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Posts Made By: Judson Mitchell

April 22, 2006 05:01 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Baader Hyperions?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
A friend and I paired up 8mm Stratus then his 13 Stratus and my 13 Hyperion with no size difficulties. An adjustment in the ep holder was necessary to get both the Hyperion and Stratus to come to focus, but no impingement difficulties during viewing. I do not remember the name of the binos but could find out if you are interested.

April 24, 2006 03:46 PM Forum: Pictures of Me and My Telescope and........

My 14.5" Starmaster

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Great scope and suburb optics. Excellent choice for a lifetime investment. Now, if you could find a place where the twilight doesn't last until 11:15 pm, at least that is what it was in Manistee, Mi in June. I also remember 1977 Jan-Feb when the sun never showed itself for 45 days and it snowed every day as well. Have you considered being a snowbird? Quite a few in Manistee.

April 27, 2006 09:04 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

Fragments B and C, 2006/4/27 UT

Posted By Judson Mitchell
http://imgsrc.hubblesite.org/hu/db/2006/18/videos/b/formats/low_mpeg.mpg

The above link shows the comet breaking us and demonstrates deceleration of the smaller particles. It would be interesting to learn what the recalculation of the orbits would be and if those orbits could intercept the earth. Clearly the orbits of these particles will be different (smaller as well). If anyone learns of any recalculations, please post them.

May 5, 2006 03:21 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

Only round craters ?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
When the kinetic energy of an impacting object is converted it is dissipated in all directions thus creating an essentially round crated. The size of the impacted item is typically much smaller that the resulting crater, thus very little signature of the direction of impact is maintained.

May 9, 2006 06:41 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Wrong to sell for a profit?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Ultimately we must all confront our own demons. Personally, I will always attempt to trade only with those who in my estimation are honorable and fair, and will attempt to be the same. On Astromart or any other on-line swap/trade/buy/sell venues there is limited information to make those types of judgements. On rare occasions I have chastised those who either misrepresented their product or missed something of importance. Even then in my estimation the purchase was still within the realm of reason and no product was returned for refund. The Astromart community is quick to respond to questionable practices; witness one who planned to returned a damaged item that was clearly not the fault or responsibility of the seller. It is this attitude and responsibility of our members that endears me to Astromart and I hope that doesn't change. It is not always black or white and we debate those issues. Thank you for that.

May 14, 2006 12:06 PM Forum: Eyepieces

big aperture newb, eyepiece list help?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Doug
One thing no one is mentioning is an equitorial platform. The ability to track an object may significantly change your attitude about the usability of an ep, especially in your large Dob. After the platform I would then choose new EPs very carefully, and hopefully after you have had the chance to "try before you buy". Perchance you can mingle with a few who will allow you that opportunity. So far I have been through 17 eps in about a year and if I could do it over now the list would probably be about 5 real keepers, and not necessarily the ones that I currently have. It took me a long time to finally recognize even though I pretended to know all along that my needs would have been better served if I had waited and bought a Nagler or (fill in the blank) instead. As the thread indicates, a few well chosen EPs will be much more satisfying that a bunch of things you don't really need. Thank heavens for Astromart in that area. Good luck on you new scope; I hope to follow in your footsteps in a few months.

May 14, 2006 01:52 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Another scope! :^0

Posted By Judson Mitchell
We just got through trying to help Dave solve his 8.8mm-7mm ep gap problem, now this. Let's see now, an 10 F4.7, 10 F6, 12,5 F5.2, 14 F4.3. Seems to be some blaring gaps here, namely 13.1 F5, 9.25 F10, etc., where do I go next. Running from scope to scope, eye piece to eye piece, I'm melting, I'm melting. We also have a camp in SC for your telescopes, you need serious help; I'm here if you need me.

May 18, 2006 04:50 PM Forum: TeleVue

Re: FS on 24mm Widefield

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Jon
I apparently have a new model of the 24mm Widefield. The other day I marked out 320 feet and affixed a steel tape to a vertical board. At that distance my field of view was 65 inches which I translated into 59 minutes actual field of view. I was using a 12" Hardin dob.

June 9, 2006 03:53 PM Forum: After Dark

First Outreach Attempt / Seeking Object Advice

Posted By Judson Mitchell
David
In my experience the biggest Wow! has been from the moon. It is my recommendation to do your best to include the early moon as one of the few you will show. Early so that it will not add too much to light pollution. Plus, as it sets other objects will be more visible. I agree with the premise of limiting the number of objects, particularly if your number of scopes is small or only one. My daughter is a science teacher and asked me about a SP for her students. I used a simple program Tasco Sky Watch to predict when certain objects will be available for viewing. Jupiter and Saturn are always a great draw. Plus, things like M13 and M57 have the best potential for DSOs. Most of the time you have to take what you can get. Last summer I found both Uranus and Neptune in my 20X100 Binoculars, but you have to consider your audience and try to determine what you think will interest them. If they have been studying the planets for example, then planetary viewing will be great. An do as much research on the objects you intend to show so that their experience will be augmented by information. Most of the time the simplest information is best such as distance, size and perhaps a little superstition and the like.

June 10, 2006 07:40 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Hear, Hear! In the past few months detail on Jupiter has gotten richer by the night, but seeing has not improved. Black blobs have turned into long whisps,there didn't even used to be any detail between the two equitorial bands. Now multiple bands wrap that area. All caused by numerous nights when only Jupiter was worth looking at avec moon. Hopefully this will extend to more and more DSOs. Just got my scope in July 2005, but already the message from the master is sinking in. Be patient young man!

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