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Lion Nebula SH2-132 - RC71

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Posts Made By: Timothy Iafolla

October 27, 2006 07:33 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mars Rover Beginning To Hate Mars

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Not sure where to post this but I thought you guys might get a chuckle:

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/54360

Tim

November 3, 2006 01:27 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

How to turn a manual CG-5 into a CG5 go-to?

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Hi all,

Just like the subject sez: I have an older, motor-drive CG-5 mount with the Celestron Polaris drive controller. I would like to convert it to an Autostar go-to mount, but I'm unclear on what I need to accomplish that. I assume I will need to ditch the existing motors and switch over to servos. I already have an Autostar 497 controller. Thanks,

Tim

November 3, 2006 01:33 AM Forum: Solar System Observing

Dark-sky site on Florida gulf coast

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Hi all,

I just purchased a piece of beach property on the gulf coast of Florida. It faces due south, and sits on a promontory with sea horizon views for ~200 degrees. It is quite dark (there are strict light ordinances near the beach to protect the sea turtle habitat).

It will be unoccupied for the next several months. If you are interested in using it for observing, please contact me and I'll give you details.

Tim

November 3, 2006 01:34 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Observing site on gulf coast of Florida

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Hi all,

I just purchased a piece of beach property on the gulf coast of Florida. It faces due south, and sits on a promontory with sea horizon views for ~200 degrees. It is quite dark (there are strict light ordinances near the beach to protect the sea turtle habitat).

It will be unoccupied for the next several months. If you are interested in using it for observing, please contact me and I'll give you details.

Tim

December 17, 2006 04:41 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Ultra-precision machining (for Herb)

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Hi all (especially Herb),

I ran across this site and thought you would be interested. This company produces a line of optical lathes that use a single-point diamond tool to turn out surfaces that don't need any further optical correction or polishing. Check out these specs:

Surface Finish (Ra): ¡Ü 2.0 nanometers

Programming Resolution (linear): 1 nanometer linear Programming Resolution (rotary): 0.00001 degree

Motion accuracy Axial: ¡Ü 25 nanometers (1¦Ì¡±)
Motion accuracy Radial: ¡Ü 25 nanometers (1¦Ì¡±)

Feedback Resolution (linear): 34 picometer 8O
Feedback Resolution 0(rotary): .02 arc seconds 8O 8O

Straightness: 0.3¦Ìm (8¦Ì¡±) over 450mm full travel
Positioning Accuracy (rotary): ¡Ü 2.0 arc seconds
Freeform Curve Accuracy (P-V): ¡Ü 0.125¦Ìm / 75mm dia, 250mm convex sphere

http://www.nanotechsys.com/NanotechProducts.html

I have no association with these folks, I just found this fascinating and wanted to pass it on.

Tim

September 21, 2009 07:22 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Maryland skies....

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Ahh, Maryland skies: lousy seeing, but they make up for it by being really really light polluted. Anyway, we had a less crappy than usual night last night and I got this shot with a 10" LX200 classic and a DBK 31AF03 video cam; Registax 5, best 280 frames out of 400.

I'm pretty new at this; advice welcome.

Thanks,

Tim Iafolla

September 25, 2009 08:09 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Jupiter 9-23-09

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Seeing only fair. LX200 10" @ f/10, DBK 31AF03 camera; Registax 5, best 320 frames out of 400.

April 21, 2010 02:48 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Clearer skies after air travel ban?

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Just curious about something, for those observing from northern Europe--have you noticed improved transparency since the skies aren't filled with 16,000 flights every day?

Tim

August 20, 2005 04:57 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Interesting from Logitech...

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Impressive specs, and only $99 retail. Can't wait to tear one apart!


August 21, 2005 01:24 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Veil nebula complex

Posted By Timothy Iafolla
Joe,

This is a very practical way to present complex areas of the sky. Other areas where this would be useful: the Orion belt/sword region, the North America/Pelican area....others?
Thanks for some very nice work.

Tim Iafolla

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