Hey, I love this BackBayAstro Group!? Thanks, Ted, for setting it up.? We get to hear from many more members, and get a lot of timely and interesting information this way.? We even get to hear from the inimitable Kent "Best-I've-Ever-Seen-It" Blackwell, and get the benefit of his vast knowledge and many years of experience.
I love it!? Keep up the good work, guys and gals.
G3
?"S. Kent Blackwell" wrote:
Well, Joe, by the time I lifted my fingers off the keyboard telling everyone
how great Saturn was it had clouded over. I could see Jupiter through the
clouds but the seeing was only so-so. Looks like a had a small window of
good seeing.
Kent
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 1:38 PM
Subject: [backbayastro] Re: Seeing/Saturn
> Kent,
> The view up here in Williamsburg was terrible, high clouds all
> evening. Kept going outside from about 9 til midnight but saw no
> reason to drag out the scope.And it's a pity since I just got all the
> parts for my new scope which hasn't even seen first light yet.Its
> amazing how a few miles can make a big difference.Hoping for a better
> night tonight but forecast is bad til friday/saturday.
> Joe Piotrowski
> --- In backbayastro@..., "kentblackwell "
> wrote:
> > I don't know how many observed on Wednesday evening but the seeing
> > was just stunning. I rolled the 25" out to do some tweeks. After
> > tweeking the alignments of the mirrors a bit I pointed the
> telescope
> > towards Saturn. Wow, it was the best I've ever seen it. Seriously,
> I
> > could easily see Cassini and Crepe Divisions. Encke was a challenge
> > but visilbe.I could also see the shading in Ring-B. For a split
> > second I saw spokes in Ring-B. This is only the second time I've
> ever
> > seen these spokes.
> >
> > I've always been an advocate of planet observing in the city. The
> > pollution certainly helps steady the atmosphere. All you have to do
> > on this evening is step outside. You can "feel" the stagnant air,
> and
> > smell the coal buring fireplaces. A great time to look at Jupe &
> > Saturn.
> >
> > Kent Blackwell
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> backbayastro-unsubscribe@...
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
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George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers
Visit my Web page:? ?
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
?Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
Do you Yahoo!?
- Powerful. Affordable.
|
Well, Joe, by the time I lifted my fingers off the keyboard telling everyone
how great Saturn was it had clouded over. I could see Jupiter through the
clouds but the seeing was only so-so. Looks like a had a small window of
good seeing.
Kent
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----- Original Message ----- From: <joepiotrowski@...> To: <backbayastro@...> Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 1:38 PM Subject: [backbayastro] Re: Seeing/Saturn Kent,
The view up here in Williamsburg was terrible, high clouds all
evening. Kept going outside from about 9 til midnight but saw no
reason to drag out the scope.And it's a pity since I just got all the
parts for my new scope which hasn't even seen first light yet.Its
amazing how a few miles can make a big difference.Hoping for a better
night tonight but forecast is bad til friday/saturday.
Joe Piotrowski
--- In backbayastro@..., "kentblackwell <kent@e...>"
<kent@e...> wrote:
I don't know how many observed on Wednesday evening but the seeing
was just stunning. I rolled the 25" out to do some tweeks. After
tweeking the alignments of the mirrors a bit I pointed the telescope
towards Saturn. Wow, it was the best I've ever seen it. Seriously, I
could easily see Cassini and Crepe Divisions. Encke was a challenge
but visilbe.I could also see the shading in Ring-B. For a split
second I saw spokes in Ring-B. This is only the second time I've ever
seen these spokes.
I've always been an advocate of planet observing in the city. The
pollution certainly helps steady the atmosphere. All you have to do
on this evening is step outside. You can "feel" the stagnant air, and
smell the coal buring fireplaces. A great time to look at Jupe &
Saturn.
Kent Blackwell
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...
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2003 Convention of the Astronomical League
Hey folks,
Just wanted to let you know, the 2003 ALCON is going to be hosted by
the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society in Nashville, TN this year
on July 9-12th. If you'd like more information, please check out
the Astronomical League Website at:
Also, we have so many new members now that may be interested in
earning a certificate thru the Astronomical League (AL). A few of
the certificates you can earn are: The Lunar Club, The Messier
Club, The Urban Club, and The Sunspotters Club. There are others
that may interest you also so check out the website to get all the
details and requirements to earn the certificates. Once completed
with all of the requirements, you can turn your observation log over
to me and I'll order your certificate and pin. (same website as
listed above. Look on the left hand side under Astro-Info and click
Observing Clubs.) If you have any questions or need additional
information regarding the Astronomical League or any of it's
Observing Clubs, please let me know.
Georgie June, Astronomical League Correspondant
doublestarjune@...
|
Kent, The view up here in Williamsburg was terrible, high clouds all evening. Kept going outside from about 9 til midnight but saw no reason to drag out the scope.And it's a pity since I just got all the parts for my new scope which hasn't even seen first light yet.Its amazing how a few miles can make a big difference.Hoping for a better night tonight but forecast is bad til friday/saturday. Joe Piotrowski --- In backbayastro@..., "kentblackwell <kent@e...>" <kent@e...> wrote: I don't know how many observed on Wednesday evening but the seeing
was just stunning. I rolled the 25" out to do some tweeks. After
tweeking the alignments of the mirrors a bit I pointed the telescope towards Saturn. Wow, it was the best I've ever seen it. Seriously, I could easily see Cassini and Crepe Divisions. Encke was a challenge
but visilbe.I could also see the shading in Ring-B. For a split
second I saw spokes in Ring-B. This is only the second time I've ever seen these spokes.
I've always been an advocate of planet observing in the city. The
pollution certainly helps steady the atmosphere. All you have to do
on this evening is step outside. You can "feel" the stagnant air, and smell the coal buring fireplaces. A great time to look at Jupe &
Saturn.
Kent Blackwell
|
In a message dated 2/20/03 5:21:24 PM Eastern Standard Time,
dickinson@... writes:
<< I must say the seeing up here in Richmond the last few weeks has been
awful.
I believe that the snow and ice on the ground has a real mixing effect on
the atmosphere. I miss the steady skies of Tidewater.
>>
This has been my worst couple of months for observing in a long time. The
weekends have been really crummy here for the past several weeks. I hope we
have better luck at the East Coast Star Party. Will you be there, Bill?
Ted
|
Since we don't have a nightwatch yet? can we
have NWRP on the 28th?
?
?
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----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 11:27
AM
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Skywatch
Canceled
"Nightwatch" is on the 28th. "Skywatch at Northwest River
Park was scheduled for tomorrow night, Friday February
21.
Ted
In a message dated 2/20/2003 10:43:34 AM Eastern
Standard Time, "Dale Carey" <stargaz@...>
writes:
>Skywatch is on the 28th? ?They don't think it will
clear by then?
>Dale
> ?----- Original Message -----
>
?From: twforte@...
> ?To:
backbayastro@...
> ?Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003
10:12 AM
> ?Subject: [backbayastro] Skywatch
Canceled
>
>
> ?Just got off the phone with Northwest
River Park, they were inspecting the equestrian area as I was talking with
them. ?The entire parking area is underwater.
>
>
?Skywatch is cancelled (Park insists we cancel).
>
>
?Sorry, but it didn't look promising anyway.
>
>
?Ted
>
> ? ? ? ?Yahoo! Groups
Sponsor
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unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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>
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Service.
>
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In a message dated 2/20/03 3:06:38 PM Eastern Standard Time,
pathfinder027@... writes:
<< Hey, I love this BackBayAstro Group! Thanks, Ted, for setting it up >>
I like it too, but I can't take the credit for it ... Rob Schonk set it up.
So, thanks Rob!
Ted
|
"Nightwatch" is on the 28th. "Skywatch at Northwest River Park was scheduled for tomorrow night, Friday February 21.
Ted
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In a message dated 2/20/2003 10:43:34 AM Eastern Standard Time, "Dale Carey" <stargaz@...> writes: Skywatch is on the 28th? ???They don't think it will clear by then?
Dale
???----- Original Message -----
???From: twforte@...
???To: backbayastro@...
???Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 10:12 AM
???Subject: [backbayastro] Skywatch Canceled
???Just got off the phone with Northwest River Park, they were inspecting the equestrian area as I was talking with them. ???The entire parking area is underwater.
???Skywatch is cancelled (Park insists we cancel).
???Sorry, but it didn't look promising anyway.
???Ted
??? ??? ??? ???Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???ADVERTISEMENT
???To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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Skywatch is on the 28th?? They don't think it
will clear by then?
Dale
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----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 10:12
AM
Subject: [backbayastro] Skywatch
Canceled
Just got off the phone with Northwest River Park, they were
inspecting the equestrian area as I was talking with them.? The entire
parking area is underwater.?
Skywatch is cancelled (Park insists
we cancel).
Sorry, but it didn't look promising
anyway.
Ted
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unsubscribe from this group, send an email
to:
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Just got off the phone with Northwest River Park, they were inspecting the equestrian area as I was talking with them. The entire parking area is underwater.
Skywatch is cancelled (Park insists we cancel).
Sorry, but it didn't look promising anyway.
Ted
|
Re: Mars, Something that might be neat.
Hey Mat,
Mars is going to present a spectacular target all summer. It will certainly be a "pretty sight" in binoculars but will require a telescope to see any detail. If you haven't yet, check out the Mars article on our website and from there you can go to the site of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.) and get detailed advice on photographing and observing Mars during this close approach. This is not just a "once in a lifetime event" this is a "once in a civilization" event. Mars will be closer than at any time in the past 59,000 years! Through much of the summer Mars will be at an apparent angular diameter larger than we have seen in the past 15 years. And before its done, it will get twice as bright as Sirius!
Ted
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In a message dated 2/20/2003 1:18:29 AM Eastern Standard Time, "matsnellings <newfie122@...>" <newfie122@...> writes: Hi all
I was playing around with Starry Night checking out Mars. On the 19th
of June around 3am in the SE, it looks like Mars will be just above
the Moon and should make a really nice view. Using the 8x20
Binoculars field of view guide over haft of the Moon and all of Mars
will fit nicely in it. As I am new and don't have my scope yet I
am not sure if this will be a good photo op or not, because I don't
know the comparisons yet between binoculars field of view and a 8"
scope. But weather permitting I will be watching.
Mat
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Re: New product for Binos
I made one almost identical about 6 months ago out of a piece of 1/8"X1" aluminum stock. Got a bb gun red dot finder for $10 from Wally World, and it works great. Rob From: twforte@... Reply-To: backbayastro@... To: backbayastro@... Subject: [backbayastro] New product for Binos Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 07:36:32 -0500 A new product: Red-Dot Finders to be attached to binoculars to aid in astronomical observing. > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: backbayastro-unsubscribe@... Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
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Re: Mars, Something that might be neat.
Mat,
The lowest power you can effectively use with an 8" scope is 28x. That
magnification would yield a 7.1mm exit pupil. Any lower power would be empty
magnification, since the exit pupil diameter in the eyepiece exceeds the
size of the pupil in the human eye, 7.1mm. If you're not 18 years of age or
younger your eye is more than likely considerable smaller. But let's assume
you can effectively use 28x. If the eyepiece you use at that power has a
55-degree apparent field of view (the largest apparent field possible with
1-1/4" eyepiece at that power), the actual field would be
2-degrees. That's a whoppingly large field for a telescope, but miniscule
for binoculars. I think the moon and Mars will be more in the order of
2.25-degrees, conformably in the range of any descent binoculars or small
telescope. You might have to s-t-r-e-t-c-h the field to capture them both in
your 8". Thanks for telling us about June 19th. I'll put it on my calendar.
Of course we all know it'll be cloudy that night.
Kent Blackwell
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----- Original Message ----- From: <newfie122@...> To: <backbayastro@...> Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 1:18 AM Subject: [backbayastro] Mars, Something that might be neat. Hi all
I was playing around with Starry Night checking out Mars. On the 19th
of June around 3am in the SE, it looks like Mars will be just above
the Moon and should make a really nice view. Using the 8x20
Binoculars field of view guide over haft of the Moon and all of Mars
will fit nicely in it. As I am new and don't have my scope yet I
am not sure if this will be a good photo op or not, because I don't
know the comparisons yet between binoculars field of view and a 8"
scope. But weather permitting I will be watching.
Mat
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Dale Carey's report on the Winter Star Party has been uploaded to the BBAA website ... click on Observing Reports.
Ted
|
|
|
Mars, Something that might be neat.
Hi all
I was playing around with Starry Night checking out Mars. On the 19th
of June around 3am in the SE, it looks like Mars will be just above
the Moon and should make a really nice view. Using the 8x20
Binoculars field of view guide over haft of the Moon and all of Mars
will fit nicely in it. As I am new and don't have my scope yet I
am not sure if this will be a good photo op or not, because I don't
know the comparisons yet between binoculars field of view and a 8"
scope. But weather permitting I will be watching.
Mat
|
A telescope rigged up through the skylight above someone's hot tub? Wow, now
that's someone who just can't get enough stargazing. I wonder what kind of
heaters one would need for that telescope's optics? Any you guys & girls
thought the mere outdoor air in Tidewater was humid.
Let's see, Refractor, Newtonian reflector, Catoptrics, Maksutov, Dobsonian,
and finally the JacuzziScope. Man, that last one would be one hot scope.
Kent
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----- Original Message ----- From: <2bookworms@...> To: <backbayastro@...> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 10:37 PM Subject: [backbayastro] Re: NLES Pics Thanks, Ted for taking such great pictures! What a neat thing for all
of us to be able to access those pics! I'm begining to like this
Yahoo thing! I hope everyone had a good of a time at North Landing
Elementary...I know I did!
One parent at Discovery Night said that he had a telescope rigged up
through the sky light above his HOT TUB! (I wonder if out budget
would allow that Gerry!?)
One lady said that she could just look at the sky all night long, so
I urged her to join BBAA and one guy thanked me for letting him see
Saturn for the first time in his life. Kinda neat!
Rick Bish
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Thanks, Ted for taking such great pictures! What a neat thing for all
of us to be able to access those pics! I'm begining to like this
Yahoo thing! I hope everyone had a good of a time at North Landing
Elementary...I know I did!
One parent at Discovery Night said that he had a telescope rigged up
through the sky light above his HOT TUB! (I wonder if out budget
would allow that Gerry!?)
One lady said that she could just look at the sky all night long, so
I urged her to join BBAA and one guy thanked me for letting him see
Saturn for the first time in his life. Kinda neat!
Rick Bish
|
I don't know how many observed on Wednesday evening but the seeing
was just stunning. I rolled the 25" out to do some tweeks. After
tweeking the alignments of the mirrors a bit I pointed the telescope
towards Saturn. Wow, it was the best I've ever seen it. Seriously, I
could easily see Cassini and Crepe Divisions. Encke was a challenge
but visilbe.I could also see the shading in Ring-B. For a split
second I saw spokes in Ring-B. This is only the second time I've ever
seen these spokes.
I've always been an advocate of planet observing in the city. The
pollution certainly helps steady the atmosphere. All you have to do
on this evening is step outside. You can "feel" the stagnant air, and
smell the coal buring fireplaces. A great time to look at Jupe &
Saturn.
Kent Blackwell
|
Now everyone??? --- HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
Give me a L?? give me an E? then
L? and an A
now what do you have????
LELA??? ?(ne)
Dale
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----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 2:04
PM
Subject: RE: [backbayastro] It's a BIG
DAY!
Thank You
Georgie!
Today is Lelane
Arneson's Birthday!? (Known to some as Leland
Aresonal!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LELANE!
georgie
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Kent Blackwell