Introduce yourself and meet the members [Archive]

Radar

January 7th, 2007, 09:22 PM

I am Ray, aka Radar. I am 33. I am the creator of this new site. I hope you all like it.

I have been doing astronomy and astrophotography for many years.

You can view my images on my astrophotography website www.NaturesPeak.com.au

I am based in Perth, Western Australia.

I love watching scientific documentaries with lots of good graphics. This is why I added so many astro videos to this site (over 150).

I think this clip is amazing.

http://www.myastrospace.com/vidclip5.htm

This next clip has been quite popular. I tell friends and relatives when they come over, that this is a real impact from 2002 in the Arizona desert. When they see it (and think it is real), they really start to pay attention :Chessy_Smile:

http://www.myastrospace.com/vidclip47.htm

That is a little bit about me, what about you?

Also, if you can tell us where you heard about the site, that would be helpful.

:thumbsupmate: :thumbsupmate: :thumbsupmate:

AstroBob

January 8th, 2007, 12:01 AM

I am also from Western Australia. Found out about the site through word of mouth. I work in the shipping industry. Don't get much time to actually do astronomy, so I do it in cyberspace.

AstroTasmania

January 8th, 2007, 07:53 AM

An interesting thread, I am always interested to see where people are from as I originally came from the UK in 1968. Spent some years at the IMVS in Adelaide, now back in Tasmania just outside Hobart.

I am interested in many practical aspects of astronomy, instrumentation & techniques. My main interests are in video applications, recording active events, occultations, auroral activity,solar system especially the sun etc. I enjoy the challenge (trying to beat the clouds) of capturing the 'one off events' and being able to share the video clips with others. I plan to attempt some deep sky when I have my DSLR's and scopes set up. I enjoy making scopes & equipment in my workshop.

Rather than rewrite my bio, please follow this link:
http://www.apstas.com/astrotas/mathers/smathers.htm

Thank you for looking.

astromanian

January 8th, 2007, 10:04 AM

A big hello from the United Kingdom.
My name is Ian (Astro-Man-Ian) and I live in Tamworth in the Midlands of the UK...No big Guitars here ;-)
I found your site in the "Sky at Night" magazine and my first impression of your site is pretty cool!
A born again astronomer after a long break after my student years - I am now 43 and completely hooked and at peace with life.
Currently using a 6" Newt and an ETX-90 but have plans for bigger aperture soon...
I love going to astronomical events when I can and was very lucky to observe the March 2006 Total eclipse in Side, Southern Turkey which was fantastic!

Keep in touch, I would like to hear from anyone with Astro interests!

52.6487N -1.7086W

Radar

January 8th, 2007, 01:22 PM

G'day Ian and BobbyC, welcome to the site guys.

Ian, did you take any photos of the eclipse? If so we would love to see some. :thumbsupmate:

Astrolounge

January 8th, 2007, 04:50 PM

hi guys, l'm Mick my user name refers to Astrolounge Observatory as it's the place l go to relax. l got back into astronomy about 5 years ago after a long break which included marriage, kids etc, l love astronomy but am not addicted to it, which is probably a good thing with the ammount of money l spend on it.
l've been a custom spray painter for 33 years and am now moving into the manufacturing of astro related products as you may have seen on my observatory thread, by the way the site seems to be progressing quite well.

CanisMajorTom

January 8th, 2007, 09:41 PM

G'day Mick, yeah your observatory is awesome. I'm based in W.A. I'm a friend of Radar. I don't have much equipment yet, but I have big plans for the next few years. I want all kinds of lovely astro toys. I have been interested in astronomy for many years, but only recently started becoming active.

I'm glad this site has been started off. Because astronomy equipment is so expensive, it is good to have a place where you can ask before you buy. I for one can't really afford to be making mistakes with what I buy.

What kind of telescope equipment are you going to build?

astromanian

January 9th, 2007, 09:29 AM

G'day Ian and BobbyC, welcome to the site guys.

Ian, did you take any photos of the eclipse? If so we would love to see some. :thumbsupmate:

Hi Ray, I spent many hours worrying about taking photographs of the eclipse last year an after several questions on various forums/USENET etc. I decided as it was my first eclipse, I would not get stressed out with a camera but enjoy the visual experience on the advice of learned friends..... So glad I did - it was awsome but only lasted 3m 30+s and not being an experienced photographer, I didn't want the hassle.
I knew people like Pete Lawrence (http://www.digitalsky.org.uk/) would produce some fantastic images - and he indeed did! (I have the tee-shirt!)

I will be planning a trip to Oz for the Nov13/14 2012 Total eclipse - hopefully Cairns..... Trip of a lifetime for me!

Ian

Radar

January 9th, 2007, 06:28 PM

Good idea on the eclipse mate. Better to enjoy it than fiddle with a camera. I went to South Australia for the 2002 Eclipse. I had three cameras going. Got some great shots, but spent most of the time looking at the cameras. Though the last 15 seconds I spent staring at the eclipse. I will never forget how awesome it was.

CanisMajorTom

January 10th, 2007, 03:57 PM

I had three cameras going. Got some great shots, but spent most of the time looking at the cameras.

Three? I struggle enough with one camera :duh:

phoenix

January 10th, 2007, 09:07 PM

Hey everyone:Chessy_Smile:
I'm jason aka phoenix i live in tassie, i'm 39 married with kids
love astronomy and fishing, i have 2 scopes, 8" reflector skywatcher on a eq5 mount and a 70*500 short tube
and i found out about this site from the sky and space magazine GREAT MAG.

CanisMajorTom

January 10th, 2007, 11:08 PM

G'day Jason, welcome to the site mate :thumbsupmate:

AstroTasmania

January 11th, 2007, 11:42 AM

Many people are in the same situation, especially with family/ domestic commitments etc. However, don't despair, very few of us ever started out with top gear, it comes with time. In our favour now is the ever increasing flow of very nice scopes in all sizes at lower and lower prices, that will do a great job.

This group is an ideal place to gather the sort of information that will guide you in your future purchases,to obtain the best view per dollar. I am spending my children's inheritance!!

Clear skies.........

Radar

January 11th, 2007, 01:35 PM

I am spending my children's inheritance!!
Clear skies.........

I like the sound of that Shev. When it comes to a nice shiny Tak or a loud noisy teenager, I know where my money would be going.

Astro Dave

January 12th, 2007, 04:42 AM

Hi Jason, Astrolounge et al.

Nice to have you included in this ubiquitous collection of celestial flotsam and jetsam.

Again, as you say you're new here, a word of warning. Watch out for 'Radar' - he talks to his eyepieces! True!!

Radar

January 12th, 2007, 10:45 AM

a word of warning. Watch out for 'Radar' - he talks to his eyepieces! True!!

lol, only beacuse I hear them at night asking to be let out of the eyepeice box. :crazy:

AstroTasmania

January 12th, 2007, 11:11 AM

Radar, very good reply to Astro Dave...

Astro Dave

January 12th, 2007, 12:07 PM

Touchay ol' Radar my boy, Touchay" .... (or is it Touche'?) damn it .. never did understand German

Radar

January 12th, 2007, 03:13 PM

Radar, very good reply to Astro Dave...

Thanks Shev, I figured honesty was the best option.

Touchay ol' Radar my boy, Touchay" .... (or is it Touche'?) damn it .. never did understand German

I'm not sure if it is German Dave, my 12 mm plossl is saying that touche is more French"ish". :crazy:

scorpius

January 12th, 2007, 07:44 PM

Hi I am Dave AKA Scorpius. Got involved in astronomy about a year ago. Started off with a 3" "Ebay special", then built an 8" dob, followed by an EQ platform, which has just been completed and being fine tuned. A member of ASWA. Recently purchased at 10" SW880. A keen follower of the moon with the ASWA Perth Lunatiks group.
Recently started a web page at http://members.optusnet.com.au/~mar.dav/dls006.html
Hobbies include Painting, Ham Radio VK6DX Scale warship building Astronomy, photography and anything that tickles my fancy.
Gears for astrol 8" & 10" dobs. EQ platform, Canon 350d and A520, Pentax SP500 camera. Plus Bushnel Binos 10-30x50 and Field Scope 30-90x90 - NexImager CCD en route from the US
Have the unique distinction of having 5 craniotomies** over 18 years and cannot be held responsible for what I do or say :Chessy_Smile:
**See my Story on my web site

CanisMajorTom

January 12th, 2007, 08:26 PM

Welcome to the site mate :thumbsupmate:

cannot be held responsible for what I do or say

lol, that is what I try and say when I have had too much wine, but it doesn't seem to work.

I had a look at your site, that is one full life you are having. I'm surprised how quickly you got into telescope making considering you have only been doing astronomy for a short time. Anyway, nice work and welcome aboard. I'm sure others here will have something to say, so I will leave them some space on this page to post. . :duh:

Radar

January 12th, 2007, 08:45 PM

phoenix

January 12th, 2007, 09:46 PM

Hey canismajortom, astrodave :Chessy_Smile: thanks for the welcoming.
and welcome to the site scorpius :Grouphug:
I love coming in and reading these forums you guys are so funny:putz: lmao

p.s need some of the high scores knocked off :pipethinker:

Radar

January 12th, 2007, 10:03 PM

p.s need some of the high scores knocked off :pipethinker:

lol, I was in there today trying to knock you off the helicopter game. Man it's frustrating when you bang into things. That high score will be mine soon Phoenix. :eartoear:

And welcome to the site mate.

scorpius

January 13th, 2007, 03:46 AM

G'day Dave, good to see you on the site. Checked out your story on your site. Wow! Very interesting read. I hope you keep adding to it.

Hope everything here is to your liking.

All the best mate.

Regards

Ray
Hi Ray and others, Thanks for the welcome. "Life is a mountain all of us have to climb, good times, not so good times, keep aiming for the peak and try not to be dragged down by the rockfalls" Ah, the lad waxes lyrically
I have always been pretty good with my hands (no comments please!) Building my first dob was a lot easier than building the HMS Manchester which took three years.. The Loch Killisport took one year full time.
My Astro page needs sorting out, it was a quick throw together to get something on line for my friends here and overseas, trouble is I am running out of space, also another of those "round Tuit things"

Astro Dave

January 13th, 2007, 05:57 AM

Yes Scorpius

Your interest in this model boat building is cool - what a comparison.

If I didn't havve two thumbs on each finger I'd probably give it a go .... no, on second thoughts-- no patience!!

I remember, years ago, I tried to put together a model of some confounded boat (ship?) called a "Cutty Sark", or equally ridiculous name (I think they gave it to me to me for therapy) but I broke the damn thing stuffing it in a bottle...*&^%**

I had better results not so long back building and flying Estes Model rockets. Now that was a buzz man!!!

seeker372011

January 13th, 2007, 08:17 AM

Hi just thought I'd introduce myself

I live in Sydney..western suburbs-am a member of Western Sydney Astronomical Society and ASNSW. Astro gear-ED80, CG5GT mount, Canon 300D -modded and stock, Orion Star Shoot Deep Space Imager, ETX 70, 10 inch GS Dob, Coronado PST, 20 x80 binos plus odds and ends

I get a kick out of seeing what can be done with the ETX 70 ..a scope that is not supposed to be suitable for astroimaging

some of my images- I am not too prolific an imager and even worse at collecting and preserving my images are at

DSLR/ED80images
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91784720@N00/

ETX70/Orion SSI

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/n_mukkavilli/

Narayan

Radar

January 13th, 2007, 09:58 AM

also another of those "round Tuit things"

lol, haven't heard that expression for a while. We used to own a round tuit.

I get a kick out of seeing what can be done with the ETX 70 ..a scope that is not supposed to be suitable for astroimaging

Welcome to the site Narayan.

Your images are great. I imagine imaging with the the ETX70 was a challenge. Did you create some kind of equatorial platform for it?

CanisMajorTom

January 13th, 2007, 11:14 AM

Hi Seeker, welcome to the site mate. love ur astro photos. What does the number 372011 at the end of your name mean? I was thinking it was an NGC number or something like that.

Phoenix you have 35 high scores in the arcade! :eek:

Scorpius that warship building is no easy feat. You need some steady hands for that type of work. They'd be good hands for manual guiding though.

seeker372011

January 13th, 2007, 11:08 PM

I imagine imaging with the the ETX70 was a challenge. Did you create some kind of equatorial platform for it?

It is a challenge to image with an ETX 70, mainly because the mount is so far from adequate

I built a wedge out of MDF and that has enabled me to go to 30 sec subs and I stack 50 to 60 of these for each image

seeker372011

January 13th, 2007, 11:09 PM

Hi Seeker, welcome to the site mate. love ur astro photos. What does the number 372011 at the end of your name mean? I was thinking it was an NGC number or something like that.

LOL

Nothing like NGC numbers

just some random birthday numbers jumbled up

Radar

January 14th, 2007, 10:36 AM

just some random birthday numbers jumbled up

Okay then, I'm thinking 3rd of November 1972?:hmm:

Mick

January 14th, 2007, 07:37 PM

Hello everyone I'm Michael - Mick,

I have a Meade lx90 and a 300mm Dob they are both wonderful scopes and a joy to use. mostly I like to observe the planets, star clusters and doubles stars. I also like to do a bit of satellite spotting especially Iridiums in the evenings.

Fiona, that's the missus and I have 4 teenagers that keep us on the hop so we don't have much time for other pastimes.

I have small web site with some photos of Iridiums at the following link.

http://www.freewebs.com/estronomy/

phoenix

January 14th, 2007, 07:47 PM

Hey mick welcome to this great site :eartoear:

Mick

January 14th, 2007, 07:56 PM

Hey mick welcome to this great site :eartoear:

Thanks phoenix. :thumbsupmate:

Radar

January 14th, 2007, 09:05 PM

Hey Mick, welcome aboard mate.:thumbsupmate:

CanisMajorTom

January 14th, 2007, 09:09 PM

Good to see another double star fan out there.

Welcome to the site Mick. :cool:

Mick

January 15th, 2007, 06:14 PM

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.:cool!:

chris

January 16th, 2007, 05:15 PM

Hi everyone, my name is Chris and I’m new here, I live in the western suburbs of Sydney.

I have always been interested in astronomy, but never had the time or money to do anything about it. So my interest never took of the ground.
A few months ago my wife and I went on a holiday and we stopped one night in Gilgandra. I found out that there was an observatory there, and that they have night viewing for the public. I convinced the wife to go and it was a full house, I met Steve Schier and he proceeded to show us all the night skies. I was amazed at what could be seen and it has revitalized my interest in Astronomy again.

In the next few days I hope to join my local astronomy club and perhaps have a look at a few of their scopes to help me decide which one I should invest in.

Cheers
Chris

phoenix

January 16th, 2007, 05:20 PM

Hey chris
Welcome to the site :thumbsupmate:

Mick

January 16th, 2007, 05:56 PM

Hello and welcome Chris.

Radar

January 16th, 2007, 06:23 PM

G'day Chris. Good to hear how your interest has been revitalised. This hobby gets more and more addictive as you go on I think.

Welcome to the site mate :thumbsupmate:

CanisMajorTom

January 16th, 2007, 06:55 PM

G'day Chris, welcome to this crazy site. :thumbsupmate:

chris

January 17th, 2007, 12:23 PM

Thanks Guys for the welcome.:Chessy_Smile:

Sorry Phoenix i knocked your high score on Galaga Space Invaders:eartoear:

Cheers
Chris

Radar

January 17th, 2007, 01:24 PM

Sorry Phoenix i knocked your high score on Galaga Space Invaders:eartoear:

Don't worry about Phoenix's high scores mate, he has knocked to many of my high scores off, so pay back is a good thing (even if I'm not the one doing it) :Chessy_Smile:

Sorry Phoenix, but you have like heaps of high scores in there mate.:Chessy_Smile:

That helicopter game is really frustrating me though :ahh!:

All the best Chris :thumbsupmate:

Cheers

Ray

phoenix

January 22nd, 2007, 08:21 AM

LOL, still have 33 high scores to date. :Chessy_Smile:
If you feel like a challenge there are 2 tornaments going, come and play PLEASE. :eartoear:

wakaleo

March 21st, 2007, 09:35 AM

Gidday all.

I respond in normal life to the name 'Jim', hold a seniors health card thanks to a couple of tours to Vietnam with the RAN but can't get my head around the concept of retirement.

An ex-Sydney boy (Summer Hill), I have lived north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland for more than half my life doing a variety of things from mackerel fishing, house building, sound-recording for film studio, 13 years of remote-area 4WD tours across the top of Oz, and now manage a camping ground in Cape York (check out www.moretonstation.com.au) with my wife Susanne. Skies over Moreton can be awesome in the 'dry' season (winter) and obscured by monsoon weather in the wet (like now).

I am extremely envious of the sort of astronomy equipment it seems a lot of you blokes have, e.g. Radar, Scorpius, Noel C and AstroTasmania to name just a few (hey Shevill, want to adopt an heir?). I bought an Orion ED 80 some 16 months ago but have had only a few occasions to spend quality time with it. Am hoping to point it skyward during this 'dry' for observing and hopefully capturing some images with a Nikon D70. I'm keen to investigate a web camera option too but it may have to wait till I have time (Moreton is pretty much 24/7 for the next 8 months).

Love this site and all the awesome info therein. Can't suck it up quickly enough! Hmmm! Think I'm becoming a nerd!

Catch ya 'round the ridges

Wakaleo

Radar

March 21st, 2007, 10:09 AM

Hi Jim,

You must have some fantastic skies where you are.

What mount do you use for the Orion ED?

Thanks for introducing yourself. :thumbsupmate:

Ray

P.S The link had a typo, it's been fixed and works.

wakaleo

March 21st, 2007, 10:36 AM

Gidday Radar

Thanks for fixing the link. The mount is a german equatorial that was packaged with the scope, branded Orion but probably made in China(?). It's now packed in its box and sitting on a pallet waiting for the 'wet' season to pass so our gear can be trucked up to Cape York. Am taking the OTA on the plane with us for security but of course it's not much use without a tripod.

I would like to set up a pier and housing on the flat - time will tell if that's possible.

Wakaleo

Radar

March 21st, 2007, 07:43 PM

Pier's are definitely the way to go Jim. I struggled for a few years dragging my scope out. At one stage I made a very cheap scope trolley. It was good for moving my LX 50 around, but it was still frustrating.

I had a concrete slab laid and placed a pier on it and straight away the fun factor went up by 100%. I still have to mount my scope on the wedge, but that only takes 60 seconds (literally).

Are you making the pier yourself or will you be buying one?

scorpius

March 21st, 2007, 10:47 PM

Welcome Jim. Good to see another ex Navy wallah in the group. I am ex Pommy Navy circu 1950. Yes its great having some good gear, unfortunately the bank manager does not always agree :ahh!:

Hope you enjoy being with the group. Know all about the wet having spent many years up in the NW of WA Great country for spekky lightning shots.

wakaleo

March 22nd, 2007, 01:05 PM

Thanks everyone for the great welcome. It's a top site (fine work Radar) and I hope to be more involved, time permitting.

Ray, re the pier. I would be doing the work myself. Have done a bit of concrete work in another life so don't have any real worries there, but please let me know if you have any tips at all. Won't be doing anything for a little while though. Will I need to use a 'wedge' too?

Radar

March 22nd, 2007, 06:28 PM

but please let me know if you have any tips at all. Won't be doing anything for a little while though. Will I need to use a 'wedge' too?

You'll only need a wedge if you are doing astrophotography Jim. As far as the pier goes, you a heavier (rather than lighter) metal. This will reduce vibrations. If you can run power through the concrete and up through the pier tube, that is always a bonus to.

wakaleo

March 23rd, 2007, 04:58 PM

Thanks for the tips Ray. I'll be researching wedges and piers and whatever else I may need but you will probably hear from me again when (if!) I get time to do something about it. Security of tenure here in CY is an issue that will have a great bearing on just what I can do.

AstroTasmania

March 24th, 2007, 12:46 PM

Hi,

Originally from Headingley near Leeds, Yorkshire UK. Served with RAF (Medics) in Germany, RAF Hospital Wegberg, OP theatre Staff, also at RAF Hospital Ely.

Member BAA, London & elected Fellow F.R.A.S, London. In 1968. Moved to super skies in Tasmania. Built two observatories 1969, & 1999 and now building my third. President AST twice 1971-73 & 2000-2006. Build much of my own equipment - 16" EQ Fork mounted in progress plus other gear.

Lots of hobbies & interests, incl playing in concert bands Clarinet & Flute, landscape painting, photography etc. Ultralight flying and flying R/C aircraft with cameras on board. Writing regular magazine & media articles as well as for Sky and Space.

5-acre bush block with understanding partner, lots of pets, dark sky site and close to Mt Canopus Observatory (involved with it since 1968).

Not enough spare time.

Clear skies...

Maia

March 28th, 2007, 10:52 AM

Hi everyone,

This site is great.Though I've always gazed at the starry heavens,I only got a telescope 5 years ago.My binoculars were and still are what I used.Some of the stuff available is fantastic but out of reach for me.I have always wanted to photogragh the night sky.

I have some suburban light pollution where I am,but it's bearable.Well,I'm off to look at more of this great site,(and maybe play some more games-some of them brought back memories,lol ).:welldone:

Radar

March 28th, 2007, 12:47 PM

Hi Maia,

Welcome to the site. Glad you are finding your way around okay.

Where abouts are you located?

(and maybe play some more games-some of them brought back memories,lol ).:welldone:

lol, they bring back memories for me to. :thumbsupmate:

Regards

Ray

chris

March 28th, 2007, 02:14 PM

G'Day Maia,

Welcome to the site. Its a fantastic site, hope you enjoy.

Try knocking some high scores from Phoenix, he won't mind:eartoear:

Cheers
Chris

Draig

March 28th, 2007, 05:17 PM

Hi Maia,

I'll join everyone else and say welcome to the site. :Chessy_Smile:

I hope you like it here, everyone is a great bunch of people and don't be shy on asking questions.

Cheers Colin

Maia

March 29th, 2007, 07:24 AM

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Yeah,as you can see,I haven't filled out a profile yet.I'm from the sunny state of QLD.Though from the nighttime skies lately,you wouldn't think so...so cloudy!! I don't get out to use the telescope as much as I used to.My fav.object to observe are open clusters and nebulas(nubulae?),and trying to resolve multiple stars with my 114mm reflecter. I always consider myself as a novice.

phoenix

March 29th, 2007, 01:51 PM

G'Day Maia,

Welcome to the site. Its a fantastic site, hope you enjoy.

Try knocking some high scores from Phoenix, he won't mind:eartoear:

Cheers
Chris

LOL. Its hard being The King of the arcade ! when you have guys like chris challenging for the high scores, it keeps me on my toes.

Welcome to the site maia

Cheers Jason :pipethinker:

Maia

April 19th, 2007, 08:29 AM

A belated thanks Phoenix! I hadn't looked back at this thread till today.

wingeing Pom

April 24th, 2007, 03:15 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm Greg Parker, the guy that collaborates with Noel Carboni - I have an observatory in the New Forest, Hampshire, U.K. I came across this site via self-Googling (I know I could go blind) as Noel had put some of our images on here.
I'm Professor of Photonics at the University of Southampton which sounds a lot better than it actually is, and at present I'm only really interested in deep-sky astrophotography (pretty pictures).
Great site you have here, and of course a great country you have for this hobby :)
Greg

phoenix

April 24th, 2007, 06:01 AM

Hey Greg

Welcome to the site, your images are simply stunning as of said to Noel keep them coming.You and Noel are one heck of a team. :welldone:
You have mastered the craft very well.

Cheers Jason :pipethinker:

Maia

April 24th, 2007, 06:43 PM

Hi Greg,

I'm Maia,and welcome from me too.

Radar

April 24th, 2007, 11:46 PM

Hey Greg, welcome aboard mate. :thumbsupmate:

Your photos are inspiring to say the least.

How long have you been teaching photonics? I'm not even sure what it is. :duh:

Ray

wingeing Pom

April 25th, 2007, 12:19 AM

Thank you for the warm welcome everyone :)
Ray - I've been teaching for 20 b***y years in exactly 3 days time - not that I'm counting the days of course.
Photonics is electronics but using photons instead of electrons, my particular speciality are things called photonic crystals which are also called "semiconductors for light". Although I am pretty cheesed off being in the same place for 20 years, I now have the next year off all teaching and admin to start up a new group on "optical biomimetics" which is basically pinching Nature's solutions to optical problems and implementing them using better materials. Must admit I find this an exciting idea.

All the best,
Greg

scorpius

April 25th, 2007, 10:47 PM

Welcome to the group Greg, if you think you don't have time for anything else, wait until you retire, that's when the action really starts ....

Ray I am surprised you didnt know photonics was taking advertising photos of Tonic Water. Tut tut :pipethinker:
Ex Pom

Thought of the day
If you don't know the answer, invent one you can only be 50% wrong

Radar

April 26th, 2007, 01:20 AM

That is a long time teaching photonics Greg. It's fitting that you are a CCD imager. I bet you have a few special tweaks for those CCD cameras. I did electronic engineering when I left school, it is a great field to know. I left the course early and started off a tv / video repair business which I did for a few years.

Ray I am surprised you didnt know photonics was taking advertising photos of Tonic Water. Tut tut :pipethinker:

I knew it had something to do with soft drinks Dave, just wasn't sure what. :duh:

wingeing Pom

April 26th, 2007, 06:09 PM

Check out tomorrow's [27th April] EPOD guys [Earth Science Picture of the Day] - not as famous as APOD, but quite a nice site.
Greg

Draig

April 26th, 2007, 09:33 PM

Thanks for the Head's Up Greg.

Here is the link for anyone else. http://epod.usra.edu/

CHeers Colin

PeterN

June 12th, 2007, 06:55 PM

Hi,

I'm Peter and live and work in Norflok. UK. Only really got into Astronomy about 2 years ago and enjoy Imaging and Comet watching. I work in the Satellite Coms Industry designing and building coms equipment. Other hoddies include our Small Holding here in darkest Norfolk. Saw the site in The Sky at Night Mag.

Regards,

Peter

AstroTasmania

June 12th, 2007, 07:34 PM

Hi PeterN,

Welcome to the group, you will find us a pretty helpful and friendly mob. I used to live outside Leeds (Headingley) until I saw the skies "Down Under" and left the Leeds Medical School to be a foundation staff member in the new Clinical School in Hobart, a beaut city and a great place to live.

Clear skies...

Shevill

phoenix

June 12th, 2007, 07:50 PM

Hey Peter.

Welcome to the site.:thumbsupmate:

Cheers Jason.:pipethinker:

Draig

June 12th, 2007, 08:10 PM

Hi Peter,

Welcome to the site. I think you'll enjoy this site.

We do have a few English types around - and most of the people are harmless.

Cheers Colin

Radar

June 13th, 2007, 10:03 AM

G'day Peter,

Welcome to the site mate. Are you getting any clear nights there at the moment?

What equipment do you image with?

Cheers

Ray :thumbsupmate:

scorpius

June 14th, 2007, 07:48 AM

Blast Bor a good ole Norfolk man he say.. G'Day from an ex Norfolk bloke. Welcome to the group, hope you enjoy being member of the group.
Regards Dave ex Norwich etc came here in 68. :Chessy_Smile:

wakaleo

June 14th, 2007, 12:19 PM

Impakt

July 6th, 2007, 09:39 PM

Ray dragged me here kicking and screaming from 'cloudy nights' so I thought I'd introduce myself.

My name is impakt/storm/paul - take your pick ;)
I am 32 and live about 40 kms outside of Albany WA. I used to help out at WARO (the AGWA site) before I moved down here and I've been interested in astronomy and cosmology since I started primary school but I have become disillusioned with mainstream astronomy over the years.

I currently own an 80mm refractor but am in the process of getting a 14" LX200R along with a bunch of other goodies. I'll be doing a lot of imaging with a baader mod canon 350D DSLR and Mead DSI pro II.

Other interests include model rocketry and I am the webmaster for the Perth Advanced rocket club and Australian rocketry Forum (currently on long service leave from the rocketry forum).

Nice to be here and thanks for the invite Ray.

cheers!

Radar

July 7th, 2007, 08:58 AM

G'day Paul,

14inch LX200? Very nice mate, you'll be loving that. You must have some nice dark skies where you are as well. Looking forward to seeing your first images through the 14.

Are you already using the Meade DSI?

Ray

Impakt

July 7th, 2007, 06:26 PM

Hi Ray,

I have great dark skies and a good outlook in all directions from my location.

I dont have the DSI yet - I'll get it along with the main scope and 80mm mead 5000 apo guidescope plus various other junk - that way I pay shipping once. I'll mostly use the DSI as an autoguider but will image with it from time to time. The 350D will do most of the work.

I'll post first light images once I'm all set up. Still need to build the observatory.

Paul

Radar

July 7th, 2007, 11:14 PM

Hi Paul,

What kind of observatory are you going to build? Dome or Roll Off Roof? I wish I had your skies.

Ray

phoenix

July 8th, 2007, 08:04 AM

G'day Paul.

Welcome to the site.:thumbsupmate:

Cheers Jason :pipethinker:

Draig

July 8th, 2007, 10:26 AM

Hi Paul

Welcome to the site.

Cheers Colin

whmacs

July 8th, 2007, 11:02 AM

Impakt

July 8th, 2007, 12:57 PM

What kind of observatory are you going to build? Dome or Roll Off Roof?
It will be 'domeish' the building will be a 3m x 3m suare with an octagonal shaped cylindrical roof. If that makes any sense...

Cheers Jason
Tantaris Jason? Or another Jason? :)

And thanks to all others for the welcome.

Radar

July 8th, 2007, 05:09 PM

Hi Guys,
Another new member here. My name is Stephen and I'm from Newcastle NSW. I've been out of astronomy for a while now, but have developed a renewed interest since I picked up a Canon 400D digital camera. Up until now I've been using a ST-237a. All I need now is some fine weather to give it a try! Anyway I just wanted to say hello. The link in my sig contains a bit more inform about what I've been up to.

P.S. Ray, I sent you a PM, but it says your inbox is full and won't accept any more PM's.

Regards,
Stephen

G'day Steve, welcome to the site. Yeah I noticed my inbox was full this morning. I've emptied it now. How long have you had the St237a for? How would you rate it?

Ray

It will be 'domeish' the building will be a 3m x 3m suare with an octagonal shaped cylindrical roof. If that makes any sense...

Look forward to seeing pics of it Paul. I will hopefully have some kind of observatory by the end of the year as well. Can you get broadband from where you are?

It was Tantaris Jason. You should be able to access the thread now if you want.

Regards

Ray

AstroTasmania

July 8th, 2007, 05:26 PM

Hi Stephen,

Welcome to the group, you guys have been having a tough time up there with the weather, maybe you get a break and do some astronomy.

Best Wishes,

Clear skies...

Shevill

phoenix

July 8th, 2007, 08:37 PM

Hey Stephen

Welcome to this great site:thumbsupmate:

Cheers Jason :pipethinker:

Tantaris Jason? Or another Jason? :)

And thanks to all others for the welcome.

Another Jason :pipethinker:

orion

July 9th, 2007, 06:36 PM

Hi All.....

I better do something about introducing myself.
Some of you know me from the DIY section of the forum.

I also live in Newcastle NSW and am a committee member of the Newcastle Astronomical Societyhttp://www.nas.org.au/ hence my avatar.

I have always been interested in astronomy but in years past with other commitments astronomy was put on the back burner. I remember that years later I was walking past a Pawn Brokers shop front window and there was a refractor for $200 and I said to myself if only one day!

Well here I am now, half way through the construction of my third telescope and reminding myself of that refractor at the window that at the time I could never have.

Astro Dave

July 9th, 2007, 07:10 PM

Hi All.....

I remember that years later I was walking past a Porn Br-ockers shop front window and there was a refractor for $200 and I said to myself if only one day!

Heh heh,... had to chuckle. I hope you meant 'pawn' broker there Ed old chap?

orion

July 9th, 2007, 07:16 PM

Thanks for the heads up Dave..lol

Impakt

July 9th, 2007, 08:03 PM

Can you get broadband from where you are?
Yes and no...I can get sat, but there's no way I am paying what they want for a sub quality service. Why do you ask?

Radar

July 10th, 2007, 03:02 AM

Yes and no...I can get sat, but there's no way I am paying what they want for a sub quality service. Why do you ask?

Hi Paul,

I ask because living forty clicks out of Albany must be awesome for Astronomy, and if we ever move house again, I want it to be a place with dark skies (somewhere like you are), but I know once you get a certain distance from a telephone exchange broadband becomes unavailable. I am a broadband freak. I watch so much video streaming via broadband, if and when we ever move out to an area like where you are, I hope I can keep my broadband. Can't see myself using Satellite with the prices either.

Ray

whmacs

July 10th, 2007, 03:12 AM

Hi Ray,
Thanks for the warm welcome! I've had the St-237a for about 5 years. It's been a good camera and I've mainly being using it in Hyperstar mode. It's been a great introduction to imaging, now with the purchase of the Canon 400D and an 80ED, I'm hoping to get back into it. I've just also purchased a QHY CCD camera that I will be using for guiding the N11GPS (it has USB and an ST4 guide port) with the 80ED mounted on top for imaging. I'm hoping this will replace the ST-237a.

cheers,
Stephen

G'day Steve, welcome to the site. Yeah I noticed my inbox was full this morning. I've emptied it now. How long have you had the St237a for? How would you rate it?

Ra

whmacs

July 10th, 2007, 03:14 AM

Thanks Shevill,
It's the old story, buy some new astro gear and you don't see stars for month :)

Regards,
Stephen

Hi Stephen,

Welcome to the group, you guys have been having a tough time up there with the weather, maybe you get a break and do some astronomy.

Best Wishes,

Clear skies...

Shevill

Xunil

July 10th, 2007, 05:34 PM

Hiya Everyone!

I'm called Terry (Tel) & I'm from the UK, down in Devon for any of you that know it. I'm fairly freshly into Astronomy, but in my 4 months or so I've grabbed myself a cheap pair of bins and joined the local astronomical society. Seeing has been pretty dreadful, although I've been out on every night I can see a few stars, trying to learn the sky a little before I buy myself a scope. I'm still looking into that last, trying to get a good scope but without spending too much, something good for a beginner that i'll be able to have a good look at saturn and jupiter with, as well as seeing some deeper sky objects.

I'm thinking of leaving the goto thing alone for now, and opting for better optics and an equatorial mount, so that in the future I can try my hand at photography.

Anyway, It's cool to find some forums based around Astronomy! It seems such a lonely hobby when I'm out there under the stars.

Pleased to meet you all!

Tel.

Radar

July 10th, 2007, 05:51 PM

Xunil

July 10th, 2007, 06:42 PM

G'day Tel,

Welcome to the site.

With the scope purchase, dobsonians are pretty good value for money. They yield good views of things like Saturn and Deep Space Objects. The only downside is that they are not equatorially mounted. Also a newtonian mounted on an equatorial mount is always a versatile investment. With a setup like this, visual + photography can be done.

It's good that you want to leave the goto ability alone for now, this will only increase your knowledge and appreciation of the night sky.

You obviously prefer Linux systems?

Ray

Thanks for the welcome Ray!

I think that I would opt for a Dobsonian if it weren't for the size, I have a two bedroom house at the moment, sharing it with the Wife and two kids, so it would be selfish to get anything that will take up bags of room. As it is, any scope worth getting is going to be a sizeable lump. I'm currently interested in the Europa 150 f/5 DeLuxe, which comes out well in various group tests - notably getting 93% in the Jan 07 issue of Sky at Night magazine. At £459 it's at the top end of my price range for a first scope, and comes with an overkill Vixen GPE Polaris mount so if I want a larger tube at a later date I can upgrade. The only thing i'm unsure about is the lack of a motor drive to counteract the earth's rotation - will this be a problem before I take up photography? Can a motor be added somehow later?

Yes, I'm a lunix nut, although i'll happily use anything that is good for the job, so I use XP based PC's and Macs too. Linux is good for tasks which need to work the same, day in day out without any messing about - servers and suchlike, although desktop distro's are getting better.

EDIT: Actually, i'll repost this over in the right spot, I dont want to hi-jack the thread - thanks for the welcome!

phoenix

July 10th, 2007, 06:51 PM

Hey Tel

Welcome to the site mate :thumbsupmate:

Cheers Jason :pipethinker:

Impakt

July 10th, 2007, 08:55 PM

I ask because living forty clicks out of Albany must be awesome for Astronomy,
You bet! When you get a good night, you get a VERY good night! Right now fog is a bit of a problem :-/

once you get a certain distance from a telephone exchange broadband becomes unavailable. I am a broadband freak.
Yeah...there are places down the road a bit (Bornholm) where you can get DSL and there has been talk about getting wireless broadband but nothing has happened there yet. Theres quite a few areas with dark skys and breadband...just got to shop around :)

Radar

July 10th, 2007, 10:57 PM

Hi Xunil, I've replied to your other thread mate.

You bet! When you get a good night, you get a VERY good night! Right now fog is a bit of a problem :-/

I'm very envious Paul. I bet you can't wait to setup your observatory.

Ray

Impakt

July 10th, 2007, 11:12 PM

I'm chomping at the bit to get things moving. I just heard from the bank tonight so I should have finance in the next two weeks. Then I imagine I'll have to wait about 3 months for delivery of the scope which I'm getting from Bintel :(

Radar

July 11th, 2007, 05:28 PM

Impakt

July 11th, 2007, 08:22 PM

Mead 14" LX200R

wakaleo

August 11th, 2007, 06:29 AM

My name is impakt/storm/paul - take your pick ;)

Another new member here. My name is Stephen and I'm from Newcastle NSW.

Hi All.....
My name is Eduardo most know me as Eddie or Ed for short.

I'm called Terry (Tel) & I'm from the UK, down in Devon for any of you that know it.

Gidday Paul, Stephen, Eduardo and Terry. Welcome to the site.

Jim

timthelder

August 16th, 2007, 02:35 AM

Hi all,

My name is Tim,I'm looking forward to conversing with everyone.Now,I'm off to look for some cheap 82' AFOV plossl's.;)

phoenix

August 16th, 2007, 05:46 AM

Hi Tim.

Welcome to the site.:thumbsupmate:

Cheers Jason.:pipethinker:

Radar

August 16th, 2007, 12:58 PM

Hi all,

My name is Tim,I'm looking forward to conversing with everyone.Now,I'm off to look for some cheap 82' AFOV plossl's.;)

G'day Tim,

Welcome aboard. Good luck with the eyepieces.

Where abouts are you based?

Ray

wakaleo

August 17th, 2007, 04:08 PM

Gidday Tim

Welcome aboard!

Jim

timthelder

August 18th, 2007, 01:21 AM

G'day Tim,

Welcome aboard. Good luck with the eyepieces.

Where abouts are you based?

Ray

Howdy Ray,I'm located in Bowling Green Ky,USA,about 37'north Lat,86'west Long.Or in other words,approximately halfway around the terra firma from you.

Radar

August 18th, 2007, 02:56 AM

Howdy Ray,I'm located in Bowling Green Ky,USA,about 37'north Lat,86'west Long.Or in other words,approximately halfway around the terra firma from you.

Wow! Kentucky, that is a long way. I had a quick look on google maps, looks like you have some nice countryside around you. Handy for dark skies.

What kind of sport do they play in Bowling Green? Woops! Forget I asked. :Chessy_Smile:

Ray

timthelder

August 18th, 2007, 09:16 PM

Wow! Kentucky, that is a long way. I had a quick look on google maps, looks like you have some nice countryside around you. Handy for dark skies.

What kind of sport do they play in Bowling Green? Woops! Forget I asked. :Chessy_Smile:

Ray

Actually,My backyard isn't bad as far as viewing the skies go.I get a minimal amount of light pollution from BG,in the west(I live about 15 miles out of the city),the worst comes from the windows on the back of the house.For some reason my wife won't let me board them over...

The way this area is growing(population,factories,etc.)It probably won't be long till pollution will become a problem.

Countryside...rolling,slightly hilly,lots of trees/wooded acres...I wish it would stay that way.

Sports,Bowling Green is a college town,home of Western Kentucky University.Basketball is the big sport around here.

One of these days I plan to head to Australia,thers something appealing about that continent....Tim

wakaleo

August 19th, 2007, 06:51 AM

Gidday Tim

Your little part of the world sounds rather nice mate. As you remark, it may not stay that way for long though.

Many (make that many, many) years ago when I was a young whipper-snapper, my Dad had a 78rpm record (remember them? Big, round, black acetate disc with a small hole in the middle and a spiral groove on each side!) of jazz music, and one of the tunes on it was about Bowling Green. The chorus went like this:

"Well I'm long gone, from Kentucky
Long gone, ain't I lucky
Long gone, what I mean
Is that I'm long gone brother, from Bowling Green."

I've always wondered why the singer sounded so happy to be gone from BG. Do you have any idea?

Jim

timthelder

August 20th, 2007, 01:25 AM

Hey there Jim,

I have a few of those 78rpm records myself(nothing to play them on),I've heard the song you were talking about.Back in the 1920's&30's,Bowling Green had a little bit of crime.It had a nickname,it was called 'Little Chicago'.This might be the reason for the happy to get away from here song you speak of.

I have some Warren County(B.G. is located in this county),fact and folklore books,I believe there is a story in there about this particular song,I will look if I can find it,I will post it for you.

On another note...Years ago there used to be a woman named Pauline.She ran a brothel here.(actually several in it's heydey.)When they tore down the whorehouse the bricks were sold as souveniers,fetched a pretty penny they did.Ofcourse this was before my time...Nice to know you Jim.::eartoear:

wakaleo

August 25th, 2007, 03:21 PM

Years ago there used to be a woman named Pauline.She ran a brothel here.(actually several in it's heydey.)When they tore down the whorehouse the bricks were sold as souveniers,fetched a pretty penny they did.Ofcourse this was before my time...Nice to know you Jim.::eartoear:

Some people will buy anything! ;-)

I've researched that song a little and you are right on the money - seems the singer (song composer?) got into a bit of strife in BG and shot through like a Bondi tram! I'd still be interested in what you can find out though.

Nice to know you too, Tim.

kala83

September 28th, 2007, 05:30 AM

hello my name is Sarah I am from the Midwestern sate of Missouri in the U.S. I used to be really into Astronomy when I was in High School (was in an Astronomy club at my school)...and totally loved it! Always wanted to do a class on it but never got the chance to. The most I have done is star gazing..and some telescope work (but in all honesty I don't know how to use one too very well even regular ones, though I would love to eventually get a higher powered one at some point) Would like to get into, Astronomical photography...which I know nothing about.
Hopefully I can learn a bit more about all the stuff I want to by joining this forum. I really miss doing Astronomical hobbies and would really like to get back into it again.

Radar

September 28th, 2007, 11:39 AM

G'day Sarah,

Welcome to the site.

(but in all honesty I don't know how to use one too very well even regular ones, though I would love to eventually get a higher powered one at some point) Would like to get into, Astronomical photography...which I know nothing about.Hopefully I can learn a bit more about all the stuff I want to by joining this forum.

There is a wealth of knowledge spread across this forum, so hopefully we can get you up and running in no time at all.

Are your skies very light polluted in Columbia Missouri?

Cheers

Ray

kala83

September 29th, 2007, 09:13 AM

G'day Sarah,

Welcome to the site.

There is a wealth of knowledge spread across this forum, so hopefully we can get you up and running in no time at all.

Are your skies very light polluted in Columbia Missouri?

Cheers

Ray

Well not really polluted just hard to see unless you are outside the city since its a pretty fairly populated place.

CanisMajorTom

September 29th, 2007, 12:27 PM

welcome to the site Sarah :thumbsupmate:

wakaleo

October 1st, 2007, 04:48 PM

Welcome Sarah. You'll find plenty of good information and helpful advice on this forum, just as I have. All I need now is the spare time to put the advice to use!

Jim

kala83

October 2nd, 2007, 09:31 AM

Well thanks for offers of help really what I am most interested in is Astronomical Photography and finding a new Telescope to use at some point soon. I can't really purchase anything right now..since I am wayy short on cash. But I would like to start researching so I had an idea what I wanted.
Any advise on the matter would be great too!

AstroBob

October 2nd, 2007, 04:50 PM

hi Sarah, are you more interested in ccd or film photography?

ta

B.C

TheThing

October 10th, 2007, 10:14 PM

Thought I should start off with a quick 'Hello!'

Found this site whilst thumbing thru some old copies of S@N magazine - was advertised in April this year. Not sure how I missed it then!

Anyway, I'm very much an amatuer, having been involved in astronomy for about 4 years now and on my 3rd scope (see signature for current details) - just don't mention Skywatcher 130's!

I'm fairly regular at my local society - Croydon Astro (that's sort of south of London) and have just been trained up on using the society's 14" Meade LX200 at their observatory, so am up for some serious veiwing now!

Radar

October 10th, 2007, 11:39 PM

G'day The Thing,

Welcome to the site. Croydon? I stayed there last time I was in London. Was cold from memory.

14inch LX200 sounds like fun, where abouts is the society's observatory?

Cheers

Ray

Tenacious Del

October 11th, 2007, 01:48 PM

hi thing, you must have some serious light pollution living in London. good to know that astronomy lives in big cities like that though.

Del :thumbsupmate:

TheThing

October 11th, 2007, 05:33 PM

Thanks for your welcomes.

The Croydon Astronomical Society's observatory is at a place called Kenley, which is just south of Croydon. It's better known as the site of a WWII airfield.

Light pollution is very bad round here, but we struggle on! Luckily, I surrounded by Common land, which buffers it a bit, but the view north and east is very washed out by London. Kenley suffers as well, but again is not too bad to the south and west, being on the outskirts.

Radar

October 11th, 2007, 10:50 PM

Hi Thing, do you do any astrophotography?

Ray

wakaleo

October 12th, 2007, 05:46 AM

Gidday 'The Thing' and welcome to the site.

I'd be seriously depressed if I had to endure the light-polluted skies it seems you have around Kenley.

TheThing

October 17th, 2007, 10:45 PM

No, radar, no astrophotography. I'm an observor only.

Light pollution? to quote Blink 182 'Sometimes it makes me laugh, Sometimes I want to take my toaster in the bath!'

little legs

December 17th, 2007, 06:54 PM

Hi all,

I'm Karah and was recommended by a couple of people to join up here. Been lurking around for a while and you all seem a friendly bunch and very helpful so here i am.

Been interested in the heavens since a kid but didn't get my first scope until February this year. Now have 2 scopes, Skywatcher 130pm and a Celestron 4 SE and now have got hooked on imaging with a webcam. Main object at the mo is the Moon, being the easiest to learn on and have just started to try Mars. Live just outside of London so LP is a BIG problem.
You can see some of my attempts at my blog http://karahsastronomy.blogspot.com/(be gentle:wink: )

Look forward to annoying you all with my questions and my attempts at imaging.

TheThing

December 17th, 2007, 06:58 PM

Hi Karah!

Fancy meeting you here!

Look forward to seeing more of you fantastic moon shots!

little legs

December 17th, 2007, 07:06 PM

That was quick!!!! Can't get away from me now:tongue:

gyro

December 17th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Hi Karah,
Welcome to the site from North Yorkshire.....clear but coooooold.

Radar

December 17th, 2007, 10:31 PM

G'day from Western Australia Karah,

I checked out your blog, it's good to see your progress with Mars. I'm hoping to image Mars this month and I'll be going through the exact same learning curve as you most likely.

I noticed you made some references to software called Gimp. From the planetary imaging tutorials I've read, I haven't really heard of this program before, what exactly does it do?

Cheers

Ray :woot:

little legs

December 17th, 2007, 11:42 PM

Thanks for the welcomes,

Yep, coooold here. Ice started to form on my scope last night, gave up when i couldn't feel my fingers.....

Thank you Ray for the kind comment on my images of Mars. Not as easy as it looks. As to Gimp, it's not much different to photoshop so i've been told, and it's FREE. Just look up Gimp 2.4 in Google search bar. Does most things i need for now, money going on other accessories that to me are that bit more important, barlow lens, crayford focuser, filters etc, so most of my software is the free stuff(not that i'm tight, honest!!!)

gyro

December 18th, 2007, 12:01 AM

so most of my software is the free stuff(not that i'm tight, honest!!!)

Check out the Software threads, Radar recently gave the :thumbsupmate: to the Stellarium freeware.

Being south of Watford you have little risk of a "tight tag", where-as Yorkie Tykes.......

Tenacious Del

December 18th, 2007, 12:29 AM

so most of my software is the free stuff(not that i'm tight, honest!!!)

lol I'm tight with my money and proud of it (i can't afford not to be, honest!) :biggrin: :biggrin:

ice on the telescope? never heard of that before, ouch!

welcome to myastrospace :smile: :smile:

Del

timthelder

December 18th, 2007, 01:34 AM

Welcome to the site Karah,

Nice blogspot,your prowess at astrophotography is coming right along.I think you'll feel right at home here.

Ice started to form on my scope last night, gave up when i couldn't feel my fingers.....

I use a dewzapper($40US),it works pretty well if you turn it on as soon as you get the scope out.One of the members on here made one,info on how-to,is in the forums.

THE THING.

Howdy Thing.I'm sorry,I missed your introduction somehow,but welcome to MAS!

Radar

December 18th, 2007, 07:21 PM

Interesting Karah, I'll check Gimp out, thanks.

Keep us up to date with your planetary imaging progress :smile:

Ray

little legs

December 22nd, 2007, 06:34 PM

Thank you again for the welcomes everyone:smile:

Been a bit busy with xmas but i promise when i manage to get outside and take some decent pics i will post them.

Radar

December 22nd, 2007, 09:29 PM

Hey Karah, what does little legs mean? (if you don't mind me asking). :biggrin:

little legs

December 23rd, 2007, 02:22 AM

Now if i tell you, i don't want all the jokes starting:wink:

I never made it past the 5 foot mark,i'm 4' 11" and can fit into 15 yr old kids jeans for lenth, so my nickname was little legs. Has stuck ever since:biggrin:

Radar

December 23rd, 2007, 03:25 AM

lol, that's not anything to laugh at :wink:

But I can see the funny side. I guess being able to wear the kids clothes is always a bonus :biggrin:

BTW Karah, my mother was born in Kent. Not sure exactly where though.

Ray

malcant

January 3rd, 2008, 02:05 PM

Hi y'all

My first post here, though i have been a member for a few weeks now. An astronomy mate of mine found this site so I thought Ik would give it a go.

I'm from Perth, SOR, Western Australia. I have two little 75mm refractors, A personal solar telescope and a 12" Orion intelliscope. I have two friends that share the same interest and they have scopes as well. One has an 8" meade lx90 cassegraine, and the other has an 8" meade lx75.

I like to spend alot of time out looking at the night sky through my 12". I even bought two 2" eye pieces for it, a 26mm and a 38mm. I even bought a good 2" eyepice filter kit. I used to hate daylight saving when it first came to W.A., but since I bought my solar telescope, I don't care about the time. lol..

My favourite things to look at are Saturn, jupiter, the moon's crescent, Nebulae, star clusters and the sun.

Radar

January 3rd, 2008, 03:26 PM

Welcome to the site mate.

There are a few Perthlings on here. Is your LX90 friend called Steve?

I used to hate daylight saving when it first came to W.A., but since I bought my solar telescope, I don't care about the time. lol..

lol, :biggrin:

I love daylight saving. Can't get enough of it. I know it means starting one hour later for astronomy, but by the time I get my act together I'm not usually ready to start imaging until 9.30, so daylight saving for me should be called night time saving.

Do you do any imaging Mal?

Ray

malcant

January 3rd, 2008, 03:59 PM

My lx90 mate is named Kim. He has an lpi imager, which he has use on a handfull of times. My other mate, witht he lxd75 has a dsi but he hasnt had his equipment long.. He says he wants to get used to his scope before he starts mucking around with his dsi.
I, on the other hand have not done anything with imaging. My scope is hand driven. For the time being, I like to look at kewl stuff through my eyepiece, Like Saturn, Omega Century or the Carina area for example.
Late on, I want to get a 16" lightbridge. I am going to look into the possibility of attaching argo narvis to it.

Mick

January 3rd, 2008, 05:33 PM

Welcome aboard malcant. :biggrin: I have a PST as well great little scope.

Radar

January 4th, 2008, 01:25 AM

I want to get a 16" lightbridge. I am going to look into the possibility of attaching argo narvis to it.

That would be a deluxe setup Mal. You would be glued to the eyepiece for years.

Ray

malcant

January 7th, 2008, 09:47 PM

It would be a great set up to get a 16" lightbridge with argo narvis. But for now, I am happy with my 12" intelliscope. It takes less than a minute to set up before I can start viewing and the views are great.

Tenacious Del

January 8th, 2008, 04:10 AM

Welcome to the site mate :smile:

ibelieveinyou

January 8th, 2008, 10:32 AM

Hi, I am Dave from Hobbs, NM.
Great site.
I am new to all this, so please forgive my naivete.
First question: If our Milky Way galaxy is linear, how did Voyager I and Voyager II get through the Asteroid Belt?
Second question: Again, if our Milky Way galaxy is linear, then how is the Oort Cloud spherical?
Thank you for your time reading this. I look forward to your responses.

Radar

January 8th, 2008, 01:06 PM

G'day Dave,

Welcome to the site.

Those questions you ask are very good. I have some answers for you, but if possible can you repost your questions at the following link because this thread is more for introducing new members -

http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=24

That link above will take you through to the scientific theories, concepts section which is where we sink our teeth into these kinds of topics.

Cheers :wink:

Ray

poppasmurf

January 8th, 2008, 05:06 PM

Hi everyone, my name is Shane,I am 41yo, I live in Wangaratta, North East Victoria, I have long GUNNA get a telescope to enjoy the wonders above, the family got me a 114mm newt for my 40th and I love it. Get out as often as possible, also have plans to build observatory; when the missus will let me; which includes a bigger scope. For work I am a production engineer, sounds cool hey, its really just a fancy name for engineering labourer. Found the site ad in sky and space mag though for some reason I prefer australian sky and telescope mag.

Mick

January 8th, 2008, 06:43 PM

Hello and welcome Shane and Dave. :biggrin:

hpcoolahan

January 8th, 2008, 06:48 PM

Hi there Poppasmurf ,
And welcome to the site.

I think it was you ,that has the plans i used to build my observatory,,, good luck and i hope you get permission soon.

Its great to hear someone with enthusiasim getting into Astronomy,, is a great but sometimes expensive hobby.

Look forward to sharing this adventure with you.

Clear Skies
Pat

Radar

January 9th, 2008, 01:32 AM

poppasmurf

January 9th, 2008, 02:25 PM

G'day Ray, light pollution isn't too bad here although there is a VERY annoying street light fro the street behind me. Poppasmurf is a nickname one of my friends uses, he thinks that because i'm short and my fav colour is blue it 's appropriate.

Hi Pat, yeah same plans. I'm just about to look at the yahoo link you listed.

CanisMajorTom

January 10th, 2008, 12:42 AM

Hi Shane. what kind of telescope do you intend putting in the observatory?

:smile:

timthelder

January 10th, 2008, 01:05 PM

Welcome to MAS, Malcant, Dave , Steve...
Feel free to exchange info, chime in on the discussions, post pic's, ask questions, put in input and enjoy the site, it's a great place to visit.:smile:

poppasmurf

January 11th, 2008, 10:33 AM

G'day canismajortom, undecide as yet, but would like to get either a Celestron sgt xlt or Meade sct or Meade sn, up to 10-12". As usual I still gotta convince the Boss (wife) to let me start on my plans........hell will freeze over soon won't it?

timthelder

January 11th, 2008, 12:31 PM

Hi, poppasmurf,

Radar made a little suggestion that's been working really well for me...

BUY IT FIRST, then tell her...Don't forget to duck!:putz:

(If I could just figure out how to make an observatory suddenly appear...:confused:

malcant

January 11th, 2008, 04:47 PM

tell the wife to decide between the scope you want to buy or a $40,000 boat to go fishing with... my bet she'll say the scope. lol

Radar

January 12th, 2008, 12:38 AM

tell the wife to decide between the scope you want to buy or a $40,000 boat to go fishing with... my bet she'll say the scope. lol

lol, that could actually work. :hmm:

little legs

January 12th, 2008, 07:01 PM

Hi and welcome Dave n Shane.

Hi, poppasmurf,

BUY IT FIRST, then tell her...Don't forget to duck!

You'll have to do a lot of ducking in my house for a good month!!
Buy her something she really wants, do some of that housework that you men hate without her asking and it should be NOOOOO problem. Works with me, thats how i got my scope in the first place and hubby got what he wanted:wink::biggrin:

LJF

January 13th, 2008, 04:48 AM

Hi everybody (sorry, but this might be long)

First off please call me Logan.

I found out about this site by googling. I just tried different sites, and after scoping it out i realised this might just be the place for me.

I love astronomy. I used to have a cruddy telescope but it (litteraly) fell apart. :I_ANGR~14: So right now im using a pair of binoculars.

I am also trying some really basic astrophotography with a little digital camera.(maily the moon ans cool star formations, i dont know if they're constellations)

I come from Derry, Pennsylvania, USA. A residential town about 80 miles east of Ptttsburgh.(for any who have sympanthy, i appreciate it). I have a little light pollution from around my house. But real close by there is a little fied from where i can see some stuff decently. But when i go out to where my uncle lives it is an amazingly clear and light pollution free sky.:eartoear:

I've read all the other posts on this thread and from what i see, im the youngest. Im only 14.:noob:

Im really the only one around where i live thats into astronomy. (it stinks i dont have any astro buddies.):crying23:

I dont know too much about astronomy yet. I got into it when i was about 8 and i saw this amazing artists rendition of of a nebula. It just shocked me to my core.:biggrin:

Astronomy is also not the only ting im into. I like to talk about physics and other brances of science. Also i enjoy theroizong how space travel could be made more realistic.

P.S. Im sorry to anyone who read all of this.:cool!:

Radar

January 13th, 2008, 06:24 AM

Astronomy is also not the only ting im into. I like to talk about physics and other brances of science. Also i enjoy theroizong how space travel could be made more realistic.

G'day Logan, welcome to the site mate. I love talking about other branches of science, physics, and theorizing as well. I think this stuff is healthy thinking.

Got any theories you'd like to share?

Ray

Mick

January 13th, 2008, 07:12 AM

Welcome to the forum Logan. :biggrin:

Tenacious Del

January 13th, 2008, 04:36 PM

hi mate. welcome to the site. :smile:

timthelder

January 14th, 2008, 04:02 AM

Hi Logan, and welcome to the site.There's plenty of room for theories, ideas, questions and discussions here. Don't forget to take note of a lot of the helpful tutorials from the links on the home page.:thumbsupmate:

CanisMajorTom

January 14th, 2008, 06:00 AM

Hi Logan,

14? When I was 14 astronomy didn't have anywhere near the nice toys it has now. This is a good time to get involved, heaps more options to take these days.

:woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot:

LJF

January 14th, 2008, 10:06 AM

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Got any theories you'd like to share?

I do have a few. I'll start a thread on some of my theories. And you guys can tell me why. I'm completely insane.:lmao:

poppasmurf

January 14th, 2008, 10:37 AM

Hi Logan, you'll find plenty of asto buddies here. Don't think of yourself as the youngest think of yourself as the one with the longest time to gain expertise, not like some of us older newbies. Once again welcome ......Cheers Shane

Radar

January 14th, 2008, 04:50 PM

I'll start a thread on some of my theories. And you guys can tell me why. I'm completely insane.:lmao:

I'm looking forward to it mate.:biggrin:

Ray

GTB_an_Owl

February 8th, 2008, 09:06 PM

Hi folks

my first post here

some of you will recognise the avatar

looking forward to what is on offer here

geoff

timthelder

February 8th, 2008, 10:07 PM

Hi Owl,

A fine Howdy do to ya. Lookin forward to your input in the forums.

Tim

GTB_an_Owl

February 8th, 2008, 10:10 PM

thanks Tim

yet to have a good look round
plenty of cloud and rain here atm - so i guess that will be sooner rather than later

geoff

Radar

February 8th, 2008, 11:10 PM

G'day Geoff,

Welcome to the site.

At least I'm not the only one with bad weather at the moment.

So you are based in Sydney, I hope the light pollution is not too bad.

What does the owl represent? I'm thinking that the owl is symbolic of being up at night time, but I'm probably way off :crazy:

All the best mate.

Ray

GTB_an_Owl

February 8th, 2008, 11:51 PM

No

your exactly right Radar

nearly always up till about 3am and love our monthly all nite observing sessions up on the mountain

geoff

GTB_an_Owl

February 8th, 2008, 11:54 PM

Mangrove Mountain on the Central Coast that is Ray - not Sydney

halfway between Sydney and Newcastle (Gosford)

geoff

Radar

February 9th, 2008, 12:40 AM

I just Google Earthed you Geoff. I'm not really that familiar with the East Coast, but Google Earth makes me an expert in seconds (kind of). :biggrin:

Lots of lovely lake areas around Gosford. Mangrove Moutain looks like a 20 minute car ride from Gosford, but I can see how remote it is. I bet there is some great observing done from there.

I'm usually up till 3a.m as well. My sleeping patterns are terrible. I'm building an obs at the moment, so once that's done, I don't think I'll be sleeping for a while. :crazy:

Ray

Tenacious Del

February 9th, 2008, 01:22 AM

welcome to the site Owl. :smile:

GTB_an_Owl

February 9th, 2008, 08:11 AM

33°20'18.60"S 151° 9'26.37"E

these are the google earth co-ordinates to where we observe

the Mangrove Mountain Pony Club

nice flat area - good horizons

but it is not dark dark - bit of skyglow from Sydney and Gosford

but much better than where we all live

geoff

Club

Saj

February 17th, 2008, 02:20 PM

Hi, my full name is Sahaja Freed and i'm a professional artist who lives in Timmins, Ontario Canada. I'm relatively new to astronomy, as i've been interested in the subject for years and have anticipated buying equipment for the last 6 months. Though seeing as it is not the cheapest hobby to enter I had to save pennies and take advantage of Orions payment plan offered recently. As such i invested in the Sirius 8 EQ-G with a couple of accessories to begin with. I'm hoping this will make for great observaiton experiences as well as get me started in astrophotography.

I've been a hobby photographer for the past 4 years with a fair understanding of the subject and astrophotography is my ultimate objective. I know it will require much patients, but being an artist with 3 children i feel i'm certainly up to the task. I currently own a Minolta 201 film camera with a used Canon 20D soon to be mine.

There apparently isn't any astronomy clubs in my community so i thought it best to share my experience and learn from that of others involved in online communities of the same interest. It seems to me that most people involved in the hobby are very supportive and understanding of everyones limitations so i'm very anxious to be more involved. Learning and sharing has always been key to every element of my life so i'm anticipating doing the same with the many great people who make up this community.

Lurking in forums and reading peoples honest reviews is what lead me to choose the purchase i made. Now that my scope is do to arrive on the day of the Lunar Eclipse, i thought it would now be the best time to jump aboard and officially join a forum.

This is my first astronomy forum participation.
Thanks for having me.

Radar

February 17th, 2008, 06:03 PM

G'day Saj,

Welcome to the forum.

Hopefully you'll be able to get some good views of the lunar eclipse. What eyepieces did you buy with your scope?

There apparently isn't any astronomy clubs in my community

These kinds of websites are the prefect place to learn. This is how I got started many years ago.

3 kids? Wow! I have my first arriving in six weeks. I'm already exhausted. :biggrin:

Ray

Saj

February 18th, 2008, 01:40 AM

Thanks for the welcome Ray,

I receive a 25mm Sirius Plossl lens with the scope but i've also grabbed a 10mm, 2X Shorty Barlow, a polarizing filter for lunar viewing as well as a case to keep them in. I also bought a t-ring for my Minolta. I was going to get a solar filter but they are out of stock 'till the 21st and will order one as soon as they are available in hopes of maximizing my usage of the scope. I'm hoping this serves me well as an introductory package. I know little about scopes and from what i've seen this would have been my best option for the value.

As far as the eclipse goes, i'm not counting on using my new scope that night since i will have just received it but will take advantage of my knowledge of the film camera on tripod with a 200mm lens as well as my Fuji 5200 which has served me well in the past. The forecast according to the Timmins Sky Clock offered by the Canadian Meteorological Centre is calling for crisp clear skies. They have been surprisingly accurate in the 3 weeks i've been refering to them so i'm counting my lucky stars for that night.

Cheers

Mick

February 18th, 2008, 05:47 AM

Hello and welcome Saj..:smile:

timthelder

February 18th, 2008, 10:41 AM

Welcome aboard Saj,

the forums is loaded with lots of good info, and helpful members. Should make the learning curve much easier.

malcant

February 18th, 2008, 10:46 AM

hi and welcome saj.. May your new scope and equipment give you endless enjoyment at the eye piece.. Hope to see some photos come in when u get used to it.... Oh, and may the dark skies br with you.

scorpius

February 18th, 2008, 12:37 PM

G'day and welcome Saj

LJF

February 19th, 2008, 10:13 PM

hello saj
you shoud scan or take pics of some of your work so we can see it

Saj

February 19th, 2008, 11:26 PM

hello saj
you shoud scan or take pics of some of your work so we can see it

I'm not sure what work you're refering to. If you mean my artistic work i have a limited online portfolio that i've been working on that you can access through my profile info i beleive. As far as astronomical imaging goes i've yet to get my scope (due to arrive tomorrow ***hands in praying position with head towards the sky****). I did post some wide field images in the images forum that i took with my Fuji.

But ya, maybe now and again i can post stuff in the "Off Topics Forum" . I wasn't sure if it would have been appropriate, but i guess that's what that forum is for.

little legs

February 20th, 2008, 04:42 AM

Welcome to the forum Geoff n Saj:smile:

malcant

February 20th, 2008, 07:27 AM

[QUOTE=Saj;11078] As far as astronomical imaging goes i've yet to get my scope (due to arrive tomorrow ***hands in praying position with head towards the sky****).

I can say, from my own personal experience on buying astronomical equipment, I have never received anything on it's due date. Lol.. But, also from experience, I am yet to get a new toy on a day where it isn't cloudy or raining either.

I think I might invent rain and cloud filters. I could make them into a kit and sell them.. "Malcant's severe weather filters." Come rain, hail, snow or shine.

wakaleo

February 22nd, 2008, 11:42 AM

Gidday and welcome to the site Logan, Geoff, Saj and anyone else I've missed while I've been incommunicado.

Jim

Star Bear

May 14th, 2008, 04:32 PM

Hi all, I've just joined the merry band here. I'm a member of a few forums so no doubt some will already know me.

I've noticed a lot of familiar faces and a lot of not so familiar faces, so to speak.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone.

Cheers:smile:

Radar

May 14th, 2008, 05:12 PM

G'day Ric,

Welcome to the forum mate.

LX200 12inch, nice!

Ray

Mark_93

May 14th, 2008, 07:34 PM

Radar

May 14th, 2008, 08:09 PM

Stupid light pollution!
Stupid binoculars!

lol, I feel your pain Mark. :crazy:

And welcome to the site.

With variables, use this resource, just select a constellation that's overhead and it'll give you the info required.

http://www.aavso.org/observing/charts/

There are some good links at the bottom of that as well.

What made you choose the Celestron?

Cheers

Ray

Dragon Man

May 14th, 2008, 09:27 PM

Dragon Man

May 14th, 2008, 09:31 PM

Hey everyone,
I'm Mark.
I live in Melbourne.
Just kinda starting up.
Yeah.

I have really, really, really poor eqipment at the mo,
8x21 Binoculars anyone?

But soon I'm getting 10x50's and the family's getting a Clestron 130EQ.
Im trying to break into variable star astronomy, but its pretty hard because at the moment the faintest stars I can see are... 6th Magnitude.
Stupid light pollution!
Stupid binoculars!

Can't wait to get bigger ones.

Well thats all from me.

If anyone know some good variable stars that are easy to observe for beginners, tell me please!

Thankyou.

Hi Mark, welcome.

Variable Stars . . . hmmmmmm.
The only ones I can think of straight away are some of the stars in the Trapezium in M42, which sets a bit early nowdays.

No doubt someone will come in and name a whole bunch of obvious ones that I have forgotten about :biggrin:

Nothing wrong with Binocs, good way to learn the sky.

If you ever feel like a drive, we have a club up here in extremely dark sky, and most of the members live in Melbourne!!!

Link in my sig :thumbsupmate:

omaroo

May 14th, 2008, 09:46 PM

G'day Ric, Yep, I'm in here too as well as SCP. :lmao:

Good to have you here :thumbsupmate:

Like Ken says.

Mark_93

May 15th, 2008, 05:13 PM

I chose the celestron pretty much because the only shop that has telescopes near where i live is the Australian Geographic and the only ones they had were celestrons. And the celestron 130EQ is the best one we could afford, because the next one up (the 130 XLT or something or other) was twice as much. But once ive gotten into the swing of things I'll probably save up/get a bigger one for christmas or something. But really its binoculars i need at the moment.

Ken-
I'm going to try my luck with L Car.
Its Mag 3.3-4.2, so i should be able to see it ok, but the sky's cloudy now so i'll probably have to wait til tomorrow.
Yesterday it was EW CMa, but that was a flop.

Dragon Man

May 15th, 2008, 08:06 PM

Mark_93

May 19th, 2008, 10:57 AM

rogerg

May 19th, 2008, 01:29 PM

G'day all,

I don't think I've ever posted in this thread, even though I've been around for a while, so thought I'd run the gauntlet with an introduction of myself.

I'm an amateur astronomer by night and software developer by day. My third "occupation" is landscape/nature/macro photography, but less so these days (limited by time). I'm 28, and live in Perth, all be it on the eastern edge of.

My focus in astronomy varies, but it's mostly centred around astrophotography of one form or another. I have an Observatory with a 12" Classic LX200 and a portable setup of a Losmandy GM-8 with Megrez 80. I like different things about the different setups but if I had to decide the observatory setup definitely wins out. I think without the observatory I'd likely not be doing any significant amount of astronomy due to the time it would consume and the lack of free time I have to dedicate extra to astronomy.

I enjoy pushing the limits of my equipment, getting the most from what I have and getting results that surprise people. Over the last few years I've been doing a mix of regular CCD photography and what I deem "projects". Project are tasks I set myself usually with some greater purpose in mind. For example, I took on the project of photographing contents in the Hubble Deep Field South, and of photographing as many galaxies in the one FOV as possible, and now of photographing every NGC object visible from my location. The reasons? HDFS - to prove (against expectations) an amateur could photograph objects that a few years ago were so faint they weren't know at all, and to push the limits of magnitude detection. Galaxies - to maximise the potential of my small chip ST7 and to get swags of galaxies even with such a small FOV. The current NGC project - to force myself to better optimise the automation/scripting of my setup such that I can make more use of the setup even when I'm too buggered to do so.

I also have a strong interest in amateur involvement in pro astronomy, and astronomy research and so on. I've taken observations for a handfull of people over recent years and look to expand on that when able. But opportunities don't come by too often.

I would like to get more "pretty pictures" to post, both here and on my website, but it doesn't happen much, I tend to end up prioritising other things like research observations or the "projects" ahead of pretty pictures. It's also arguable that it's harder to get "pretty pictures", and there's a lot more competition in that arena.

Websites I run...
http://www.rogergroom.com
http://www.astrophotography.com.au
... and another astro one coming, soon, eventually... Top secret for now until the slack-ass coder I have working on it (me) get's it up and running.

:smile:

Roger.

Radar

May 19th, 2008, 05:39 PM

Hey,
On friday night my dad took me to this place in the country but not really, its only like 10 minutes away.
But anyway, there were clouds everywhere but I waited like half an hour and then a patch appeared, right where I needed it to be.
I could see L Car and made an estimate at Mag 3.6.
So I'm pretty happy!

Welcome to the site Mark. Where abouts are you based?

Roger what do you prefer about the observatory setup as opposed to the GM-8 setup?

Ray

Mark_93

May 19th, 2008, 07:06 PM

Im in Narre Warren which is about an hour or so's drive from the city (depending on traffic). But theres this place called Officer and its pretty much the country but its a short drive.
Oh, and soon we might be going to warburton, and you can see HEAPS of stars from there.
I know because i camped there this one time but i needed the amenity block and i just noticed all these stars and yeah.

malcant

May 19th, 2008, 07:48 PM

narre warren... is that in victoria near princes freeway?

Mark_93

May 20th, 2008, 07:03 AM

Yes it is.

rogerg

May 20th, 2008, 08:32 AM

Roger what do you prefer about the observatory setup as opposed to the GM-8 setup?

The LX200 is been very reliable and accurate. I've found backlash, PEC and other motor issues easier to deal with on it than the supposedly higher precision GM-8.

The LX200 has always "just worked" where as the GM-8 has often had niggling issues, again, even though it's supposedly better.

I prefer fork mounts. I find for astrophotography GEM's can be a pain in contrast - having to watch the meridian crossover etc. I find with the fork the camera and associated equipment, and cables, travel much less distance than they do on the GEM.

I prefer the focal length and camera combination of the LX200. Very narrow FOV but very sensitive. (about 13' x 7')

I enjoy having the shed to spend time in, tinker with the equipment, software, and listen to music etc.

And the obvious one... Startup time of the observatory setup is a few min, vs 30+min for the portable.

I think that about summarises it :smile:

Roger.

Siress Sarika

July 2nd, 2008, 04:15 PM

Hello everyone!

I just joined and look forward to getting to know some of you and reading the forums!
What a great site!

gyro

July 2nd, 2008, 05:51 PM

:bow::bow: Greetings from a mere Earthling :bow::bow:

(an old Battlestar Galactica fan)

Tony Leece

July 2nd, 2008, 08:51 PM

I'd rather be on Caprica myself:biggrin::biggrin:
A big welcome Siress, enjoy your time here:thumbsupmate:

Tony........

Radar

July 2nd, 2008, 11:00 PM

Welcome to the site Sarika.

That's an interesting sounding name. What does it mean?

Ray

chunkysoup

July 3rd, 2008, 12:30 AM

Howdy folks!

I'm new as well. Just moved from the City out into the country and what a difference it makes in viewing the night sky:smile: I've always enjoyed reading about astronomy and will be getting a telescope soon to begin star gazing. Cool site you got here!

Chuck

gyro

July 3rd, 2008, 01:00 AM

Hi Chuck and welcome.

Are you near enough to the Cape to see the launch trails ?

Radar

July 3rd, 2008, 01:21 AM

Just moved from the City out into the country and what a difference it makes in viewing the night sky

I'm jealous!

Welcome to the site Chuck. Everytime I drive through the country I drool over the houses and lack of street lighting. Even a pair of binoculars are great in the country. Have you tried using binoculars at night time? They are a good way to learn the sky. If you haven't you'll be surprised what you can see through them.

Ray

poppasmurf

July 3rd, 2008, 11:32 AM

Hi to all the newbies. I know you will enjoy this site, ALL are VERY helpfull and friendly. There is some great reading on the forums all very stimulating topics, with a lot of very talented people.
Cheers Shane.

Siress Sarika

July 3rd, 2008, 04:15 PM

Thank you very much for all the warm welcomes!

And how deligted I am to hear there are some fellow fans of TOS BSG!!!:woot:
What gave me away?:biggrin:

Radar, you asked what my name means..which part?
Siress is, as all you BSG fans might know, is a title of respectful nobility.
Sarika is my handle name I use for all my forum haunts. It is actually a combination of my given names. But it is also an actual name used in both Hebrew and Arabic cultures, and means, princess.:wink:

My best to you all!

gyro

July 3rd, 2008, 05:33 PM

And how deligted I am to hear there are some fellow fans of TOS BSG!!!:woot:
What gave me away?:biggrin:

For the uninitiated, this 'Wiki' will explain..................

http://en.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Main_Page

Dragon Man

July 3rd, 2008, 09:18 PM

Hi Sarika and Chuck :smile:

Radar

July 3rd, 2008, 11:06 PM

Radar, you asked what my name means..which part?
Siress is, as all you BSG fans might know, is a title of respectful nobility.
Sarika is my handle name I use for all my forum haunts. It is actually a combination of my given names. But it is also an actual name used in both Hebrew and Arabic cultures, and means, princess.:wink:

Very cool, I like it.

Ray

Siress Sarika

July 5th, 2008, 02:46 PM

For the uninitiated, this 'Wiki' will explain..................

http://en.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Main_Page

LOL!:lmao:
Ahhh, yes the informer of the uninformed.:biggrin:

Siress Sarika

July 5th, 2008, 02:47 PM

Very cool, I like it.

Ray
Thank you:wink:
and thank you DragonMan:smile:

Dragon Man

July 5th, 2008, 09:42 PM

and thank you DragonMan:smile: Call me Ken, everyone else does :thumbsupmate:

little legs

July 6th, 2008, 12:24 AM

Welcome aboard Sarika and Chuck :smile:

Siress Sarika

July 6th, 2008, 01:23 PM

Call me Ken, everyone else does :thumbsupmate:

Will do, Ken!:wink:
and thank you, little legs:smile:

Oh...I forgot to extend my welcome to my fellow newbie, Welcome aboard too, Chuck!:biggrin:

Erwin

July 6th, 2008, 04:33 PM

Hello,

after googling on Vixen R200SS, i came here..:bow:
because i like this site in many ways, i just signed up.
after reading the most of the massive FAQ, i will introduce myself.

i am Erwin Kats, 19 years ''old'',
i live in holland
i do astronomy for 9 years now
i started with a small 60mm refractor, then an Meade ETX 70 ( 2 of em with 2 whole way different coatings etc ), then an Meade Model 4500 114mm newton,then an Meade etx 105,then an Meade LX90 8'', then an William Optics ZS 66 Petzval,then an William Optics ZS 80 II ED, then an Stellarvue 102 ED.

and an losmandy G-11 ( the Sterllarvue and the G-11 are bought 8 months ago, and still didn't had the time to test is good, because i already had some problems with the G-11 :( , and i was so stupid to buy an new setup, in stead of getting my drivers license, so i am still imaging from my light polluted home. :crazy:

i also host a live webcam, to let people see what the moon really looks like ( planets etc ), but its going pretty slow these days, because school need to be good off-course.

with that, i work and school at the same time, and for work i do electrical work, but with High speed camera's, IR camera's stuff like that :)

here an pic from a piece of the setup (http://astro-land.nu/images/photoalbum/57.jpg)

Radar

July 6th, 2008, 05:21 PM

G'day Erwin,

Welcome to the site.

That photo you posted says a thousand words. The amount of street lights there is phenomenal.

You sure have owned a lot of scopes though. Something tells me you'll be owning many more as well.

Interesting how you work with high speed cameras etc. Have you used any for planetary imaging? Planetary imaging can be done under very light polluted skies, working with these cameras gives you an advantage.

Ray

Erwin

July 6th, 2008, 05:36 PM

Thanks Ray,

owning the telescopes was not easy, ( need to work my ass off lol , and the prices of telescopes are amazingly expensive then other countries)
but now i finaly know what i want to photograph etc, so just want to go for a nice SCT/or MAK and an newton.

i don't own more telescopes :tongue:
last month i sold my WO ZS 80, and in february, i sold the WO ZS 66.
now i only got the SV 102, and the LX90 ( needs a good cleaning session )

last time i had an 750 fps cam with me from my work, for around 2 weeks, but i had 1,5 weeks clouds and 0,5 week were clear but my G-11 didn't worked good :( ( still need to look what the real problem is, i think i just need to guide the mount )

next to that, i want to take a higher FPS cam with me next time.

kindly reagards, Erwin.

G'day Erwin,

Welcome to the site.

That photo you posted says a thousand words. The amount of street lights there is phenomenal.

You sure have owned a lot of scopes though. Something tells me you'll be owning many more as well.

Interesting how you work with high speed cameras etc. Have you used any for planetary imaging? Planetary imaging can be done under very light polluted skies, working with these cameras gives you an advantage.

Ray

little legs

July 7th, 2008, 12:52 AM

Welcome aboard Erwin :smile:

Sarika, you can shorten it to 'legs' as some have taken to here or Karah :smile:

Siress Sarika

July 7th, 2008, 03:11 PM

Welcome aboard Erwin!
I'm a new member here too.:smile:
Enjoy the forum!

Mick

July 7th, 2008, 06:46 PM

Hello and welcome Sarika, Chuck and Erwin. :biggrin:

Radar

July 7th, 2008, 07:29 PM

but my G-11 didn't worked good :( ( still need to look what the real problem is, i think i just need to guide the mount )

What was the G11 doing? Sometimes mine has mood swings, but I've found that simply rebooting it fixes the problems. Also check that the right scope is selected in the software. Sometimes they think they are running a G8 or a Titan which makes weird things happen.

Ray

Erwin

July 8th, 2008, 06:10 AM

my first major problem was, that stupid losmandy, did about 2,5 months with sending the polar scopes to my dealer ( and off-course, the LED in for the polar scope , was already broken after 2 weeks...... today i raplaced the LED )

next to that, i also had massive movement in my RA gear ( oke, just had the mount, and i am just 19, so already opening some caps and stuff, wasn't on my planning.

i don't have the Gemini box with my G-11.
one of my wishes is, that i can guide the mount ASAP, but i want to replace my ota's.

What was the G11 doing? Sometimes mine has mood swings, but I've found that simply rebooting it fixes the problems. Also check that the right scope is selected in the software. Sometimes they think they are running a G8 or a Titan which makes weird things happen.

Ray

timthelder

July 8th, 2008, 10:43 AM

Howdy, Sarika, Chuck, Erwin...Welcome to MAS. Looking forward to your post's, input, comments. Just jump on in and get yer feet wet, the waters fine.

Hillbilly, who me?

SAB

July 25th, 2008, 04:35 PM

Radar

July 25th, 2008, 05:49 PM

G'day folks,

I'm Sab, I live in cloudy old Melboune and own 2 scopes, a 10" GSO dob and a 12" F4.6 custom truss dob.

I'm 20 years old and studying surveyting at uni.

This is the friendliest and best australian astro site I've come across and look forward to participating here :smile:

Cheers!

G'day Sab,

Welcome aboard.

You have some nice apertures there. Did you build the 12 inch?

I'm glad you like the site.:smile:

Ray

hpcoolahan

July 25th, 2008, 05:58 PM

Welcom to the site SAB:woot:

Sounds like a great scope selection you have there.

The 12in F4.6 would be magic for galaxies in a dark skies site.

Cheers
Patrick

Erwin

July 25th, 2008, 10:42 PM

welcome ;) or welkom, in dutch :crazy:

G'day folks,

I'm Sab, I live in cloudy old Melboune and own 2 scopes, a 10" GSO dob and a 12" F4.6 custom truss dob.

I'm 20 years old and studying surveyting at uni.

This is the friendliest and best australian astro site I've come across and look forward to participating here :smile:

Cheers!

SAB

July 26th, 2008, 06:03 PM

Thanks for your kind welcoming words folks :biggrin:

Welcom to the site SAB:woot:

Sounds like a great scope selection you have there.

The 12in F4.6 would be magic for galaxies in a dark skies site.

Cheers
Patrick

It sure would, believe it or not, ever since I got it in February, I only got to observe galaxies once (due to extreme continual Melbourne cloud), mostly the Leo Triplet and I was quite impresssed to see the Dark lane in NGC 3628 from my place.

Dog Star

July 27th, 2008, 07:55 PM

G'day Sab and welcome. Haven't been here long myself but I'm really enjoying it and I'm sure you will too.:smile:

garyp

August 3rd, 2008, 08:35 PM

Hi all,
I Live in New Zealand and have recently purchased an 8" dob. I'm really enjoying it.:smile:
I am new to astronomy so hope to glean as much wisdom from you all as I can.

I have a farming background. Iv'e spent a bit of time working in Western Australia mainly Ravensthorpe / Esperence area. (saw skylabs final resting place there which was pretty cool) and have travelled through quite a bit of the rest of oz so I know a little bit about where some of you come from.

Any way just thought I'd say a hello for now

Cheers
Gary

Radar

August 3rd, 2008, 10:33 PM

G'day Gary,

Welcome to the site mate.

An 8inch DOB is a great aperture, especially if you are just entering astronomy. It's a buzz just finding some objects, let alone seeing them.

It also sounds like you have some dark skies where you are. Have you seen much through your dob yet? Are you North or South in New Zealand?

Cheers

Ray

garyp

August 4th, 2008, 06:49 PM

Hi Ray
Thanks for the welcome. I live in the South Island in a small city, Timaru on the East Coast. I live in the urban area so I get some light pollution from street lights and neighbours etc. It's not far to get to a dark sky site but as yet I haven't bothered to go. I've been happy to drag it out to the back yard and find my way round the sky so I can get used to using it.

So far I've had good views of Jupiter,Saturn, the moon and quite a few good deep space objects like nebulas and star clusters. I like the view but i don't always know what I'm looking at (yet):wink:

I have got stellarium which is very helpful for educating me on what I'm seeing though.:smile:

Cheers
Gary