Cebu Observatory

• Aperture: 18"
• Type: Newtonian Reflector (homemade)
• Status: Recently transported from Japan (2023), and to be opened to the public on 4 March 2023
  
• Location: Bonbon, Cebu City

 also,

• Aperture: 14"
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
   

 

 Science Centrum

• Aperture: 17.5" 
• Focal: f/4.5
• Type: Reflector
• Status: Currently unknown (was previously on display in the Makati branch)
  
• Location: N/A

Stardust Observatory

• Aperture: 16"
• Focal: f4.5
• Type: Reflector
• Status: Maintained
• Location: South Drive, Baguio City

 *The C14 previously listed has been sold. A RASA 11 is now currently installed in its place

UP NISMED Observatory

• Aperture: 16" (40 cm)
• Focal:2000 mm
  
• Type: Reflector
• Status: Maintained

also,

• Aperture: 8"
• Focal:
• Type: Refractor (largest refractor currently in the Philippines)
• Status: Maintained 

 

Rizal Technological University

• AstroTech 16
• Aperture: 16" (40 cm)
• Focal: --
• Type: Ritchey-Chretien
• Mount: Paramount ME
• Status: Functional
• Location: Currently housed in the Alnitak Observatory
  

also,

• PlaneWave Instruments CDK14
• Aperture: 14" (35.56 cm)
• Focal: 2563 mm
• Type: Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph
• Mount: Astrophysics GTO 1100
• Status: Functional
  

also,

• Meade, LX850
• Aperture: 14" (35.56 cm)
• Focal: 2845 mm, f/8 [with focal reducer for f/5]
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Status: Functional
• Location: Currently housed in the Mintaka Observatory
  

 

New Era University

• Aperture: 16"
• Type: Ritchey-Chretien
• Status: Functional
  

Christopher Go

• Celestron, C14
• Aperture: 14"
• Focal:
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Status: Maintained

Exploreum

• Celestron, C14
• Aperture: 14"
• Focal:
• Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Status: Unknown (Exploreum permanently closed down during the pandemic)
  

Information gathered with assistance from the Philippine Astronomy Forum.
Last updated on 19 February 2023

Some Remarkable Filipino Amateur Astronomers

Here is a post in contrast to my previous post on the Directory of Philippine Professional Astronomers. This time I'll be featuring the amateur astronomers.

I often argue that amateur astronomers are not individuals to be taken lightly just because of the word "amateur". They include a wide range of individuals that include beginners and those that also do professional work in astronomy. I myself began as an amateur astronomer. In my undergraduate studies I've managed the use and maintenance of the telescopes of the physics department of Silliman University as an amateur astronomer. I also began astro-blogging as an amateur.

So don't look down on being amateur astronomers. You might just end up like these individuals who have made remarkable contributions in the field of astronomy.

Fr. Victor Badillo SJ Father of Philippine Astronomy

(1949-2014)

• Jesuit priest with a PhD in Physics.
• Former director of the Manila Observatory (ADMU) in which he actively conducted solar radio physics
• Founder of the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS)
• Astronomical League of the Philippines' Honorary Director
• Minor planet 4866 designated as Asteroid Badillo by the IAU in honor of his works
• Authored several astronomy papers

---

Edwin Aguirre and Imelda Joson (Edwelda)

• First Filipinos to have an asteroid designated in their name by the IAU - minor planet 6282 Edwelda, for their contributions in astronomy
•  Science writers/editors in international astronomical publications, particularly Sky & Telescope magazine
• Astrophotographers
• Former officers of the PAS
• Recipients of the 1986 Padre Faura Astronomy Medal, 2006 Father Victor Badillo Astronomy Service Award, as well as several international commendations
• Veteran eclipse chasers
• Proposed and drafted the Executive Proclamation for the National Astronomy Week
• Members of ALP, PAS, American Astronomical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Research Council of the Philippines

---

Christopher Go

• A physics graduate from the University of San Carlos
• Founding member of the University of San Carlos Astronomical Society
• One of the country's top astrophotographers
• Discovered 'Red Spot JR' in 24 February 2006 when Jupiter's white oval BA turned red
• Worked with the Hubble Team
• Worked with Celestron
• Member of ALP and American Astronomical Society
• Asteroid 2000 EL157 was designated by the IAU as 30100 Christophergo
• Co-author to several astronomy papers
• Conducts lecture/seminars all around the world in astroimaging and processing

---

Dr. Dante Ambrosio Father of Philippine Ethno-astronomy
 (1951-2011)

• Ph. D. in History
• Professor of History at the University of the Philippines
• Pioneered the research on Philippine Ethno-astronomy by documenting local starlore of the Philippines as part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 objectives
• Research published in his book Balatik: Katutubong Bituin ng mga Pilipino

---

Directory of Philippine Professional Astronomers

The following is a listing of the professional astronomers in the country (those with formal education in astronomy), as well as a listing of the schools & universities they've attended.
[Information added to the best of my knowledge. For additions, corrections, or omissions please send me a message. Thank you.]

Post-Doc/Doctoral Level Those who have completed their post-doc or doctoral work in astronomy/astrophysics.

Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, Ph. D. Post-Doc, Kavli Institute, University of Chicago Ph. D. in Astrophysics, Princeton University Diploma in High Energy Physics, Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics BS Physics, ADMU	Dr. Jelly Grace Nonesa, Ph. D. Astrophysics, Hiroshima University (2006) Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology MSU-IIT	Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, Ph. D. Ph. D. in Physics specializing in Computational Astrophysics, University of Tsukuba UPLB
Dr. Mithi Alexa de los Reyes, Ph. D. Ph. D. Stanford university Astronomy, California Institute of Technology Physics & Mathematics	Dr. Andreia Carrillo, Ph. D. Ph. D. in Astronomy, University of Texas BS Astronomy and Astrophysics, Michigan University BS Interdisciplinary Physics, Michigan University	Post-Doc Durham University Dr. Jerome Pitogo De Leon, Ph. D. Ph. D. Astronomy, University of Tokyo MS Astronomy, University of Tokyo

Masteral/Graduate Degree Level Those who have completed masteral or other graduate degrees in astronomy/astrophysics.

Dr. Armando Lee, M.D. MS Astronomy, Rizal Technological University	Angelito Sing MS Astronomy, Rizal Technological University	Mark Glen Victorino MS Astronomy, Rizal Technological University (2015)
Reuel Norman Marigza, Jr. MS Astronomy (thesis pending), RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU International School for Young Astronomers, Indonesia BS Physics with emphasis on computer applications, SU	Vanessa Kate (Ramos) Cristo MS Astronomy (thesis pending), RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU BS Physics for teachers, PNU	Lieza Crisostomo MS Astronomy (thesis pending), RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU BS Physics for teachers, PNU
Pamela Luz Labios MS Astronomy (thesis pending), RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU BS Physics for teachers, PNU	Ruby Dela Cruz Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU 2012 Sokendai Winter School, Japan International School for Young Astronomers, Indonesia NARIT-KASI Winter School in Introductory Radio Astronomy, Thailand	Edward Von Delelis Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU
Engr. Joselito Cruz MS Astronomy (thesis pending), RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU	Peejay Lim MS Astronomy (thesis pending), RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU	Dhan Deguia Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU
Mary Ruth Velasco Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU	Jimdel Macapagal Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU	Rosalyn Pen Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU
Ol Honrade Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU	Mark Anthony Honrade Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU	Viridiana Paradas Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU
Frederick Gabriana Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU 2012 Sokendai Winter School, Japan	Ryan Manuel Guido MS Astronomy, RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU NARIT-KASI Winter School in Introductory Radio Astronomy, Thailand	Marielle Eduardo MS Astronomy, National Central University BS Applied Physics, UP Baguio
Hillary Andales Astronomy and Astrophysics, MIT	Frederick Gabriana Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU 2012 Sokendai Winter School, Japan	Ryan Manuel Guido MS Astronomy, RTU Graduate Diploma in Astronomy, RTU NARIT-KASI Winter School in Introductory Radio Astronomy, Thailand

Undergraduate Level Those who have completed undergraduate studies in astronomy/astrophysics.

Frank Kelvin Martinez MS Astronomy (ongoing) BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2012)	Rhayan Coronel MS Astronomy (stopped) BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2012)	Lordnico Mendoza MS Astronomy (stopped) BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2012)
Pauline Pearl Divinagracia International School for Young Astronomers, Indonesia (2013) MS Astronomy (ongoing) NARIT-KASI Winter School in Introductory Radio Astronomy, Thailand BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2013)	Ma. Angela Lourdes Lequiron MS ,Korean Astronomy Space Science Institute (ongoing) International School for Young Astronomers, Thailand (2015) BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2013)	Miguel Artificio MS Astronomy (ongoing) BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2013)
John Christian Lequiron MS Meteorology, UP (ongoing) BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2014)	Princess Tucio BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2014)	Harry Casimir Merrida BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2014)
Girlie Cortez BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	Joanna Marie Cayas BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	John Ariel Marcelino BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)
Frank Fitzgerald Batin BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	Mariel Juanillo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	Mary Crystalline Araracap BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)
Rose Ann Bautista BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	Jerome Felicidario BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	Ehmir Cristobal BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)
Jhoana Tabios BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	Jerick Pajanustan BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2015)	Andreia Carillo BS Astronomy and Astrophysics, Michigan University
Ren Avell Flores BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Margareth Custodio BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Aldrin Gabuya BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)
Ben Geronimo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Jhan Curt Fernandez BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Macky Villa BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)
Jeron Lamatao BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Reynan Campana BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Joem Inguito BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)
Sharmae Hajar BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016) International School for Young Astronomers, Thailand (2015)	Michael Figueroa BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Mary Grace Arcenal BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)
Joshua Guda BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	John Paul Arroyo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)	Paulo de Mesa BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2016)
Julie Anne Delda BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Jhan Jhan Abel BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Xyrene Angeles BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)
Paul Arce BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Carmela Ariñas BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	John Anthony Castillo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)
Ramcis Allen Chan BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Jerald Llante De Leon BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	John Nehemiah Dones BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)
Bryan Españo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Val Gerald Garrido BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Jeroh Hiyastro BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)
Princess Catherine Pornea Ilagan BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Jason Kalaw BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Lanz Anthonee Lagman BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)
Christine Miranda BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Ma. Christina Nuñez BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Jomar Tutor Razo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)
Abigail Tañola BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Pauline Grace Viñas BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2017)	Jericissa Amberrose Acha BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Sarrah Louise Amando BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Jerald Karl Angelo Barranta BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Mary Margareth Bauyon BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Kea Jayne Cabigao BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Julian Carl Maverick Cortes BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Mary Arielle Chenel Dominguez BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Rod Mico Charles Enriquez BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Jianro Fadul BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Erika Laine Garcia BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Jochelle Micaela Heruela BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Joseph Christian Isidro BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Rogie Logronio BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Iela Grace Mojica BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Patrick Christoffer Obsuna BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Phoebe Floralde Pura BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Lex Jeremiah Romero BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Jindra San Diego BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Aureanne Nicola Mae Sayos BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Ralph Christian Tiburdo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Dhann Collin Vergara BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Shaun Rodney Farro BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Joe Ervin Flores BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	John Robert Quinto BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Marieh Dizon BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Mitchie Anne Richelle Kenept BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Jerico Aquino BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Kevin Caravana BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)
Kim Jonathan Isidro BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2018)	Kyra Rumbaua BS Astronomy, NEU (2019)	Kurt Reiner Suarez BS Astronomy, NEU (2019)
Uriel Tumanan BS Astronomy, NEU (2019)	Rozel Abache BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Maryfe Albayda BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Jimmylyn Aurillas BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Franchette Amabelle Castillon BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Mary Rose Dacula BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Alaine Keith De Leon BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Christian Eduard Demegillo BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Christian John Evangelista BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Carlo Jose Evangelista BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Adrian Paul Fernandez BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Earl Gerard Froilan BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Christian Mikko Gabaldon BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Grazielle Amnielle Gamab BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	John Mark Jiao BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Eleazar Joshua Laguna BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Ella Marie Mallari BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Christelle Jazmine Meneses BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Klevin Wayne Dwight Mesia BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Khrist-Wayne Dale Mesia BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Geraldine Neri BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Kaye Trisha Dawn Pintor BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Babie Rose Quiniquis BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	John Clarence Niño Sales BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Al Santiano BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Krishna Santos BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019) Gian Paulo Santos	Joshue Dan Serapion BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Patrick Sotto BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Tara Mae Dominique Tabago BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Kale Xenon Talla BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
John Vincent Tan BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Ronalyn Tindog BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)	Ariane Robee Torres BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Ian Paul Ulep BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2019)
Denzel Nestor Tingzon BS Astronomy Technology, RTU (2023)	Beatrix Marie Rolin Bunani BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)	Kim Cristine Duka BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)
Romieleth Espillardo BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)	Angel Luarenz Garcia BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)	Merida Torrero BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Nica Jobelle Pepito BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Christine Mary Salinas BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Bernabe Tamayo, Jr. BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (20)
Kenshin Mark Robelo BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Marinelle Saldo BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Marc Russel Quintana BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Joseph Kent Serandon BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Alexandria Sanchez BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Kent Amiel Tulad BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Raela Kay Ramirez BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Jeremy Brian Ricofuerto BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Jairald Sam Mejia BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Jasper Mico Tuazon BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Mark John Velmonte BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Aubrey Murillo BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Gennice Pua BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Thea Chelsea Mae Moya BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Kenneth Tamonoc BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Kye Laurel BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Aldrin Pabas BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Jan Mark Angelo Lingon BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Angel Glori BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Nicole Kyla Pasay BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Karla Marize Montiel BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Warren Orale BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Jasper Mariblanca BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Joseph Geneta BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Sean Miguel Giron BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	John Ray Mindo BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Lyka Ganados BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Kyle Angelo Manalo BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Shiena Mae Maravillas BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Richmond Gabrielle Ferre BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Hans Matthew Lopez BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Prince Abraham Gacusan BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	John Lester Espinosa BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Raven Jethro Lumabas BS Astronomy major in meteorlogical sciences, RTU (2023)	Nicole Dabalos BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	France Justine Bernadette Erguiza BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Janaia Cuyong BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Trisha Cardines BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Denice Marie Librea BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Mia Grace Ligutan BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Mar Paulo Calamlam BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Ester Icaro BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Jerico Bicen BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Aubrey Julia Imperial BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Jaron Rix Fernandez BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Ma. Zethalia Hernandez BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Alessandra Kate Fabriga BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Lanz Kal-el Cunanan BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Caryl Jade Angelica Brocales BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Von Huey Bayer BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Joshua Beberino BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Alan Perry Daen BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Rena Jane Beso BS Astronomy major in meteorological science, RTU (2023)	Prince Bryan Theodore Banzuela BS Astronomy major in space sciene technology, RTU (2023)
Rodelle Bryan Bastero BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Jan Raven Aspacio BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Lorraine Jaye Contado BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Shania Joyce Bernabe BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Donna Jane Bernandino BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Mary Kryzhyl Balilla BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)
Joshua Almera BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Mikaela Arevalo BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Marcelo Barrera, Jr. BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Alf Emmanuel Bascos BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Aerhon Afurong BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)	Jhan Patrick Baldonado BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Hannah Aleja Barcoma BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Jan Noel Amalingan BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Jamelyn Aubrey Avedaño BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)
Rovie Joyce Abion BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Catherine Rae Alipao BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Wynonah Rebutar BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)
Janielle Earl Rosete BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)	Shane Carlo Llemit BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)	Cindy Lou Macahilos BS Astronomy major in astrophysics, RTU (2023)
Peachy Mae Turalba BS Astronomy major in meteorological sciences, RTU (2023)	Trixie Anne Castillo BS Astronomy major in space science technology, RTU (2023)

IAU Individual Members Philippine Members to the International Astronomical Union

	Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, Ph. D. IAU individual member: Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage Member of Division C Commission 46 Astronomy Education & Development]
	Dr. Cynthia Celebre, Ph. D. IAU individual member: Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage Member of Division C Commission 46 Astronomy Education & Development]
	Dr. Jose Perico Esguerra, Ph. D. IAU individual member: Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage Member of Division H Interstellar Matter and Local Universe Member of Division A Commission 7 Celestial Mechanics & Dynamical Astronomy Member of Division H Commission 33 Structure & Dynamics of the Galactic System Member of Division C Commission 46 Astronomy Education & Development Member of Division C Commission 55 Communicating Astronomy with the Public
	Dr. Bernardo Soriano, Ph. D. IAU individual member: Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage Member of Division C Commission 46 Astronomy Education & Development
	Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, Ph. D. IAU individual member: Member of Division A Fundamental Astronomy Member of Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science Member of Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage Member of Division F Planetary Systems and Bioastronomy Member of Division G Stars and Stellar Physics Member of Division B Commission 40 Radio Astronomy Member of Division C Commission 46 Astronomy Education & Development Member of Division B Commission 50 Protection of Existing & Potential Observatory Sites Member of Division C Commission 55 Communicating Astronomy with the Public
	Dr. Renato Vinluan, Ph. D. IAU individual member (inactive)

*Note: local universities abbreviated
RTU - Rizal Technological University
ADMU - Ateneo De Manila University
UP - University of the Philippines
MSU-IIT - Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology
PNU - Philippine Normal University
SU - Silliman University

Star Trails

Last night I did my first attempt at making star trails. These is one of the shots that must be tried at least once by anyone doing astrophotography/nightskapes. This shot is made by allowing the rotation of the Earth to cause shifts in the apparent position of the stars (rise -> set).

I hit a few bumps, but still the end result was satisfying for a first attempt. Limited by my current gear, each of my subs are taken at the standard 30 second exposure time (I have no shutter-release cable or a shutter remote to maximize the bulb setting). My Nikon D3100 also takes an automatic dark frame subtraction after each exposure, so there is a delay in between the exposures (seen as gaps between each light frame). I learned that you can trick the camera to skipping the dark frame subtraction by turning off the DSLR after each exposure. However, my camera has been acting up and I also wanted all unnecessary contact to be avoided with my setup (I accidentally hit my tripod twice, resulting to the two large gaps in every trail).

The end result makes use of 51 subs totaling to 25.5 mins of exposure. Each of the light frames are manually calibrated in GIMP to produce a clean image. You may use available reduction software from the net to do the calibration for you.

Luna Not So Gray

We know that through atmospheric lensing the lunar surface changes its hue from the normal gray to anywhere between yellowish to red. But did you know that the Moon isn't actually just gray.

The Moon contains subtle hints of color that is not normally seen by our eyes. Photographic methods can bring out these subtle variations of color. These various hues are a result of the chemical distribution and abundance in the lunar surface. The mare regions or the 'seas' (the darker areas) have lower capacity to reflect light because of higher ferrous oxide (FeO) content. The bluish hues are a result of the abundance of titanium oxide (TiO₂) which further limits the surface reflectivity. TiO₂ has a high distribution in Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility); seen in the photo as the blue region. Orange and purplish hues are a result of the lower abundance of TiO₂ and FeO. The pinkish hues are from iron-poor, aluminum-rich lunar highlands.

Here are some other images of the Moon in exaggerated colors to provide contrast from the common Lunar hue:

 

Here is an image entitled 'The Color of the Moon' from APOD (16 February 2006) by Johannes Schedler (Panther Observatory).

 

Not only do ground based observers try to see these colors but spacecraft as well. Here is another one by the Galileo spacecraft imaged in 1992.

- - - April 20, 2019 - - - For those coming to this blog post in relation to the pink Moon - - -

The Pink Moon is merely a name given by the Native Americans to the Full Moon of April due to it coinciding with the onset of the blooming of the pink phlox (a flower in North America). This name and other Moon names do not apply to the Philippines.

Here is my original post caption to this link being shared:
Alright, allow me to weigh on this from an astronomer's perspective.
Friend's in the local astronomy community have been tackling the pink tinted photos being shared on social media with good reason - they are not real and are reinforcing the wrong notion of people on the 'Pink Moon' (even with all the reference to the Pink Phlox in the Native American Moon names).

The Moon actually has pink hues resulting from iron-poor, aluminum rich lunar highlands (and these ARE NOT visually distinguishable). Highlands are the brighter older areas, while the lowlands are the darker spots on the lunar surface.

In this blog post I made in 2015 you can see the distribution of the pink hues on the lunar surface. Now from these you can tell the difference from all these recent pink-hued Moon pics as they are mostly all pink as a result of camera optics and not of the actual color of the Moon. The lack of other hues from chemical distribution in the lunar surface shows that these photos are not representative of the actual Moon.
I've been imaging the Moon since I was in college until I was teaching astronomy in college and have encountered this pink hued Moon images from certain camera models (depending on the setting). Please do not confuse the image color with the actual color of the Moon.

- - - - - - -

 The image set seen here were taken on May 2010 just minutes from each other with a Canon PowerShot S3IS. Slight changes to the camera produced a pink tint in the image color without any post-processing. Although some images appeared pink they do not signify that the Moon itself appeared pink.

Notice how the low-lands are also pinkish in hue when they shouldn't be.