Posts Made By: Gregory Damiani

Hi All.

Wow! I can't believe the last time I imaged was New Years! I couldn't let Jupiter go by this season without imaging. Sky Clock said 4, I think I had 3 to 3.5 seeing. Either that, or my optics hadn't settled down. Couldn't get a focus point to stick. Well, here it is.

Thanks.

Gregg

390 of 461. Registax. Starmaster 14.5. TV 3x barlow. Toucam 840.

Hi All!

I am considering my first APO refractor (yeah!). I have a scope I love - 14.5" Starmaster - but it is not "kid friendly." The EP height is all wrong, not convenient for quick looks & try telling a nine year old the optics need to reach equilibrium!

I could get one of the numerous "kid friendly" reflectors - but I think a refractor will be convenient with adult supervision. Plus, I've always wanted one.

I'm not interested in imaging. I know there are great APOs in the 3 inch range, but I want more aperture for planetary high power. I have had a 6" Achromat and a 6" Mak Cass. My skies made good use of 6 inches on most nights.

Generous focal length a plus, but I can always get a 5x powermate, etc.

Price is a definite consideration.

So far, I'm thinking TV 102?

Opinions and recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celecbrate.

Gregg

Hi All!

Had some good seeing w/o clouds last night (3-4/5). Saturn looked so good in the EP, I decided to drag out the laptop. Results are OK - Saturn actually looked better at the EP!

SM 14.5, TV 3x Barlow, Toucam 840 w/ IR Filter
460 of 540 stacked w/ registax

Clear, dark, & steady skies

Gregg

Hi All!

Seeing was very good last night here in So. Fl. 8-9/10.

I did a few imaging runs after observing last night. I didn't intend to do any imaging, but the seeing was real good! Unfortunately, I don't think I did a very good job focusing. >

Here it is.

SM 14.5 w/ goto and track
TV3x barlow
Toucam 840 w/ infrared block filter
Registax 4
370 of 440 frames

First time trying Registax v.4. Opinions on multiple vs. single point alignment for Saturn? If multi, how many, and what points do you pick?

Thanks.

Gregg

Hi All!

Well, I knew it had to happen someday. My nine year old (4th grade) has been assigned her first science project. Essentially she needs to design an experiment and use the scientific method to answer a question / test a theory. Several examples are proposed by the school, but none dealing with astronomy. I "think" it would be a good idea to meld the hobby with this project. Any ideas?

So far, I thought of "asking" why the moon looks as it does in the sky, sometimes visible in the day, sometimes at night, phases, etc. This would be done with a model, and embellished with webcam shots of the moon.

Any ideas welcome.

Equipment available:

14.5 SM w/ goto & tracking
WO 80 ED II on LXD 55
PST
Toucam 840
assorted EPs, barlows, etc.

Thanks

Gregg


Post Script - Aside

She also has a microscope. Has anyone tried using a webcam to image through a microscope? Do adapters exist? Just wondering.

Hi All!

Does anyone have a link to a site that provides something equivalent to an Autostar "Tonights Best" or Deep Sky highlights?

For me, part of the fun is looking at books and charts and trying to figure what I want to observe. However, when I'm out with the kids, or have guests, I find myself starting up my LXD55 just to get a "quick" list of Messier, or NGC's to enter into my SM 14.5's GoTo. I'd rather be able to print a list and take it outside with me.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Gregg

This may be the wrong forum .. but its probably the ckosest.
I have a long family road trip coming up. Is CB radio still regularly used on the road? If not, what are drivers / truckers using to communicate (fmrs gmrs ?)

Most importantly, can anyone advise as to light pollution in the Williamsburg VA area? Are the skies dark? Should I pack the truss dob?

Thanks

Gregg

I am just getting back into the hobby. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but try to think about the type of observing you will do. You will often read that the best scope is the scope that is used. This is vey true! Will you be observing in your yard, or will you need to travel? Do you need to lug a scope up and down stairs? This will greatly determine what scope is "best" for you.

My opinion, for the money, you can't beat a reflector, commonly called "dobsonian" or "Newtonian" depending on the mount. My first scope (which I wouldn't recommend - but still have & use) is a small 4.5 inch tasco reflector. This is essentially a department store scope. Its performance was greatly improved with some decent eyepieces, a moon filter, a nebula filter and a barlow. I have had some amazing view of planets, nebulas, the moon etc with this scope. The point is, you can do very well without too much money.

I guess If I were to start over again, I would get a decent pair of 7X50 binoculars and a 6" or 8" dobsonian, 2 or 3 decent eyepieces with a decent barlow (doubles the usefullness of the eyepiece collection) and a moon filter (the moon is actually uncomfortably bright through even a small scope).

You don't have to get everything at once. Keep in mind you will probably have the eyepieces, filters and barlow forever. They will generally be usefull when you upgrade or change scopes.

I guess I would look for a sale, shop price from a dealer and/or manufacturer with a good return policy and/or customer service. For example, I have read a lot of gripes about some Meade products, but most posts conclude that the customer service and support were very good.

I'll leave it to others to make more specific recommendations.

Good luck. Enjoy! Scope shopping is fun.

I usually "hang out" at equipment. I love coming here to read and look at everyones posts. Your pictures certainly challege one to "observe harder" - if you know what I mean. Thanks.

Sol,
I noted the equipment you observe with - 6 inch refractor with chromacor. I would ask you to read my Equipment post of today's date (3/5/03)("So, whats an APO like?") - as you are already using the equipment I am considering - the Chromacor. I would repost it here, but the post certainly belongs in equipment. You opinions and insights would be most appreciated.

The designer of the Chromacor, Valery Deryuzhin, regularly responds to posts inquiring about the Chromacor at the Yahoo Chinese Refractor group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chinese_Refractor/messages/