Re: Binoviewer advice/experiences
I can bring my pair of Denkmeir bino viewers. I will have to find the barlow that goes with them but am pretty sure I? know where it is. I don't have eyepiece pairs though.
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 02:15:41 PM EDT, Patrick Vartuli via groups.io <pvartuli@...> wrote:
That is a great idea.? If anyone is interested in lending a binoviewer at the ECSP.? I would be eternally grateful.
On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 2:07?PM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Might be a good idea to borrow a pair and try before spending money.?
Thanks for the info Mark.? I was looking at the William Optics version but began researching and was trying to understand if it was worth the reach.? I have seen a lot of posts from folks stating the struggles but indicated if you could get the issues
worked out it was worth it.? My ES 20" has an back focus extension on it now and believe it would help with the in focus issue.? However my 12" does not.
?
DSO would have to be done with one eyepiece but planetary and lunar might benefit from the binoviewer use.
?
The other issue is to what magnification should you go if you choose that route?? I saw that it could become difficult for the average astronomer to combine the images (visually) over 150x magnification.
?
Thanks again for your insights.??
?
Kind regards,
?
Patrick
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Re: Binoviewer advice/experiences
That is a great idea.? If anyone is interested in lending a binoviewer at the ECSP.? I would be eternally grateful.
On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 2:07?PM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Might be a good idea to borrow a pair and try before spending money.?
Thanks for the info Mark.? I was looking at the William Optics version but began researching and was trying to understand if it was worth the reach.? I have seen a lot of posts from folks stating the struggles but indicated if you could get the issues
worked out it was worth it.? My ES 20" has an back focus extension on it now and believe it would help with the in focus issue.? However my 12" does not.
?
DSO would have to be done with one eyepiece but planetary and lunar might benefit from the binoviewer use.
?
The other issue is to what magnification should you go if you choose that route?? I saw that it could become difficult for the average astronomer to combine the images (visually) over 150x magnification.
?
Thanks again for your insights.??
?
Kind regards,
?
Patrick
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Re: Binoviewer advice/experiences
Might be a good idea to borrow a pair and try before spending money.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Thanks for the info Mark.? I was looking at the William Optics version but began researching and was trying to understand if it was worth the reach.? I have seen a lot of posts from folks stating the struggles but indicated if you could get the issues
worked out it was worth it.? My ES 20" has an back focus extension on it now and believe it would help with the in focus issue.? However my 12" does not.
?
DSO would have to be done with one eyepiece but planetary and lunar might benefit from the binoviewer use.
?
The other issue is to what magnification should you go if you choose that route?? I saw that it could become difficult for the average astronomer to combine the images (visually) over 150x magnification.
?
Thanks again for your insights.??
?
Kind regards,
?
Patrick
|
Re: Binoviewer advice/experiences
Thanks for the info Mark.? I was looking at the William Optics version but began researching and was trying to understand if it was worth the reach.? I have seen a lot of posts from folks stating the struggles but indicated if you could get the issues worked out it was worth it.? My ES 20" has an back focus extension on it now and believe it would help with the in focus issue.? However my 12" does not.
?
DSO would have to be done with one eyepiece but planetary and lunar might benefit from the binoviewer use.
?
The other issue is to what magnification should you go if you choose that route?? I saw that it could become difficult for the average astronomer to combine the images (visually) over 150x magnification.
?
Thanks again for your insights.??
?
Kind regards,
?
Patrick
|
Re: Binoviewer advice/experiences
Ooooo. Bino viewers are an entire subject. I have a couple pairs but have only used them on refractors where they are typically used.
They can be very persnickety and almost impossible to be used for sharing views as each person has individual settings. Some (many) can't use them at all. The focuser will be a problem. The light path is a significantly different length than the usual set up. Many focusers can't handle the in focus required, especially dobsonians.?
Many refractors have removable tube sections to accommodate bino viewers or were purpose designed for that use. I have used years ago them but no longer do. I can't say what you expect but the weight will certainly become a factor on a dob.
The best made is the Denkmeir. but they weigh a ton. Williams makes a fair and cheaper pair but are not as good as the Denks.
A properly set up pair merges the image just fine but it takes a lot of fiddling and will work only for you. They are also light killers so are rarely used for high power.
Don't want to discourage you but.................... for a dob.................................not really.
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 01:34:43 PM EDT, Patrick Vartuli via groups.io <pvartuli@...> wrote:
So, I am interested in getting a binoviewer to use with my scopes.? I have been reading about some issues that one would have to contend with when using them such as:
?
1.? Image resolving at high powers (brain can see this as two separate images)
2.? Back focus addition due to the binoviewer itself
?
Anyone have any experience or advice with this with dobsonians that would like to provide some advice.
?
Thanks in advance.
?
Patrick
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Binoviewer advice/experiences
So, I am interested in getting a binoviewer to use with my scopes.? I have been reading about some issues that one would have to contend with when using them such as:
?
1.? Image resolving at high powers (brain can see this as two separate images)
2.? Back focus addition due to the binoviewer itself
?
Anyone have any experience or advice with this with dobsonians that would like to provide some advice.
?
Thanks in advance.
?
Patrick
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That is entirely understandable. We are pending approval for Bells Mill Park for those that seek a more public setting.
Jeremy
On Tue, Mar 11, 2025, 9:42 AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Me of course
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 09:36:33 AM EDT, Kent Blackwell via <kent= [email protected]> wrote:
Just to let everyone in BBAA Club know, ?since it¡¯s so late at night and early morning I¡¯m staying in my own backyard to observe the upcoming lunar eclipse.?
Kent Blackwell
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Me of course
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 09:36:33 AM EDT, Kent Blackwell via groups.io <kent@...> wrote:
Just to let everyone in BBAA Club know, ?since it¡¯s so late at night and early morning I¡¯m staying in my own backyard to observe the upcoming lunar eclipse.?
Kent Blackwell
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Just to let everyone in BBAA Club know, ?since it¡¯s so late at night and early morning I¡¯m staying in my own backyard to observe the upcoming lunar eclipse.?
Kent Blackwell
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The weather looks great for tomorrow night's Garden Stars at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
If you haven't RSVP'd to be there, there is still time.? It's? a lot of fun.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
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Re: Fw: Staunton River Star Party registration is open
There are a limited number of New Moon weekends, and now we have to work around the Chippokes State Park schedule.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 01:06:03 PM EST, Stu Beaber via groups.io <wd4sel@...> wrote:
Sorry they scheduled it like that...I was hoping to attend both this year.
Stu
On Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 9:36?AM George Reynolds via <pathfinder027= [email protected]> wrote: Forwarded.? SRSP registration is open.? ECSP is at the end of the same week.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
----- Forwarded Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 3, 2025 at 08:05:28 PM EST Subject: Staunton River Star Party registration is open
Greetings MERAL Presidents, ALCors, officers, editors, and others, ? Jim Browder of the Richmond Astronomical Society has asked me to share the information below about the Staunton River Star Party. This is the first regional event in the MERAL region for 2025 and it sounds like a wonderful gathering of amateur astronomers. ? Clear skies, ? Don Knabb MERAL Chair ? ? From Jim Brower:
Registration is now open for the Staunton River Star Party!
Staunton River State Park has dark skies, a beautiful setting, along with an extremely helpful and welcoming park staff. Electrical power is available in the observing field and food service (really good food service) is available onsite at the park.
Astronomers are welcome to camp on the observing field with their telescope equipment. If you don't like camping, the park is only about 20 minutes from South Boston where you can find hotel lodging.
Registration and more information available at this link:
?
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Light Pollution (Was Re: [BackBayAstro] Upper County Park JCC: the beginning of the end of a dark sky site has begun)
Yes, we have a similar problem at Northwest River Park for our monthly Skywatch.? Former cornfields and bean fields are now housing projects, and they bring their city lights with them to the country.
NWRP used to be so dark you could not see the face of the person you were talking to at Skywatch.? It is no longer anywhere near that dark.?? 
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
On Monday, February 24, 2025 at 12:29:00 PM EST, jimcoble2000 via groups.io <jimcoble2000@...> wrote:
Like trying to hold back the tide.
On Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11:45:19 AM EST, Troy Riedel via groups.io <troy.riedel@...> wrote:
I posted about this a few years ago after?the sale went public re: the 328 acre farm parcel - adjacent to Upper County Park that was formerly known as Hazelwood Farm. Fortunately James City County is exponentially?slow with zoning & permitting and we're lucky it has taken this long - years ...
... But I regret to inform everyone (especially SkyWatchers & ME - who lives off Old Stage) that construction began?this morning. Trees have started to be felled & cleared near Upper County Park's?entrance (not visible from the Road - but it's definitely going on inside the treeline).
The site will be developed as the Lovett 64 Commerce Center (also known as THE Mega Light Pollution Center that will ruin the formerly semi-rural area of Upper James City County). This will be a mega trucking terminal hub that will link the I-81 Corridor, I-95 points north & south and I-85 south to the Port of Hampton Roads. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
I've attached diagrams and links below re: this facility (and two photos taken of the 'farm' parcel from just outside the SHELL gas station). It appears there will still be a treeline buffer at UCP's perimeter?after completion, but that does nothing for the light pollution that will be projected UPWARDS.?
This is only the beginning?of proposed development. Adjacent parcels on both sides of I-64 and both sides of Barhamsville Rd/Route 30 (meaning?parcels North, South, East & West!) of this interchange have proposed development (that I previously discussed a few years ago here).
Lovett Toano web site:? Lovett Toano - propaganda PDF:?
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Correction: granddaughter Taylor Christie
I also remember Chuck Jagow annoying Georgie with his winter temperature readings.? One ?night it was in the low 20s and when we went to pack up my tarp was frozen to the ground.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:30:26 PM EST, George Reynolds via groups.io <pathfinder027@...> wrote:
I am so sorry to hear about Cliff Hedgepeth passing away!? I will always remember those "Cloverwatch" nights at the Southampton County Fairgrounds with Cliff, and Chuck Jagow, and Georgie June, and others.? Cliff sponsored a 4-H astronomy club for a while, and we had a monthly session at the fairgrounds just south of Franklin.
His granddaughter Christie was the first to earn the "Sky Puppy" award from the Astronomical League.
Cliff hasn't been active for quite a while, but he will be missed.
May God bless and comfort his family.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
On Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 04:33:03 PM EST, Kent Blackwell via groups.io <kent@...> wrote:
I bring sad new that long time attendee of East Coast Star Party Cliff Hedgepeth passed away. His smile and passion for astronomy will be remembered by us all. Our thoughts go out to Cliff's family and friends.?
?
Kent Blackwell
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I am so sorry to hear about Cliff Hedgepeth passing away!? I will always remember those "Cloverwatch" nights at the Southampton County Fairgrounds with Cliff, and Chuck Jagow, and Georgie June, and others.? Cliff sponsored a 4-H astronomy club for a while, and we had a monthly session at the fairgrounds just south of Franklin.
His granddaughter Christie was the first to earn the "Sky Puppy" award from the Astronomical League.
Cliff hasn't been active for quite a while, but he will be missed.
May God bless and comfort his family.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
On Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 04:33:03 PM EST, Kent Blackwell via groups.io <kent@...> wrote:
I bring sad new that long time attendee of East Coast Star Party Cliff Hedgepeth passed away. His smile and passion for astronomy will be remembered by us all. Our thoughts go out to Cliff's family and friends.?
?
Kent Blackwell
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Re: Fw: Staunton River Star Party registration is open
Sorry they scheduled it like that...I was hoping to attend both this year.
Stu
On Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 9:36?AM George Reynolds via <pathfinder027= [email protected]> wrote: Forwarded.? SRSP registration is open.? ECSP is at the end of the same week.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
----- Forwarded Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 3, 2025 at 08:05:28 PM EST Subject: Staunton River Star Party registration is open
Greetings MERAL Presidents, ALCors, officers, editors, and others, ? Jim Browder of the Richmond Astronomical Society has asked me to share the information below about the Staunton River Star Party. This is the first regional event in the MERAL region for 2025 and it sounds like a wonderful gathering of amateur astronomers. ? Clear skies, ? Don Knabb MERAL Chair ? ? From Jim Brower:
Registration is now open for the Staunton River Star Party!
Staunton River State Park has dark skies, a beautiful setting, along with an extremely helpful and welcoming park staff. Electrical power is available in the observing field and food service (really good food service) is available onsite at the park.
Astronomers are welcome to camp on the observing field with their telescope equipment. If you don't like camping, the park is only about 20 minutes from South Boston where you can find hotel lodging.
Registration and more information available at this link:
?
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BBAA Meeting Zoom Link 3-6-25
Here is the zoom link for those who wish to attend tonight's meeting remotely
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Richard Roberts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: BBAA Meeting
Time: Mar 6, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
? ? ? ? Every month on the First Thu, until Apr 2, 2026, 14 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYrcuCsrzIqGtbq0KWBV25JEbU6csIcs3G6/ics?icsToken=DMNU9b2cD_kTWJIthAAALAAAAC2KzTom1OHawb5krvfFHpiayGsBemfCbhiwd0ngF5ZVbFrci-HEoEIzkSkCDXxXvtPVi-UtueFUN2Ud2zAwMDAwMQ
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82659419002?pwd=TJ96jGZPb3q2rk4rBhncVaCeAam0g5.1
Meeting ID: 826 5941 9002
Passcode: 471443
---
?
?
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Fw: Staunton River Star Party registration is open
Forwarded.? SRSP registration is open.? ECSP is at the end of the same week.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "dknabb01@..." <dknabb01@...> To: Don 01 account <dknabb01@...> Sent: Monday, March 3, 2025 at 08:05:28 PM EST Subject: Staunton River Star Party registration is open
Greetings MERAL Presidents, ALCors, officers, editors, and others, ? Jim Browder of the Richmond Astronomical Society has asked me to share the information below about the Staunton River Star Party. This is the first regional event in the MERAL region for 2025 and it sounds like a wonderful gathering of amateur astronomers. ? Clear skies, ? Don Knabb MERAL Chair ? ? From Jim Brower:
Registration is now open for the Staunton River Star Party!
Staunton River State Park has dark skies, a beautiful setting, along with an extremely helpful and welcoming park staff. Electrical power is available in the observing field and food service (really good food service) is available onsite at the park.
Astronomers are welcome to camp on the observing field with their telescope equipment. If you don't like camping, the park is only about 20 minutes from South Boston where you can find hotel lodging.
Registration and more information available at this link:
?
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Nice article on Venus and interesting pictures
Space Weather (one word) dot com has a very nice article and pictures of the moon phase and Venus. Easy to find on the internet.
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Fw: [VPAS] Good time to observe Venus
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: jimcoble2000 via groups.io <jimcoble2000@...> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 10:32:49 AM EST Subject: Re: [VPAS] Good time to observe Venus
Conjugation? I be good at that!  You're right Troy.
Oh well, you aim so high and fall so far. At least I didn't use collimation or culmination.....................
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 08:02:43 AM EST, Troy Riedel via groups.io <troy.riedel@...> wrote:
Yes, indeed! ?
?
But I think you mean Conjunction, not opposition.
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Re: How to contact Jeff Goldstein
You can email him at this address vp@....
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Kent Blackwell
Shawn Loescher