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mickkk
08-09-2006, 07:05 PM
Here I am, enthusisastic amateur. Been reading here for about 12 months with nothing to say.

However last week I was on the back porch, the sky was dark to the east but out the front to the s/w it was still light.

I was looking up for no reason like I always do at random wishing for somethin to hapen when I noticed a bright object it grew in brightness, star like at about 15 degrees s/e WOO its began to fade and I knew I was looking at the best solar flare(oops Iridium) I have ever seen. Id give it 9/10 compared to the normal 4/10 for the ones I see. Ive seen one in daylight too.

I was looking up 4am one morning and saw the best meteorite ever. Flashing and changing colours as it went through 3 atmospheres or something I think. Lasted 5 seconds looked like it was going straight down from my angle and boy oh boy do I know know how average a shooting star is in comparison!

Saw the Aurora Australis from my backyard a few years ago at 5am, great red/ green curtain that I thought was a fire at first, wow was that great.

Been in the middle of the southern ocean dead calm and seen one shooting star a minute in any direction, that was like the world was ending it was so clear. They said that happens all the time down there.

All these things over the last 5 years or so. So I reckon if you look long enough, youre lucks going to improve.

I look outside at the sky a dozen times at night. if I wake up in the middle of the night I have a look if its clear for a minute. Im planning to look over the bay a lot at night this summer.

I dont have a telescope yet. I cant justify the bucks just yet, but I have a great dslr I m gunna try on the night sky soon.

So if youre new, just keep looking like I do, you just never know. Imaging houses with clear roofs, no ceilings. How cool would that be?

iceman
08-09-2006, 07:10 PM
Welcome Mick, some great stories there! That iridium flare sounds like a beauty. It's great to hear the stories of someone enjoying the night sky with their own eyes.


That's a long time lurking! :) Great to see you finally join up and say g'day!

mickkk
08-09-2006, 07:30 PM
oops I wasnt concerntrating was watching sad news on tv, solar flare, how embarassing.

xelasnave
08-09-2006, 07:36 PM
Welcome Mick, sounds like my start. You gotta get a scope or some 80 x 20 binos ($200) or a 150mm reflector maybe around 300 I think. A cheap eq mount will see you turning out wide fields with your camera. It is great to see the enthusiasm you display, that what it is about.
alex

janoskiss
08-09-2006, 09:15 PM
Welcome long-time lurker Mick! :hi: Thanks for sharing your experieces. Pair of good quality 7-10x50 binos would be a nice upgrade to the keen pair of eyes you already have. ;)

jjjnettie
08-09-2006, 09:49 PM
Hi Mick!
Thanks for sharing your astronomical highlights. I'd love to see an Aurora.

drmorbius
08-09-2006, 10:02 PM
Welcome Mick!

Just goes to show the wonders above us if we just take the time to watch for them. I too would love to see the auroras...

xstream
09-09-2006, 06:29 AM
:welcome: Mick!
Enjoy your time here and thanks for sharing some of your experiences with us.

Astroman
09-09-2006, 07:46 AM
But don't wearem in the daytime or out on the street, People might find you a little strange...

:welcome: Mick

Ric
09-09-2006, 08:51 AM
Welcome Mick,
Dont worry, the enthusiasm will take over and you will be able to justify a telescope.
If you get a chance to have a look through someones scope that will help as well.

cheers

Tamtarn
09-09-2006, 02:56 PM
Hi Mick

Welcome to IIS

There are plenty of great people on this forum that will give you all the help you need when you are ready for for a scope or binos.
Where in Melb are you ?

David

Odlaw
09-09-2006, 11:14 PM
Hello and :welcome:

astro_nutt
10-09-2006, 08:55 PM
Thanks for sharing that everyone..truely a wonderous sight to behold!..and welcome!!

mickkk
12-09-2006, 05:53 PM
Thanks for all the welcomes. I posted a reply the other day but it seems it didnt take.

Carrum , David.

I have some 20 x 50s but I need a good tripod and an adapter.

:)

acropolite
12-09-2006, 07:24 PM
Welcome to IIS Mick, your don't have to justify the cost of a telescope, they're very affordable especially the GS Dobs. An 8 inch dob will give fantastic views and costs very little.

Tamtarn
13-09-2006, 09:29 PM
Hi Mick

You may want to contact Sheap, he has an 8" Dob and lives in Carrum also.

David

hijaker77
13-09-2006, 09:36 PM
Thank you mick for that awesome experience and sharing it with us!
See you later!