SiOnyx Aurora Pro vs Sport with an odd flashing object

[@nelsonarmor]

I have recorded eight or nine of these with nvg at different times of the night in different areas of the sky. These flashes occur while the object appears to be in an orbital pattern. Definitely not a balloon nor drone. The flash pattern lasts no more than 30 minutes before dimming and becoming dark. Some should have been in the shadow zone. A particular flasher has a period of 9 seconds with an extremely slow arc-second motion, hinting at very high altitude. However the rapid random flashers I recorded sometimes have a dull reflection between flashes. FLIR does not detect them, which is expected if the light is passing through miles of water vapor. Some are singular periodic at 9 seconds and at 33 seconds. Some are random flashes with one random flasher having a very bright flash every 9 seconds. Mystery to me. One of them, a rapid random flasher, appeared to be stationary for a few seconds before resuming motion. Astronomers have been noticing this phenomena for over a decade.

[@darkmatters4145]

Wow that's some very interesting findings there! Thank you for taking the time to post. I can understand that perhaps some (solar?) parts rotate in a way that causes the irregularity of flashing but I admit I didn't think many were like this. I've read about one or two that will have LED flashes if you are directly underneath but that would probably be quite rare too. I don't understand why I've not seen anything about this, especially with your varied findings! Sounds like you have some decent equipment to observe these events.

[@nelsonarmor]

@@darkmatters4145 Thanks. I lose a lot of sleep staying up from 10PM to 6AM local time hunting for them. Out of a 14-day search I may detect one or two. Scanning the sky in one area will yield negative results. Rescanning the same area 2 hours later may be a positive hit. My optics have about a 10-degree field of view so very faint transients resolve easily in this conventional CMOS sensor.

[@darkmatters4145]

Patience definitely required for this hobby. I've ended up upgrading ssd's just to store some of the footage as I don't always have time to scan through it at the time. So what are you using for the 10-degree view?

[@nelsonarmor]

@@darkmatters4145 a humble $250 Creative XP Glass Condor. I expected poor results. I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t looking for qualitative data, just quantitative data, and it delivers. I hope Sionyx comes out with a replaceable lens for narrower field of view. If they do I am buying one.

[@darkmatters4145]

Finally got around to checking out the Condor! was impressed to see it has a 3x optical and at a really good price too. I'm now looking through the rest of the store! I would like a way to attach the Sionyx to something that offers a large magnification (if possible). Anything that might be passing around high up in the sky/atmosphere is going to be completely missed by me on the ground...

[@astroroadshow]

I have found that the 'noise' on any Aurora model can be reduced by setting the 'Brightness' down to -7. I still record satellites and meteors easily on the Sport down to Mag 7. If the Pro was a higher resolution, I would have gone for one, but is identical to the Sport. The 'flasher' is probably a flat piece of spinning space debris. A good capture, glad you didn't shout out 'Aliens' straight away, so many on here would.

[@darkmatters4145]

I've since dropped the exposure too, that seems to help doesn't it? I'm quite happy with 15fps but yes, higher res would be brilliant. Maybe in the future there will be other models with full HD etc but I think they partially work the way they do because of the larger pixels. I've been looing at some of the debris/satellite tracking apps and there are a few items I need to look up but it's been so cloudy of late, barely any decent nights in the UK.. so frustrating!! it would be very cool to capture the Calipso Lidar as it passes over head but I've not checked the passes yet.

[@astroroadshow]

@@darkmatters4145 I know what you mean about the weather lately. Yes a HD version would be fab, an optical zoom instead of digital would be better still. I have been in touch with SiOnyx about a dedicated astrophotography model, and forwarded the suggestions to their planning team.

[@darkmatters4145]

Ah good one, will be interesting to see if they reveal anything. I've not looked up anything yet but I was wondering how easy it might be to attach to a telescope or another type of device with a zoom. It's probably easier to use real night vision attachments in this scenario. Can you imagine being able to see the likes of the ISS or other fainter satellites passing by? Or secret military craft ;)

[@astroroadshow]

@@darkmatters4145 It can certainly pick up some micro satellites as it is. I have seen a clamp on ebay that could hold the camera in place against a telescope eyepiece.... S-shape universal camera adapter for telescopes

[@darkmatters4145]

Ah cool thank you for the tip, will check that out. I had been toying with a telescope for a while but held off as I've spent enough of late haha. It would be really useful though, would certainly help getting closer to the object.

[@Reviews4fun1]

Great video. I’m looking forward to trying this for a fun night observation tool and emergency NV device. Plus you can record. Not too bad. 👍

[@lawxr6eBay]

Thanks for the video! Based on sporadic velocity and flashing light pattern, light in question is more than likely transmitting data. A Special Telescope with Receiver is used to track and focus in on the light. Only telescope with correct lense spectral configuration/ Digital Filters will be able to lock onto track and focus on the light and receive the transmission.

[@darkmatters4145]

Thank you, that's really good to know. So would that mean I just happened to be in the right area underneath it, roughly? I imagine it would direct the data in a relatively tight beam rather than a spread. I wonder what kind of data in that case :)

[@lawxr6eBay]

@@darkmatters4145 This is Speculation Of Course- The Light is Compromised of Milions of Tiny Individual Beams each beam containing all colors going in every direction which seems as a normal bright white light in the sky. This is Because Every Single Color in existence (at least 256 milion) is Max Saturated and displayed at the same instant in every beam in every direction. Giving us what looks white to our eyes. Millions of transmissions contained within the Light Frequencies. Specific Individuals, Groups, Organizations etc can all Receive Only What they are meant to Based on equipment, filters etc or Knowledge they have earned or been given in order to receive information. Now the reason a special spectral frequency telescope type deal with lenses filters etc is needed is Control over who can Receive information. Everything Highly Specialized and Uber Expensive Making Sure there are no stray equipment floating around in the public. Since None could ever afford a 12 million dollar Custom Built 12 lense Telescope- even if could afford it would be impossible to build correctly without key information. That info costs Another 20 million to purchase only the most Basic Filter Set. I'm sure there are filters for All information. Everything, even tomorrow's exchange numbers ,but you already gotta be a billionaire to get those. Again All Speculation. I've got many theories based on Virtually Zero Information. They hit me hard and fast at times like a flash flood of info Waking Daydream type Instances - sometimes goes with whatever subject on mind or previous thought.

[@SMOKEY-JAYS-DIESEL]

Hello, I have a question. I'm interested in this but can I mount it to a telescope? Also have a Nikon p1000 full spectrum camera

[@darkmatters4145]

Hi there, I would also like to know this! I believe you can (i've seen comments from others) but no details unfortunately. I think it would take things to a new level if you could as obviously objects are likely to be far away. I believe you need to take the protective lens end off but if you find any info I wouldn't mind knowing as well :)

[@SMOKEY-JAYS-DIESEL]

@@darkmatters4145 okay awesome brother! I appreciate it and I definitely will order one and give it a try

[@excalibur9768]

I think the Pro is perfectly adequate for capturing those 'Unexplained Aerial Phenomena'. Yeah, the full spec night vision monoculars etc would produce better images but for their price vs what the improved image offers, in my opinion, it's just not worth it! Would you say the Pro is worth buying over the Sport/Black/Original given the firmware update drastically improves the latter's night vision performance?

[@darkmatters4145]

Ah so is this why I saw a comment about the Pro not being worth it now? I hadn't seen the FW update but good point, need to check what mine is on as I don't actually remember updating it. I only have the Sport to compare to the Pro and while I find the performance quite noisy to the Pro, it is at least double the price so it really depends on your appetite I guess. I only use the Pro now.

[@excalibur9768]

@@darkmatters4145 I'm leaning toward the Pro. I would like to use it with my telescope, don't suppose there's a mount etc for that though. Thanks for the reply, much appreciated

[@darkmatters4145]

I only had a brief look for special mounts but that crossed my mind too. Using a scope would be excellent so if you do make any progress do let me know!

[@icecorebaby]

I have a gen 3 pvs 14 monocle. But I need something for recording. May have to jump on this.

[@jraddd3477]

Looks like an iridium flare but idk. Is the Aurora black better than the sport?

[@darkmatters4145]

Hi there, I was going to say yes but I remember now that only GPS is missing from the Sport. There is a quality difference with the Pro. www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/07/12/new-sionyx-aurora-sport-night-vision-camera-released-for-only-399/

[@SMOKEY-JAYS-DIESEL]

How does this compare with a Nikon p1000 with full spectrum upgrade and infrared filter lens?

[@jraddd3477]

The p900 and 1000 are great camera but their low light capabilities suuuuuck, they have the same light inlet sensor as your cell phone has. If the object your looking at is self illuminating luminescence your good but for stars, naw

[@SMOKEY-JAYS-DIESEL]

@@jraddd3477 I now own both the Nikon p1000 full spectrum camera and the sionyx Aurora pro camera 📸 both are pretty awesome 👍🏻

[@714aberdeen6]

Hi thank you for sharing this video, I have SiOnyx Aurora ir night vision how I can get the grayscale and green feathers.

[@darkmatters4145]

Hi there, if you hold the square Set button on top for a few seconds you will get a menu appear. Go to the Night Glow option and then press in the direction of the arrow to expand the menu. Greyscale and green are in there. I like greyscale personally!

[@714aberdeen6]

@@darkmatters4145 thank you 😊

[@BoxerRex]

Thank's for the review of the two. I guess the flashing light is a tumbling satellite.

[@darkmatters4145]

Yes I guess it must be, the irregular flashing must just be tumbling in a certain way? I've moved house now so I'm hoping to get some quiet time soon and see what I pick up in a more rural setting with less light pollution.

[@farceadentus]

Seems a tad pricey for measly 720p footage....

[@darkmatters4145]

the Pro? Yes probably although it depends on the usage because I did look at gen 2 nv and opted for the cheaper option in the end. Would love 1080p or more really but optical zoom would be most beneficial for me, if sky scanning. I would imagine some new products will be along soon that will raise the bar again.

[@farceadentus]

@@darkmatters4145 So far do you think the Pro is a good tool for UFO hunting?

[@darkmatters4145]

@@farceadentus I really like it and I do use it for that purpose, even if it is like finding needles in haystacks! Leaving it recording for an hour also doesn't take up huge amounts of storage like my slr camera. Overall though I would now go for something that offers a smaller arc because unless a triangle (or other craft) is relatively low in the sky, the wide angle of the Pro just won't pick it up. Preferably in addition to the Pro, but this hobby gets expensive quickly!

[@SnapShot026]

Do you know which firmware version you have/had on the Sport?

[@darkmatters4145]

Hi there, just checked and it is v1.00 which I wasn't expecting. I would imagine that's out of date but I was sure I checked this when I received it. Maybe I checked the Pro instead, hmm

[@DjAlonDevil]

Why did you only shoot in monochrome at night? I wanted to see the different colors between to two devices.

[@darkmatters4145]

That is a very good question! I wasn't particularly interested in the colour setting to be honest but when aiming at the night sky the mode doesn't really offer anything apart from muddying the waters of the image. This is why I kept the image quality to simple monochrome (the green is too overpowering and it's easy to miss faint objects). The colour mode is great for more interesting foregrounds however and it's fascinating to see where UV light is located in your environment. Nearby to us I discovered a UV security floodlight that is obviously not visible to human eyes but covers everything nearby with blue light.

[@yepyep2921]

Flashing light could be Lidar satellite?

[@darkmatters4145]

Hi! I'm not sure but someone suggested it might be that AJISAI 'disco ball' satellite and I'm hopefully checking out its passes tonight around midnight (if it's not cloudy cos.. this is the UK!). Will look up Lidar too, thanks :)

[@yepyep2921]

Interesting. Yeah I thought it might have to do with Lidar as the Sionyx cameras can actually see the flash of infrared from iPhones. So possibly there are Lidar satellites taking topologic images of the Earth. You can see the 3D images from Google and Apple Maps apps.

[@mikeyf103]

Amateur radio operators have flashing strobe lights on certain satellites, Morse code...

[@mikeyf103]

FITSAT-1 LEDs to Flash Morse Code over USA and Europe

[@weeevan3078]

How far can you zoom with the pro?

[@darkmatters4145]

Hi there, there is no optical zoom, only digital which allows about 4/5 clicks of zoom. Not ideal but it can help when viewing behind the camera.

[@HealingWave1988]

What’s the battery life on the pro?

[@darkmatters4145]

Hi! I've not used the battery much as often it is connected to a battery pack but it is meant to be 2hrs and I reckon it is pretty close to that, thinking about when I first used it on it's own. You can adjust the EVF brightness so that will have an effect too. Most of the time I have it on minimum though, to save on my eyes.

[@astroroadshow]

The battery life is the same for all four models... 2hrs. It can be charged by connecting a USB cable (supplied) or by taking out the battery and charging on a separate device.

[@ManuelPinner]

The way You Film this is 3D,

[@joshuanightvision1181]

The SPAD sensor will be the end of CMOS and tube tech with 10to the negative 6lux when and if they are produced in sufficient quantities and have general availability but for now this is about as good as it gets in 2021 I have a aurora pro it's a great low light camera and has a technically Night vision capable sensor but the main limitations is compression that appears not to have a work around and it is only good for 10to the 3rd negative lux or millilux not micro lux or 10to the 4th like traditional tubes have at gen 3 but I'm sure it's probably coming next year sometime hopefully. as all you really need for NV capability is 10to the 4th at 100 micro lux for true overcast moonless starlight with no airglow. impossible some say but I highly disagree as photonis Defense has the EB nocturn with 10to the-5 capability on one inch sensor platform albeit generally not available to public but 10to the 4th- is good enough for me

[@darkmatters4145]

Some good info and stats there, thank you. I did wonder recently what new developments there might be on the horizon. For me it is an expensive hobby so I wouldn't be able to justify a couple $k on anything higher spec (would rather get a thermal device of some kind) but I'll definitely be keeping my eye on future models from SiOnyx or anyone else!

[@joshuanightvision1181]

@@darkmatters4145 yae I wouldn't worry about it some of that tech is aways away from being mainstream and I don't blame you NV equipment for most is a expensive hobby at the end of the day not worth breaking the bank over despite what the NVG snobs say and believe me there's quite a few

[@5ofNov]

This optic is extremely overpriced and is not clear at all, quite grainy actually. Even on a moonlit night. Don't waste your money. A real night vision optic will cost you $2k and up and for good reason, THEY WORK!

[@darkmatters4145]

It's true, I mean I would quite like a gen3 myself however if you can't stomach that cost then this is a great way to get into the experience, especially if you are going to be a casual user. Plus if you don't need to be completely hidden then a 950nm illuminator really cleans up the quality.

[@zoolhert3535]

A UFO

[@darkmatters4145]

It might just be! I wondered if it was a rotating satellite but the rhythm is odd if it was just tumbling.