nightShifted Astronomy

Rimworld – The Landa Tribe

On 2023-11-07

Last Updated: 11.13.2023

A luxury starship has disintegrated in orbit above a remote world in a distant corner of occupied space. We don’t know what happened to the crew and the other passengers, but three people have crash landed on an alien world…deep in the sweltering jungles of a green hell. Will they survive? And what will be left of them? Join me for the incredible story of The Landa Tribe, a story of love, danger, and survival in the colony simulator Rimworld! My brand-new series is officially live on my YouTube channel!

Rimworld – The Landa Tribe
by Commander Exorcist

Episode 01 – In the premier episode, we explore the basics of playing Rimworld as Daniel, Ryoko, and Maya build their new home among the sweltering jungles of an alien green hell!
Episode 02 – A Space-PETA representative named Alpa Chino crashes in the jungle and soon becomes a productive member of the tribe. And love is in the air in this exciting chapter!
Episode 03 – The Landa Tribe works to clear out room for a new hospital and an outdoor ritual space while I learn a hard lesson about leaving batteries outside in a rainstorm.

The YouTube playlist will always have the most up-to-date information about this playthrough, but I will do my best to keep this list updated as well. Check back for regular updates as new episodes are published Mondays and Thursdays on my YouTube Channel!

Surviving Mars – Bristol Colony

By Commander Exorcist

On 2023-10-30

In Surviving Mars

A colonist prepares to descend into a metals mine at Bristol Colony.

Last Updated: 11 . 13 . 2023

It’s finally here! After months of planning and experimentation, my first-ever full playthrough of Surviving Mars is going live on my YouTube Channel! Join me for the epic saga of BRISTOL COLONY as we work to build a permanent human settlement on the angry red planet. There will be glorious domes, exploding asteroids, and alien mysteries to solve!

New episodes of this series premier on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1200 CST at www.youtube.com/@CMDRExorcist or see the full playlist by clicking the thumbnail below.

Surviving Mars: Bristol Colony
by Commander Exorcist

Episode 01 – Rocket landing and setting up first base utilities.
Episode 02 – Refining the first dome and working toward building our first spire.
Episode 03 – Working on the second dome.
Episode 04 – Working on recreation facilities and starting to build our first train system.
Episode 05 – The first train system on Mars is operational and we spend time refining our colony operations.
Episode 06 – Building our first GHG factories and starting the terraforming process.
Episode 07 – Struggling with some significant maintenance issues.
Episode 08 – A mechanical failure and lack of resources to fix the problem threatens the health and safety of the entire colony!
Episode 09 – An unfortunate death and a food crisis make for another anxiety-provoking visit to Bristol! Will we be able to get things under control in time?
Episode 10 – In this episode, we work to expand our resource generation by building some new storage tanks and a brand-new drone “daisy-chain” to reach out into the vast, Martian desert.

Stellaris Epics – Season 1

By Commander Exorcist

On 2023-09-18

In Stellaris

Some reorganization on my YouTube channel has made the Stellaris Epics series easier to find and watch. I’ve decided to maintain this blog post and update it as new series are published. You can watch each series in its entirety by clicking the promotional images below. Enjoy!

Last Update: 09 . 18 . 2023

Stellaris Epics #5 – Operation Sweet Death

By Commander Exorcist

On 2023-09-18

In Stellaris

In the 1980s, Italian masters of horror schlock Bruno Mattei and Claudio Fragasso were hard at work in the Philippines making some of the worst zombie films you can imagine. One of those, curiously, captured my heart as a kid and that love has carried through into my adulthood. That is Mattei’s 1980 classic Hell of the Living Dead, also known as Virus and Night of the Zombies.

If you’re looking for a quick rundown of this offbeat horror classic, then I recommend you check out Mike’s review on Sick Flicks or The Cinema Snob’s treatment. It’ll tell you everything you need to know.

In any case, getting back to Stellaris! I decided that Stellaris Epics #5 would be something unique. I took the story of Hell of the Living Dead and made my #5 recorded “let’s play” work out as a pseudo-sequel to the movie.

In this world, the zombies have taken over and evolved to the point where they can pilot spaceships and take over the galaxy. And voila! You have OPERATION SWEET DEATH! Named after the chemical compound created in the movie, OSD set out to conquer the galaxy and ran into a few problems along the way.

The full playthrough is done and available on my YouTube channel for your viewing pleasure! Follow the links below to see each episode in its space zombie glory.

Episode 01: A terrifying new empire seeks out fresh blood! The Buurian Protectorate is our first victim.
https://youtu.be/6EJrLuErUTw

Episode 02: A federation is born and a crisis threatens to destroy the entire galaxy! Operation Sweet Death’s efforts to expand are halted…temporarily.
https://youtu.be/fQ_e2fngZMM

Episode 03: War ravages the galaxy, and we watch in horror as Earth falls to a terrible enemy, but revenge is swift and sweet!
https://youtu.be/0HrFHs-znI0

Episode 04: The strife of war takes its toll on the Federation and it soon dissolves, leaving Operation Sweet Death standing alone against a dangerous galaxy and an uncertain future.
https://youtu.be/QDOO1KvuWAg

And, as usual, if you’re not keen to watch the entire series, then you can always check out the Post-Mortem/Epilogue that follows each series. It’s a 30-minute rundown that will give you just what you need to know to enjoy the story!

Take Care, Fly Safe, and I will see you…out there!
Exorcist

Black Hole “Haloes” Measured

By Commander Exorcist

On 2023-09-18

In Astronomy

From LiveScience:

A team of astronomers has, for the first time, “weighed” dark matter haloes surrounding actively feeding supermassive black holes in the bright hearts of ancient galaxies.

These black hole-powered hearts, or quasars, are often brighter than the combined light of every star in the galaxies around them. These super luminous central regions are “fired up” when supermassive black holes, which can have masses billions of times that of the sun, start greedily feeding on surrounding matter.

Personally, I’ve always been a dark matter skeptic. There’s so much indirect evidence for its existence, but I’ve never seen anything presented that has 100% convinced me it exists. I view it much like scientists used to believe in the aether. I wonder if one day we’ll learn that our calculations were simply wrong and that we didn’t need to fill the universe with invisible “dark matter” to make it work.

And according to a new study, scientists suggest dark matter haloes around such active galaxies could help funnel matter toward the central black hole, acting as a cosmic delivery service helping feed the titans.

Still, it’s an interesting finding, for sure! Imagine the power flowing through these galaxies pushing that matter into their central supermassive black holes! With our ever-growing observation power, it’s only a matter (no pun intended) of time before we’ll be seeing up-close and personal images of these devouring beasts!

Alien Horrors – Your Worst Nightmares Come True

By Commander Exorcist

On 2022-11-15

In Book Reviews

Editor’s Note: As with my YouTube content, I only share and promote things that I genuinely enjoy. I do not accept paid promotions and do not conduct book, movie, or video game reviews in exchange for revenue. Therefore, when I speak of something, you can rest assured that I am genuine in my love or disdain for it. And now, on to the horror…

Stephen Spielberg is famous for filling our imaginations with pictures of friendly aliens coming to Earth to befriend humanity. James Cameron, while he has dabbled in the extraterrestrial terror with his Aliens masterpiece, has largely shown us worlds of beauty filled with alien beings that can be reasoned with and ultimately become allies as human beings reach out beyond our world.

But what if the reality of space was much more terrifying? What if we reach the depths of space and we’re simply…not…wanted?

In a sense, that is the theme of author Tim Curran’s anthology, Alien Horrors.

It has been quite a while since I read a book that essentially forced me to write some kind of review. I picked up Alien Horrors while browsing the Kindle store for something quick and new to read. I was captivated by the cover image, which is taken from one of the stories in the book. However, it wasn’t until I finished The Black Ocean, which is the book’s first entry, that I realized what an incredible experience I was in for.

There are twelve stories in Alien Horrors that touch on a variety of topics related to space exploration. But, it is difficult for me to give an accurate description of what the book has to offer without spoiling it! As with any good horror story, it is best to enter into the unknown with no sense of what wonders (or terrors) await you. However, I can safely say there are (almost) no happy endings in this book. You will find yourself face-to-face with ancient space gods that resemble giant insects, alien labyrinths designed to dissect and destroy the human body, and swarms of ghostly terrors who stalk their victims among the planes of distant worlds.

As a science fiction and horror geek, Alien Horrors scratches both of those itches exceptionally well. There were many moments where I genuinely felt the pain and struggle of the characters as they fought in vain against alien beasts and hostile worlds. The stories are well written, the planetary environments are eerie and realistic, and the horrors faced in the depths of space are enough to make you reconsider pursuing a career as a deep space explorer.

Check it out on Amazon in print and electronic formats.

Out There Season 4 – Upcoming Schedule

By Commander Exorcist

On 2022-11-14

In Elite Dangerous, Out There

Season 4 of Out There, which is turning out to be the best season of the show so far, is coming to a close soon! There are only a few regular episodes left before the live premier of the season finale. You can check out each episode on Saturdays at 1200 CST on my YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@cmdrexorcist.

Upcoming Schedule

November 19, 2022 @ 1200 CST – Episode 34
November 26, 2022 @ 1200 CST – Episode 35 (final regular season)
December 03, 2022 @ 1200 CST – Season Finale LIVE Premier

I am so very excited about how this season turned out and I am looking forward to some special additions in Season 5. See you all out there, CMDRs! Fly safe! o7

Out There Season 4 – Location List

By Commander Exorcist

On 2022-11-14

In Elite Dangerous

The voyage of the SPVFA Nightwish for Season 4 of Out There has come to a close. So, here is a list of the locations visited during this season for your reference! Enjoy and fly safe out there, CMDRs! o7

BLU THUA VQ-D C12-11 7 (NEON-RICH)
BLU THUA VQ-D C12-11 8 (NEON-RICH)
BLU THUA VQ-D C12-11 9 (NEON-RICH)
BLU THUA OD-T D3-41 7 (CARBON DIOXIDE)
BLU THUA PD-T D3-9 4 B (OXYGEN)
BLU THUA JM-W D1-13 B 5 D (CARBON DIOXIDE)
M6 SECTOR DB-X C1-22 B 4 (AMMONIA)
BLU THUA MD-K D8-40 B 3 (NEON)
HARVARD BASE, HIP 83506 (ASTEROID BASE)
PRAEA EUG AY-H C23-5 C 1 (NO ATMOSPHERE – BROWN DWARF)
PRAEA EUQ TC-Z C27-35 C 3 A (AMMONIA)
M6 SECTOR NN-T C3-15 2 C (CARBON DIOXIDE)
BLU THUA YE-R C4-10 ABC 1 B (AMMONIA)
BLU THUA YE-R C4-10 ABC 1 C (CARBON DIOXIDE)
BLU THUA AL-P D5-45 B 3 (NEON)
BLU THUA IX-L D7-104 B 6 A (CARBON DIOXIDE)
BLU THUA IX-L D7-104 C 1 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
BLU THUA PJ-I D9-18 2 D (CARBON DIOXIDE)
NGC 6416 SECTOR VZ-X B1-3 A 4 (ARGON)
NGC 6383 SECTOR HH-V C2-6 3 A (CARBON DIOXIDE)
DROJAEA CJ-C C2-1 A 1 A (CARBON DIOXIDE)
DROJAEA XE-H C13-8 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
DROJAEA XE-H C13-8 4 E (ARGON)
DROJAEA FK-C D14-11 ABC 3 C (CARBON DIOXIDE)
THAILEIA TC-V C5-22 ABC 2 B (AMMONIA)
THAILEIA NU-V D3-9 C 1 (NO ATMOSPHERE – CLOSE STAR)
SMOJUE XO-Z D13-24 B 4 A (NO ATMOSPHERE – BLACK MOUNTAINS)
SMOJUE QC-K C22-8 ABC 1 D (CARBON DIOXIDE – LARGE MOUNTAIN)
SMOJUE QC-K C22-8 ABC 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
TRAIKEE SG-Y C6 A 3 B (NO ATMOSPHERE – GEYSERS)
PLIO AIP RR-N C6-45 A 6 A (AMMONIA – FUNGUS)
PLIO AIP RR-N C6-47 5 C (AMMONIA – YELLOW)
BLEAE AIHM PR-W C1-0 A 2 (CLOSE TWINS)
BLEAE AIHM RM-W C1-46 1 (ELW)
BLEAE AIHM NG-Y C5 1 (SUPER CLOSE STAR)
DRYAO AOD IK-E C25-184 A 3 (CARBON DIOXIDE)
DRYAO AOD IK-E C25-27 3 A (GEYSERS – CLOSE PARENT)
DRYAO AOD IK-E C25-207 7 F (CARBON DIOXIDE – MOUNTAINS!)
WEPAU FN-U C19-129 7 C (CARBON DIOXIDE – SMALL)
DRYEIA BLOU DY-F C25-0 ABC 4 (HELIUM – DARK GEOLOGY)
DRYEIA BLOU XR-H C24-0 A 6 (OXYGEN – PINK)
DRYEIA BLOU YV-D D12-5 AB 1 E (CARBON DIOXIDE)
DRYEIA BLOU UA-E D12-7 A 9 (OXYGEN)
DRYEIA BLOU TA-E D12-8 ABCD 2 D (AMMONIA – CLOSE STAR)
DRYUA BLOU YQ-I C24-9 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE – TWIN RINGS)
DRYUA BLOU WK-E D12-87 1 & 2 (CLOSE RINGED GAS GIANTS)
DRYUA BLOU TV-I C24-15 AB 3 E (METHANE)
SPHAUKUIA CH-P C21-82 4 D (RINGED NEON-RICH)
SPHAUKUIA CH-P C21-82 4 C (METHANE CANYONS)
SPHAUKUIA HS-I D10-262 6 C (AMMONIA)
SPHAUKUIA NV-P C21-40 2 E (AMMONIA – PINK/PURPLE)
SPHAUKUIA TY-R C20-58 4 A (ARGON)
SPHAUKUIA IX-T C19-81 9 F (CARBON DIOXIDE – ALIEN TEMPLE – -18.7025 / 65.4953) [NOT FILMED]
SPHAUKEA OZ-M D8-113 B 2 (CARBON DIOXIDE – 390 KM MOON)
DRYAO CHROA JH-U C16-28 1 (AMMONIA)
DRYAO CHROA XL-U C16-28 3 (NO ATMOSPHERE)
DRYAO CHROA VL-U C16-127 3 F (RINGED NITROGEN)
BAULOE TG-W C15-66 1 C (AMMONIA – FUNGUS)
BAULOE RX-L D7-62 B 2 B (NO ATMOSPHERE – GREEN – CLOSE ORBITS)
BAULOE RX-L D7-62 B 8 G (OXYGEN – RINGED)
BAULOE WT-Z C13-1155 A 2 (RINGED GAS GIANT)
BAULOE WT-Z C13-1155 A 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
BAULOE WT-Z C13-1155 A 4 (NEON-RICH)
BAULOE IN-B C13-22 B 7 (ARGON)
BAUKEE TS-U E2-790 5 A (NO ATMOSPHERE – RINGED DWARF STARS)
BAUKEE LL-P D5-2886 C 1 (SULPHUR DIOXIDE – FUMAROLES)
BAUKEE IL-P D5-6392 3 B (CARBON DIOXIDE)
BAUKEE DF-R D4-4058 A 5 (CARBON DIOXIDE – RINGED)
BAUKEE CF-R D4-2887 BC 1 (NO ATMOSPHERE – CLOSE DOUBLE SUN)
BAUKEE CF-R D4-2887 BCD 1 (EARTH-LIKE WORLD)
BAUKEE AF-R D4-4502 4 E (CARBON DIOXIDE)
BAUKEE ZE-R D4-5222 AB 3 C (AMMONIA)
BAUKEE UY-S D3-10777 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
BAUKEE SD-K C8-126 AB 2 C (NO ATMOSPHERE)
BAUKEE PD-K C8-1092 C 1 (NO ATMOSPHERE – SINUOUS TUBERS)
BAUKEE PD-K C8-1092 C 5 (SULPHUR DIOXIDE)
BAUKEE SY-S D3-4572 5 A (CARBON DIOXIDE)
BAUKEAU FZ-S D3-3754 3 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
BAUKAAE PA-A D10716 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE – 186KM)
EORL CHROA UT-Z D13-5722 5 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
EORL CHROA AV-P D5-10496 4 E (CARBON DIOXIDE)
EORL CHROA JC-L C8-836 8 A (NEON – FUMAROLA)
EORL CHROA JH-V D2-1085 AB 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE – DOUBLE STAR)
EORL CHROA EB-X D1-9201 BC 5 E (CARBON DIOXIDE – LARGE MOUNTAIN)
EORL CHROA EW-V C2-1832 3 (NO ATMOSPHERE)
STUEMAEA AL-C C27-1249 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
STUEMAEA GW-D D12-1307 D 7 A (NO ATMOSPHERE – CLOSE RINGS)
STUEMAEA VJ-Q D5-6314 A 5 (NO ATMOSPHERE)
STUEMAEA RD-S D4-5720 10 E (NO ATMOSPHERE – ROCKY ICE WORLD) [LOCATION REDACTED]
STUEMAEA MX-T D3-3276 4 D (CARBON DIOXIDE)
STUEMAEA AQ-X D1-1287 5 (RINGED ATMOSPHERE – NOT LANDABLE)
STUEMAEA AQ-X D1-1287 4 C (CARBON DIOXIDE)
STUEMAEA RD-B D12072 B 2 A (AMMONIA)
MYRIERPH WF-O E6-6547 5 A (NEON-RICH – GEYSERS)
HYPIAE AUSCS SO-M C22-191 (NO ATMOSPHERE)
HYPIAE AUSCS HH-Q C20-89 3 C (NO ATMOSPHERE)
HYPIAE AUSCS SY-Q D5-8572 AB 2 A (NO ATMOSPHERE)
HYPIAE AUSCS LX-S D4-4005 3 & 3 A (RINGED WORLDS)
HYPIAE AUSCS LX-S D4-4005 6 F (CARBON DIOXIDE)
HYPIAE AUSCS BL-W D2-7867 5 (SINUOUS TUBERS)
ZUNAO TP-O E6-7597 B 5 (ARGON)
ZUNI HM-K D9-1989 D 4 B (METHANE)
ZUNI DG-M D8-4204 B 7 (NITROGEN)
DRYAO AUSMS KG-Y E3390 (NO ATMOSPHERE)
DSSA BUURIAN ANCHORAGE FLEET CARRIER

Welcome to nightShifted Astronomy!

By Commander Exorcist

On 2022-10-17

In About This Blog

Welcome to nightShifted Astronomy, which also doubles as my personal home page. My name is Commander Exorcist and I’ve been creating web content in one form or another since 1995. In 2005 I started blogging about astronomy and science-related topics on my website nightShifted Astronomy. That project lasted until 2014 when I closed it to focus on a chess website. That site continues to this day, but I have decided to resurrect nightShifted Astronomy here on my home domain and combine it with my internet content creation projects.

Please check back regularly for updates on my progress and be sure to click the links to the left to check out my many different projects across social media related to gaming and art content.

See you out there!