Posts Made By: Tom McDonough

Astromart's security certificate expired 5/14/2006. When will it be renewed so we don't get the warning every time we log in?

Tom

I am looking for a low power/wide field eyepiece for my 6" f/8 Dynascope. I can't spend more than about $130 so I am looking at the following:
Meade Series 4000 40mm Super Plossl 1.25"
Stellarvue 1.25" 40mm FMC Plossl
Celestron Omni 40mm 1.25" Eyepiece
I welcome all opinions about which of the three is best. If there are any other suggested eyepieces, I'd like to hear about them also.

Thanks,
Tom

Tonight is another opportunity to see most of the Messier objects in one night. Only M104, M68, and M83 have no chance of being observed. It is especially challenging since the Virgo galaxies come up just before sunrise! Our club is having an event and here's a link to observing logs and charts: http://astrotulsa.com/pub/FallMessierMarathon2006.pdf

Enjoy and good luck!
Tom

I was thinking about ordering some eyepieces from Agena Astro Products http://www.agenaastro.com/
They have great prices, but I have never heard of them. Does anyone have any experience dealing with this company?

For those of you marathoning tonight I prepared a set of log sheets and finder charts. They are set for 36°N and CDT but should be useful for most of the states. You can get the Adobe PDF document here: http://tinyurl.com/2qblcg

Good luck to all
Tom

According to astronomer Dana Thompson, an elusive lunar sunrise effect can be seen for a brief period forming an illuminated "X" by several intersecting crater walls. Below are some email excerpts from Mr. Thompson:

As the terminator slowly moves over the crater Werner, light of the lunar sunrise begins to illuminates some of the highest lunar topography in the region which stands between the craters La Caille, Purbach, and Blanchinus. The "X" feature is fully formed in about two hours and stands out in obvious contrast to the dark side of the terminator. This
unique lunar event lasts for about another two hours before being total surrounded by light from the lunar sunrise. At this time the lower topography of the area is illuminated as well and the "X" on the moon begins its transition back into hiding on the surface of the fully illuminated lunar landscape.

The following times are best guess estimates to start observing so you don’t miss it:

March 25/26, 2007
March 26, 2007 @ 02:23 UT, co-long = 357, Werner sun alt = .9

May 23/24, 2007
May 24, 2007 @ 04:34 UT, co-long = 357, Werner sun alt = .4

July 21/22, 2007
July 22, 2007 @ 02:32 UT, co-long = 357, Werner sun alt = .7

September 18/19, 2007
September 18, 2007 @ 23:27 UT, co-long = 356, Werner sun alt = .5

Nov 16/17, 2007
November 17, 2007 @ 01:44 UT, co-long = 356, Werner sun alt = 1.0

Sounds like a good challenge that doesn't require dark skies.

Tom

My 2008 Messier Marathon Charts are now available. They are set for April 5th 36°N CDT
http://astrotulsa.com/pub/Messier/MessierMarathon2008.pdf

Good Hunting,
Tom

My 2009 Messier Marathon Charts are now available. They are set for March 28th 36°N CDT
http://astrotulsa.com/pub/Messier/MessierMarathon2009.pdf

Good Hunting,
Tom

My 2010 Messier Marathon Charts are now available. They are set for March 13th 36°N CDT
http://astrotulsa.com/pub/Messier/MessierMarathon2010.pdf

Happy Hunting!
Tom

I made a dew shield for my Celestron Comet Catcher out of a Folgers metal coffee can. I lined it with cork sheeting and flocked paper for insulation and light scatter. I use the original lid for a nice airtight seal on the optics.