My Astro Space Astronomy http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/ International Astronomy Forum Where You Are Automatically Logged In With Your Facebook ID en Fri, 18 May 2012 00:30:27 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png My Astro Space Astronomy http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/ Composite of a Series of Images Taken From Space Aboard the Space Station http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5800-Composite-of-a-Series-of-Images-Taken-From-Space-Aboard-the-Space-Station&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 14:12:51 GMT This is a composite of a series of images photographed from a mounted camera on the Earth-orbiting International Space Station, from approximately... This is a composite of a series of images photographed from a mounted camera on the Earth-orbiting International Space Station, from approximately 240 miles above Earth. Expedition 31 Flight Engineer Don Pettit said of the about photographic techniques used to achieve the images: "My star trail images are made by taking a time exposure of about 10 to 15 minutes. However, with modern digital cameras, 30 seconds is about the longest exposure possible, due to electronic detector noise effectively snowing out the image. To achieve the longer exposures I do what many amateur astronomers do. I take multiple 30-second exposures, then ?stack? them using imaging software, thus producing the longer exposure." A total of 18 images photographed by the astronaut-monitored stationary camera were combined to create this composite. Image Credit: NASA

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/6...51_516-387.jpg ]]> Astronomy and Website Beginners Forum Red Giant http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5800-Composite-of-a-Series-of-Images-Taken-From-Space-Aboard-the-Space-Station Moonlite CS focuser http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5799-Moonlite-CS-focuser&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 03:07:36 GMT Model purchased is CS sct with DC motor control, which also came with adjustable slip clutch for manual operation. Upon recieving the package I was... Model purchased is CS sct with DC motor control, which also came with adjustable slip clutch for manual operation.
Upon recieving the package I was very impressed with the care taken for transportation. The box was oversized for the product and filled with foam pieces, The focuser itself was also wrapped well in bubble wrap, with the motor controller in a ziplock bag.
First inspection was an impression of great care and skill in manufacture, so much so that I contemplated just using it as a display piece instead.lol.
Once installed on my RC the operation of the unit was simple and seamless, with buttery smooth movement.
All in all I would definately recommend this product to anyone interested in upgrading from stock for either visual or AP. Value for money and service is exceptional.
If there is a complaint, and I'm not really concerned, is that it would be nice to have the option of ordering the controller cable length desired instead of sourcing one locally, which by the way is only costing me $10 for a 5m standard audio(3.5mm jack)cable.
Added a couple of pics including bracket I made for mounting controller in warm room of obs.

Cheers Shane
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]]> Equipment Reviews poppasmurf http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5799-Moonlite-CS-focuser Updated Coverage for NASA/Spacex Launch and Mission to Station http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5798-Updated-Coverage-for-NASA-Spacex-Launch-and-Mission-to-Station&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 02:01:03 GMT The second SpaceX demonstration launch for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) is scheduled for liftoff on Saturday, May 19.

More... ]]> General Astronomical Discussion DarkSkyMan http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5798-Updated-Coverage-for-NASA-Spacex-Launch-and-Mission-to-Station <![CDATA[NASA's Deputy Administrator to Discuss Future of Commercial Spaceflight with Industry]]> http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5797-NASA-s-Deputy-Administrator-to-Discuss-Future-of-Commercial-Spaceflight-with-Industry&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 02:01:03 GMT NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver will participate in a teleconference on Thursday, May 17, at 2 p.m. EDT with representatives of the Commercial... NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver will participate in a teleconference on Thursday, May 17, at 2 p.m. EDT with representatives of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation to brief journalists on the future of human commercial spaceflight.

More... ]]> General Astronomical Discussion DarkSkyMan http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5797-NASA-s-Deputy-Administrator-to-Discuss-Future-of-Commercial-Spaceflight-with-Industry Transit of Venus 06-06-2012 : visibility http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5796-Transit-of-Venus-06-06-2012-visibility&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 21:02:38 GMT At the following link the visibility of the transit for many cities www.pierpaoloricci.it/eventi/transito06-06-2012_eng.htm At the following link the visibility of the transit for many cities

http://www.pierpaoloricci.it/eventi/...6-2012_eng.htm ]]> Coming Celestial Events / Star Parties / Clubs ricci http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5796-Transit-of-Venus-06-06-2012-visibility Saturn 16 May http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5795-Saturn-16-May&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 14:14:29 GMT Not my best effort but I was more interested in trying out the new focuser .Stacked in AS2,wavelets in R6, final touches CS2. DBK21(618),RC8, 2.4... Not my best effort but I was more interested in trying out the new focuser .Stacked in AS2,wavelets in R6, final touches CS2.
DBK21(618),RC8, 2.4 Vixen tele-extender.
C & C welcome as usual.

Cheers Shane

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]]> Image challenge of the Month - May - Saturn! poppasmurf http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5795-Saturn-16-May <![CDATA[Opportunity's Traverse Map From Sol 2951]]> http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5794-Opportunity-s-Traverse-Map-From-Sol-2951&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 12:58:18 GMT After spending 19 weeks working in one place while solar power was too low for driving during the Martian winter, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity is on the move again. The winter worksite was on the north slope of an outcrop called Greeley Haven. The rover used its rear hazard-avoidance camera after nearly completing the May 8 drive, capturing this view looking back at the Greeley Haven. Since landing in the Meridiani region of Mars on Jan. 25, 2004, Universal Time and EST (Jan. 24, PST), Opportunity has driven 21.4 miles (34.4 kilometers). This image is of Opportunity's traverse map from Sol 2951 and shows the entirety of the rover's travels to this point. A sol is a Martian day. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell/University of Arizona

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/6...50_516-387.jpg ]]> Astronomy and Website Beginners Forum Red Giant http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5794-Opportunity-s-Traverse-Map-From-Sol-2951 Expedition 31 Prepares for Launch http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5793-Expedition-31-Prepares-for-Launch&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 16:02:05 GMT The Soyuz rocket is seen in the monitor of a video camera moments before Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka and flight engineers Joseph Acaba and Sergei... The Soyuz rocket is seen in the monitor of a video camera moments before Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka and flight engineers Joseph Acaba and Sergei Revin arrived to board the rocket at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for their flight to join their crew mates already aboard the International Space Station. The craft successfully launched at 11:01 p.m. EDT, Monday, May 14, 2012. The trio will dock to the station?s Poisk Mini-Research Module at 12:38 a.m. Thursday, bringing Expedition 31 to its full six-member complement. Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/6...49_516-387.jpg ]]> Astronomy and Website Beginners Forum Red Giant http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5793-Expedition-31-Prepares-for-Launch Expedition 31 Trio Blasts Off for International Space Station http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5792-Expedition-31-Trio-Blasts-Off-for-International-Space-Station&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 16:02:05 GMT The Soyuz spacecraft launched at 10:01 p.m. CDT. More... (http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/may/12-156_Exp31-32_Launch.html) The Soyuz spacecraft launched at 10:01 p.m. CDT.

More... ]]> General Astronomical Discussion DarkSkyMan http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5792-Expedition-31-Trio-Blasts-Off-for-International-Space-Station Lost the plot? http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5791-Lost-the-plot&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 14:07:30 GMT Managed 20 subs at 5-minutes per sub using the Hyperstar III on this one. Always wanted to do this one but felt it would probably be far too small... Managed 20 subs at 5-minutes per sub using the Hyperstar III on this one. Always wanted to do this one but felt it would probably be far too small to be interesting. I was surprised at how big it turned out in the end. Is there anything in this image?? Take a close look bang in the centre for a little jewel.


Abell39 by cybermystic, on Flickr

Greg ]]> Image Gallery - wingeing Pom http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5791-Lost-the-plot Cloud alert! http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5790-Cloud-alert!&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 13:29:47 GMT Time to do some upgrading. A Celestron CGE Pro should arrive out of the east tomorrow. Couple of CGE dovetails, an Aurora flatfield planel... Time to do some upgrading.

A Celestron CGE Pro should arrive out of the east tomorrow.

Couple of CGE dovetails, an Aurora flatfield planel AND a DMK21au618.as coming in out of the west soon to follow the easterly cloud cover.

May be more clouds to follow from points unknown...

Ka-CHING!

There goes my view of the transit..... ]]> Observatories, DIY Telescopes and Gear timthelder http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5790-Cloud-alert! Sunspot activity 14th May 2012 http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5789-Sunspot-activity-14th-May-2012&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 02:34:06 GMT Thought I would share a solar pic or two...Rain finally stopped.


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Cheers
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]]> Solar Imaging timthelder http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5789-Sunspot-activity-14th-May-2012 NASA Modifies Launch Service Contract To Add Falcon 9 Rocket http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5788-NASA-Modifies-Launch-Service-Contract-To-Add-Falcon-9-Rocket&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 02:27:13 GMT NASA has announced a modification of its NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract with Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, Calif., to... NASA has announced a modification of its NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract with Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, Calif., to add an additional configuration of the Falcon 9 rocket to its fleet.

More... ]]> General Astronomical Discussion DarkSkyMan http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5788-NASA-Modifies-Launch-Service-Contract-To-Add-Falcon-9-Rocket Cygnus-X http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5787-Cygnus-X&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 13:58:05 GMT Best known as a swan winging its way across the night, the constellation Cygnus is easily seen in the northern hemisphere's summertime sky. This new view of the Cygnus-X star-forming region by the Herschel Telescope highlights chaotic networks of dust and gas that point to sites of massive star formation. This image combines far-infrared data acquired at 70 micron (corresponding to the blue channel); 160 micron (corresponding to the green channel); and 250 micron (corresponding to the red channel). The observations were made on May 24, 2010, and Dec. 18, 2010. Herschel is a European Space Agency cornerstone mission, with science instruments provided by consortia of European institutes and with important participation by NASA. Image Credit: ESA/PACS/SPIRE/Martin Hennemann & Frederique Motte, Laboratoire AIM Paris-Saclay, CEA/Irfu -- CNRS/INSU -- Univ. Paris Diderot, France

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/6...48_516-387.jpg ]]> Astronomy and Website Beginners Forum Red Giant http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5787-Cygnus-X Red tree revisited. http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5786-Red-tree-revisited.&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 13:08:42 GMT I thought I would go back to an old photo that I'm not happy with. The concept was there when I shot it, doing a bit of long exposure (30 seconds) and some light painting with my tail-lights etc, but the end result came up short.

So, what I have done now is some creative 'shopping and a bit of a blend with a 4 minute tracked exposure of the sky instead.

A bit dramatic and well over the line between photography and art, but I had fun putting it together.

Baz.

]]> Image Gallery - A.S.I.G.N_Baz http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/showthread.php?5786-Red-tree-revisited.