the rainmaker

[Lee]

Hello everyone.
I'm Lee, new around here. I also post at CloudyNights under the same name, have recently picked up a 200mm cloud magnet, aka rainmaker. Sorry about the star party tonight - I think it was me:shrug:
Seriously, a GSO Dob is now mine, along with some soon-to-be-replaced ordinary eyepieces! I haven't had a great deal of observing yet, have caught Jupiter, the jewel box, omega centauri and a few other things. Haven't had dark skies yet, did take the rainmaker to Dorrigo (inland from Coffs Harbour, and very dark) but you know what happened! I even had my observing dogs with me, now affectionately known as Canis Major and Canis Minor, but the clouds wouldn't part - actually they did part on the Sunday night, not worth unpacking the scope by then, would have had to rebox it for the roofrack the same night..... and I had it wrapped so watertight that Katrina wouldn't have wet it....
I have become addicted to spotting Iridium flares lately.... get a buzz out of catching them around the place.
Hopefully I'll get to catch up with some of you at a star party in the near future.

[asimov]

Hi Lee...I saw you signing up & wondered if you were gonna post tonite or not lol...Welcome to the forum mate!

Congrats on the magnet! Long as you buy over there, it won't affect our weather TOO much here in SA...

[toetoe]

G'day and welcome aboard Lee. That Jewel box is a mighty fine sight isn't it.

[ballaratdragons]

Welcome Lee.

Enjoy your stay. Be good if you could post some pics of Iridium Flares (if possible).

Another GS Dobbie owner, Wow! :thumbsup: We are gonna rule the world!!

[cahullian]

Hi Lee good to see another member from Newcastle in here. Enjoy your scope. It's the same as mine and I have been having a blast with it for the last few months.

Gazz/Irish

[toetoe]

:poke: :whistle: :poke: :D

[Lee]

I have one pic of an Iridium so far that turned out quite nice.... have a look in the Solar System Forum ..... took it the other night while walking my pooches..... :rundog:

[TidaLpHasE]

G'day Lee, this site http://www.heavens-above.com/main.asp?Loc=Melbourne&Lat=-37.817&Lng=144.967&Alt=58&TZ=AEST

has info on iridium flares and there location in relation to where you are.

Once you have entered your location details, and click on iridium flares, you can see where they will be, click on the predicted time and it gives you a small map of the flare, and approx, distance and direction from you.

Hope this helps your addiction.....:thumbsup:

[Lee]

Thanks, but how do you think I got addicted :help:...... even picked up a GPS handheld yesterday, I will be directly under some of these flares soon - I want magnitude -8!!! :sunny: I want to feel the warmth from it!!!! Hey, even my other half was impressed with a flare the other night... great way to impress your friends!

Heavens above is a great site, love the ISS flyovers too....

[fringe_dweller]

Welcome Lee! :gday: I like things that flash in the night sky too :D
Kearn

[iceman]

Hey Lee.

Great to see you signing up, after I found you over at CN :)

I read in your bio that you work for the Govt - h0ughy also works for newcastle council.. maybe you know each other? :)

I hope you can make it down to our central coast meets on new moon every month, there's a wide range of scopes to see through including some 8" scopes the same as yours, up to 12" and 18" dobs, SCT's and others..

My parents live at Bellingen, not far from Dorrigo.. it's a beautiful place to be, up there.

Welcome to the site and look forward to more contributions from you!

[Lee]

Thanks for the welcome iceman.... I don't think I'll have time to read CN anymore :)
Wrong government mate, I'm in the Air Force at Williamtown. Dorrigo is great when it is clear, the glare from the milky way almost hurts your eyes! ... well nearly....
I'll definitely get to a meeting as soon as I can.... work keeps interfering :(

[mick pinner]

put in your nomination for king have you Ken, King Ken 1 of Ballarat, has a certain ring to it don't you think, careful of the SCT owners they won't lay low for long.

[rmcpb]

Lee,

Welcome to the forum. Great choice of scope :) but then I'm not at all biased!!

That one will keep you busy for years before you run out of things to see.

Cheers

[slice of heaven]

Plasmodium? Hope you dont suffer from it :scared2:
:welcome: to the site Lee

[Lee]

No.... no fevers here! :cold:
Its a good nym to use, never been knocked back by a server yet because of a clash....