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M20 Trifid Nebula in LRGBHa

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Posts Made By: Judson Mitchell

July 27, 2009 07:29 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

New Potential Sunspot?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Looks like a potential cycle 24 sunspot may be developing.

Jud

August 31, 2009 12:20 PM Forum: Star Parties

Got 1278-Want Naglers etc.

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Hopefully someone at the Okie-Tex star party will be more interested in a 1278 Burgess refractor and less in their Naglers to effect a change. See you there awe-struck compatriots.

Jud

October 9, 2009 11:32 AM Forum: LUNATICS

LCROSS PR SNAFU!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Well, glad my time wasn't spent behind the EP trying to see a plume that didn't even show up from a few miles above the moon's surface. Whether the "mission" was a success or not, the public certainly was not drawn in by this one. I will be curious to see what the scrambling will be to reignite public interest. Put on a positive face and go forth amid the disappointed masses. Good luck.

Was hoping that there would be a televised view from some quality earth-bound scope. Too much to ask I guess.

Jud

October 10, 2009 04:49 PM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

Totally Black Woolly bear!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Look Out Chicago! I saw a totally black woolly bear headed south.

Jud

November 16, 2009 07:43 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Flex Band Deteriorating!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
I have a 40 Paragon with deteriorating black flex (grip) bands. The bands are coming apart at numerous locations splitting perpendicular to the band between the high nubs. Any thoughts as to a fix?

Jud Mitchell

January 5, 2010 03:11 AM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

Flawed Process

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Has anyone seen anthing else from the AGW community further explaining the data problem other than saying "the process was flawed, but the conclusions are valid"? Sorry, my skeptcism is showing. Also, what I have observed is an increased media coverage of local climate issues purported to prove global warming. This unfortunately demonstrates how political AGW is. If I am to believe in and support AGW, some answers are needed other than arm waving about climate issues that parallel similar ones from the past.

Jud

January 11, 2010 04:28 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Help-Student Needs Parts

Posted By Judson Mitchell
I need to help a student build a modest reflector in the 4-6" range and need a source for inexpensive parts. There have been optics kits for sale less than $100 that include mirror, mount, secondary and spider. Also would need sources for tube and base design. Can anyone provide additional information to move this project along? Any help appreciated.

Jud Mitchell
Simpsonville SC

March 4, 2010 12:36 PM Forum: Reflectors

Collimation

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Unfortunately we continuely teach ourselves the same old tricks. The other night after my 12" dob had traveled a couple of weeks in my van it was set up for viewing. In order to test my time worn and proven "theory" I did not initially collimate which is my normal habit. Any time that I collimate immediately after setup there is misalignment. However, after cooling of the mirror, it is usually necessary to counteract the adjustments.

A few hours later I approached my scope and learned that it was almost perfectly collimated(not a singular event). So, clearly under certain circumstances collimation is affected by the microclimate of the scope, but it seems to return to proper settings once the scope is cooled. The old addage "If it ain't broke don't fix it" is only partially applicable here. A lot of moderate quality viewing can be had while the mirror stabilizes, so unless I have the luxury of allowing the scope to stabilize before viewing commences I will continue to go through the ritual of correcting collimation until the scope comes to some agreement with the weather.

Is this consistent with anyone else's experience?

Jud

May 23, 2010 02:52 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

digital setting circles needed

Posted By Judson Mitchell
I have decided that although I love star hopping, it is important most of the time to be able to quickly find objects without messing with my night vision by looking at star charts. My need is to find the most cost effective quality equipment. Already a member of the Argo Navis Yahoo group, however my ability to assess the correct choice is lacking. My scope is a 12" dob with a rebuilt base that elevates the scope a few inches above the top of the base.

It would be helpful if ya'll would chime in with your advice. My wife probably won't appreciate it, but I sure will

Jud Mitchell
Simpsonville SC

September 25, 2010 05:34 PM Forum: Reflectors

Can Aperture Replace Seeing?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Having heard that aperture reveals more detail, has anyone worked out something semiquantitatively the relationships between seeing and aperture? Is there some upper limit on aperture with respect to seeing where the hypothesized curve turns down?

Jud

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