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Posts Made By: Paul Kammueller

December 27, 2004 01:45 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Re: Huge earthquake and Tsunami

Posted By Paul Kammueller
Perhaps also worth noting is that it occurred within 10 days of Earth's perihelion, when the combination of solar + lunar tidal stress would be maximized at the full moon nearest this date, which was the case here.

This is a terrible human tragedy, and it is also one of the unfortunate consequences of living on a planet with an overly large satellite. I guess no planet is 'perfect'. There is considerable evidence throughout the solar system that there is at least a very strong correllation between geologic activity and tidal stresses. Terrestrial planets without any large moons tend to be relatively quiet. Terrestrial moons circling close in to their mother planet (ex: Io, Europa) tend to be EXTREMELY active.

December 29, 2004 04:02 PM Forum: Reflectors

Is there really any difference?

Posted By Paul Kammueller
>In particular, why is the Discovery so much more?<

More consistent optical quality, domestic manufacture, also higher-grade componentry (focuser etc.) -- the other two are chinese imports.

December 31, 2004 04:50 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

FIRST LIGHT!!

Posted By Paul Kammueller
Excellent choice for first target! smile

Everyone remembers their first look at Saturn. I remember being amazed, though it was 1980 and one of the worst views of the rings a first-timer could have seen (nearly edge-on, in other words Saturn looked like a white dot with a white line through it) -- but somehow seeing the rings in 'real life' for the first time, instead of just in pictures, does something to you.

January 3, 2005 10:34 PM Forum: Telescope Making

homemade binoviewer

Posted By Paul Kammueller
Possible, but in most cases not desirable. Being designed for looking into a very brightly illuminated petri dish, the elements are many and light transmission often isn't the best, dimming the image and effectively reducing the aperture of your scope.

January 5, 2005 04:09 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Best/first celestial objects to show a girlfriend?

Posted By Paul Kammueller
For romance imho *nothing* beats the summer Perseid meteor shower. It's warm, the crickets are chirping, and the show is bright and impressive. Just lay out a blanket and lie down together to watch. Nothing to explain, nothing to squint at. Just a nice, quiet romantic time together and one of the most impressive and reliable astronomy shows there is. Astronomer's version of "long walks by the beach", LOL!

Tried this for a late-night date about 11 years ago. We've been married 8 years now. smile smile smile

January 5, 2005 04:36 PM Forum: Investment Discussions

This doesn't make sense! Possible scam? Anyone

Posted By Paul Kammueller
Scam. They give you a counterfeit cashier's check for $9000 of fake money. You wire them $4000 of your real money and they drive off with your car. A few days later the check bounces. You try to find them and find the address given is a Mailboxes etc. box or some such thing. You can't find them, your car is gone, and your checking balance is negative $4000. End result is you're out $9000 for trying to sell a $5000 truck.

January 6, 2005 04:39 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

What is a dovetail?

Posted By Paul Kammueller
One picture is worth a thousand words on this one. This page for dovetail slides will probably nod your head and go 'oh OK it's THAT thing, I just didn't know what that was called'

http://www.tuskdirect.com/products/dovetailSlide/tables&diagrams.htm

And then for more pertinent examples in context see these Losmandy pics:

http://www.company7.com/losmandy/accessories.html

January 6, 2005 04:43 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Having Some Trouble!

Posted By Paul Kammueller
focusing on stars, etc. should be no different than doing so on the moon. Use lower power to find things though.

Saturn: the bright star almost straight overhead before you go to bed.

Jupiter: early pre-dawn sky, to the south -- the REALLY bright one.

January 6, 2005 05:43 PM Forum: Reflectors

Thinking of moving to 8" or 10" DOB from refractor

Posted By Paul Kammueller
I say go for it, it's worth it just for the moon and planets alone. I went from 4" f/15 refractor to 10" f/8 dob in a *severely* light polluted area adn will never go back, it's a huuuuge difference.

January 10, 2005 12:11 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Not the Hedgehog!

Posted By Paul Kammueller
What's far worse is if the dog himself jumps on the mirror, with gravel all over his feet. I have had this unenviable experience. sad

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