Ten Chain Hill New Moon nights

[pmrid]

Robin, I thought your were a CCDInspector-sceptic? Those pics seem to tell the story though.
I threatened to post a few of the images from the 20th. Only one worth the name was M31. Here it is.
Peter

[RobF]

Nice going Peter - plenty of detail coming out there!

[pmrid]

Well folks, you won't recognise my Obs. Until this morning, there wasn't a mount or scope in it - just 2 empty piers. But, since nature and my credit card abhor a vacuum, that situation has changed. One pier now has a 12 1/2 inch f/20 Dall Kirkham on a professional mount that could hold Jessie the elephant - courtesy of James Buckley (Maidenwell Obs). It's going to be my dedicated visual scope for doing lunar and planetary visuals and video. James says that one nights of good seeing, I can push it as high as 100 mags per inch of aperture. Can you imagine Saturn at x1200. Wahoo!!
That'll keep me from going bananas while I wait for the Titan to turn up in September. And then .... well, that's months away.
Peter

[RobF]

I wasn't familiar with the D-K design, but reading up it sounds pretty formidable (with French accent....)

You better be leaving some light for the rest of us Peter.....:lol:

[RickS]

Am I still allowed to turn up with a mere DSLR? :(

[Tandum]

So long as you plug it into the $4K scope you dragged up last time :lol:

Yes pete, ccdinspecter gives me different results depending on where the camera is pointing but if you expose long enough it seems to settle down. I see you're Kingaroy buddy has a bucket load more stuff up on Astro Buy/Sell. Don;t get tempted now.

[RickS]

Soon as I find a mount for it, Robin!

[Tandum]

And there's no rush Rick, good things come to those that wait. One will show up to cover all your needs. I have a spare mount here but only one tripod :(

[pmrid]

That's rich!! Not only did you produce some first-rate widefields but I seem to remember that there was a camara shop out on that table with more lenses that Ted's End-of-Year Half-Price Sale just a splash of Takahashi here and there. Mere DSLR my #$@%

Peter.

[pmrid]

He sure does. He's got one of those snazzy Lumemera Skynyx 2-2M CCDs going for 2K. Not a bad cam for planetary/lunar stuff. But I've already blown the budget for 2010 and 2011 so I'll have to settle for what I've got for a bit.
Peter.

[Tandum]

Considering it's been overcast since December that is probably a good idea :)

[RickS]

So much for my closet gearhead status. I've been outed :D

Still, a 12.5 incher is a lot more impressive than a few camera lenses! Looking forward to a squizz at it and through it...

Cheers,
Rick.

[pmrid]

It's certainly going to be interesting. I got the OTA assembly mounted today. It took 2 of us to lift it onto the cradle. It's a big beast. But after a bit of tightening and tweaking, it was time to actually take a peek through it. Turned it onto a telecom tower up on top of the D'Aguilar range about 5 km away and at x600 it was still crisp and clean and the tower filled the ep entirely. At x1000 I had an individual antenna dish dominating the ep and the detail was still crisp and clean. This big boy is going to give us some serious knee-trembling moments with lunar and planetary stuff. Wahoo!! So now it's raining and forecast to continue for the next week. Rats!
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Peter,

Congrats on the new scope...sounds like a MONSTER :eyepop:

We are trying to find some clear skies near Yarraman . I hope the forecast for the week is wrong, somehow, as we are camping for the holidays.

Look forward to seeing this scope in person

Geoff & Matt

[RobF]

I think Peter has been watching too many of the Sat night James Bond movies lately - its really a secret weapon for world domination he's installing - just needs the high power "LASER" installed next to it to become fully operation ;)

MwAAAhhhhahhaaaahhhhaaaaa....

[pmrid]

darn right. And you never know when it's going to be pointing your way. You know those lights in Brisbane that ruin the night sky out here - well, now we have the weapon to deal with it. MMaaaaHaaaaa!!
Obergruppenfurher Peter.

[adman]

Nice Peter - sorry Obergruppenfuhrer...!

what is that mount?? Is it only driven in RA?

Adam

[pmrid]

I know very little about its provenance apart from the fact it was said to have been manufactured in Cairns. It's carrying an easy 60+kg and doesn't blink. The axes are a good 32mm and maybe more (haven't measured yet). The drive is RA only with the usual nudge controls in both RA and Dec. The gears are a precision set of 359 teeth (perfect for siderial tracking) and as long as it is well aligned on it's pier, the lack of a dec drive is a minor issue at best. Besies, it's going to be a visual scope primarily so controlling a bit of drift is no biggie.
I'm hoping to throw a few Naglers at it on Saturday night. That'll be the test.
Peter

[adman]

60kg! If you ever feel like being polar aligned yourself, you could climb up and strap yourself in...:lol:

seriously though looks great. Wonder if the clouds will part for the next new moon??

Adam

[pmrid]

Well, the weather at this point (5 days out) says wet Friday, fine Saturday. Who knows? The good news is that we now have one completed telescope pad down and concreted in with SCP aligning channel and an E-W channel as well for your back legs. As long as your legs are equally extended, you will fall into very close to SCP alignment just by plonking the scope down. Also, the tripod should be pretty well dead horizontal too.
The pads are sized to take an EQ6 at full extension of 1500mm although I expect most imagers would set the scope a bit lower and the legs not so widely spread.
The second pad is dug, framed and sleel'd up, SCP alignment points set and ready for concrete next Saturday but it won't be usable of course for a few days at least.
Let me know if you're thinking of coming out please so I can plan ahead.
cheers
Peter.

[ozstronomer]

Peter,
It is great to hear it is all coming along, look forward to trying out one of the pads. Unfortunately Matt and I will not be making it up this weekend all the best for fine weather and conditions. I expect we will catch up with you at Astrofest for the next New Moon.

Cheers
Geoff + Matt

[RobF]

I'm unlikely to get there this weekend thanks Peter.
Currently struggling to get clearance to attend Astrofest, and very unlikely I'll be able to get away this weekend. Looking forward to seeing the new gear though when able to get there.

[pmrid]

Here is the first finished pad. Assuming Dave Gregor and I did the solar noon thing properly, and assuming your tripod legs are equally extended, you should be able to pop your scope straight into these 2 grooves and be within a bee's knees of being on the SCP.
Peter.

[astroron]

I see things haven't changed that much, you still have lots of Cow Patts:rolleyes:

[RickS]

Somewhere to warm your feet on a long night :D

[pmrid]

I'm saving them for you Ron. We can burn them is summer to keep the mozzies at bay.
Not sure about keeping your feet warm though.
P.

[adman]

I may make it up on the weekend - depending on the disposition of my own Obergruppenfuhrer. Skippy Sky is not looking too good though.

I am having...shall we say ....issues with my mount at the moment, and would love to get a few things sorted out once and for all.....even if it is just to have the mount melted down to make a good counter-weight. :mad2:

Adam

[adman]

Love the scope pads by the way!

[Tandum]

You might wanna check that with a compass, it's about 5 degrees right of the milking shed which is where I normally point to start with. Any chance of a target to adjust altitude by :question:

Week-end is looking crappy again :(

[pmrid]

We actually had 3 compasses - 2 old fashioned and one digital - and they couldn't agree at all. That's why we did the string-line at solar noon thing. Those digital compasses are a complete waste of space and unless you spend up big a normal compass strugglers to find your foot. Perhaps it's just me!!
Yeah, weather turning to soup again. Looks like another non-event coming up doesn't it?
I'll "declare" late morning tomorrow in case something dramatic happens - but I sure don't expect it.

Peter.

[Tandum]

They are forecasting showers tomorrow and Sunday :(

[pmrid]

Well Skippy is less pessimistic. It says a clear night until about midnight. Last night gave us several good clear hours out here, surprisingly, and then clouded up about midnight. I actually got to open up the roof and have a play with the DK for a while.
Peter

[RobF]

Yes - I managed to get a few hours in last night.
Tonight looking very tricky again to call....
There's some crazy air and moisture movements going on (as usual...:rolleyes:)

[pmrid]

That's one way of putting it! "Expletive deleted" weather is another.

It's tried to drizzle here over the past half hour or so and the wind is from the NE and pushing moist cloud ahead of it by the looks. SKippy says it'll clear so I'll leave it to individual discretion. Even on a best-case, we won't get much sky past about midnight and who can say whether the wind will drop off. It usually does but famous last words are made of this. Let me know if you're coming.

Peter.

[DavidTrap]

We've almost a clear sky overhead now at 16:30 on the northside of Brisbane.

There are clouds out over the D'Aguilar Range, but it looks like it may clear for you in an hour or so.


DT

[RickS]

It didn't, unfortunately :sadeyes:

[jjjnettie]

It's clearing over Kilcoy. But as the clouds leave us, the fog is rising.
Seeing is dismal too. :(
I won't be dragging the scope out, but the bino's will get some use tonight.:)

[RickS]

I gave up and went home to play guitar. It's useful to have indoor pursuits as well.

[jjjnettie]

I've spent the evening watching documentaries with my boys. If you can't get out under the stars, you may as well watch them on tv.

[pmrid]

Thanks almost entirely to Dave Gregor, we now have 2 pads in place. We did the second one yesterday. The clouds didn't give me a decent string-line shot at solar noon so there is no official SCP pointer in place on #2 yet. However, there is a special mark in the concrete for Robin with an arrow pointing towards the 'milking shed'.
I'll paint on a SCP and baseline once I can get a decent shadow.
Peter.

[Tandum]

I came down with the lurgy yesterday and slept all day, the sneezing started overnight and I'm now looking for the 4inch nail someone hammered in between my eyes :o Maybe I can drive up next week-end with these boots, camera etc for you pete.

[RickS]

It's an impressive looking beast in the flesh, Peter! It's a shame the weather gods weren't willing to allow any views through it last night...

Cheers,
Rick.

[pmrid]

[QUOTE=RickS;613461]....It's a shame the weather gods weren't willing to allow any views through it last night...
QUOTE]
Thanks Rick. The sky actually cleared after you left. But by then it was too late - I was no longer safe to operate machinery.

Peter

[pmrid]

No problem.
By the way I just got some sun at solar noon and checked the NS alignment on pad #1 and it's spot on. The EW is off though and this may have deceived your eye a little. In view of your sorry state of health, pad #2 has been christened the Tandum Memorial Pad.

Peter

[adman]

Hi Peter - any chance of coming up this weekend - it is looking better weatherwise, and I may be able to clearance for a night away....

Adam

[pmrid]

Of course - although I think the best will be tomorrow night. But .....

And now, for the wonderment of all, here is Pad #2 complete with the dedication engraved into one corner in honour of our chief pole vaulter and milking-shed guru.


Peter

[pmrid]

Skippy says this Thursday and Friday will be clear but not Saturday. Anyone thinking about grabbing some photons might want to think about Friday. Check Skippy.
Peter

[RickS]

Fine work on pad #2 by Peter and David!

[adman]

When did you check skippy Peter? Just had a look, and now Friday looks like wall to wall clouds, and Saturday looks clear...:shrug:

Adam

[pmrid]

Cheez!! Talk about a moving target. I had checked just before posting this morning and now, just checked again and it's all changed. You're right. Friday is now officially merdre!!

Peter

[Tandum]

Tonight looks good and Saturday better be as well.
Finally got them coming to check the electricity meter Friday, so I need to be near by for that one.

[adman]

a bit on the windy side tonight....but I can't let clear skies pass me by at the moment. There hasn't been enough of them...

[jjjnettie]

The wind had died down a lot out this way.
It's lovely out.
Vega is just clearing the trees now.
I'm waiting on the Veil. Then, if I'm up to it, M31. We'll see, it's 10 degrees atm. Nice.

[Tandum]

I swapped out the 10" newt for the tak cos of the wind.
I'll try out my new starlight filter wheel and tak adapters instead of the new mpcc adapter.
M16 narrow band for me :)

[jjjnettie]

Having a go at the Cat's Paw atm.

[pmrid]

Skippy says Saturday is a goer. Anyone want to try their luck?
Peter

[Tandum]

I'll be there, gonna fix the busted tail light on the trailer tonight and stick the new rego label on.

No sign of energex today and now origin have a completely different story for me, what a hassle it is. I'll fill you in on the details tomorrow.

[RickS]

Alas, my social secretary has already made an immutable booking for Saturday afternoon :sadeyes:

[pmrid]

We just got our first Origin Energy bill since installing the solar panels. Would you believe a quarter's bill of $45 - yep, that's right $45 - of which about half is network access charges? Wahoo!!

Peter.

[pmrid]

Ahh, the dreaded immutable booking - you realise of course that if you give in once .......
Ah well, there's always the guitar.
Peter.

[Tandum]

What the :eyepop: But what's the reduction and how big is the array?
We're getting close to $1K/quarter here.


Bulbs and wiring on the trailer are fine, I must have a problem in the car wiring :sadeyes:

[ozstronomer]

Peter,

Matt and I can't make it this weekend.. hope all goes well for a fine night:)

Hope to catch everyone at Astrofest next month

Geoff

[RobF]

Me too Peter - saving all available Brownie pts for Astrofest next month. Dying to have a look through that new refractor though.....

[Tandum]

Think canon not refractor :)

[adman]

I hope to make it up - is it OK if I bring along my son - he's very nearly 8, and is not a clear and present danger to electronics or optics....?

Adam

[pmrid]

Yeah, no problems. I'll make sure the dogs are fed beforehand.
Would you like to bed him down in the house?
Peter

[pmrid]

16 x 165 Kw panels
Peter

[pmrid]

G'day Geoff. Me too. I'm coming with small guns but big ambitions. I've got a great little HEQ5Pro mount and an Orion 100mm F/6 shorty with an HX916 I'm busting to put together and hopefully even have a crack at LRGB imaging.

Peter

[adman]

Nah - he's been looking forward to the tent. I've told him how cold it's going to be....:shrug:. My wife is putting a couple of hot water bottles onto my packing list!

See you this arvo around 3-4pm

[pmrid]

I love meaningless acronyms.
Our next TenChainHillObs NewMoonNinght will be September 11th September - unless in the interim the government finds a way to claim ownership of photons and puts a toll on them - stay tuned, it could happen. They have decided they own the water.
Peter.

[Brundah1]

Threatening Clouds Happening Over New Moon Night! :rofl::rofl::rofl:

David

[pmrid]

A couple of folks have asked me if it was OK to come up this friday and/or Saturday to take advantage of what looks like being clear weather. I don't mind - and the moon will oblige by rising nice and late and nice and small, so if anyone else wants to iron out their equipment wrinkles befpre astrofest, you too are welcome to take a run up on either night.
Peter.

[adman]

Peter, speaking of ironing out bugs - remember last new moon night, the problems I was having with my mount? Well it was the dec axis. I stripped the mount down when I got back home after that, and re greased etc, and then spent quite a bit of time making sure that the worm meshing wasn't too tight, and that the motor gears were properly positioned. I think it was the latter that was the biggest issue.

I had it out for a test run last night (also first light for my new flattener/reducer which seems good), and it guided pretty well - even though the wind caused a few hiccups...

Adam

[RobF]

Glad to hear you've got it behaving Adam
I was out last night too checking gear for astrofest. I managed to have trouble or stuff up nearly everthing I tried, including all the filter settings for my CCD in Maxim, guider cal, etc. :rolleyes:

Eventually got it all going by 1:30am. People probably wondered why I was so tired and grumpy today...! :D

[Tandum]

I got a new side by side bar to reduce the height/weight of everything. Now it needs an extra counterweight :P

I won't be coming up pete. Cya at astrofest.

[adman]

I spoke too soon Rob...did a couple of hours the next night, and I have started getting sudden jumps in dec. I have never had those before.....any ideas - besides getting a new mount?

My new mount has been put back a little as I just bought AlexN's canon 17-40 f/4, which pretty much cut my savings plan back to square one....

[RobF]

MIght be cables or balance?
They're not correction jumps are they? - Might mean your alignment was well off and guiding program was jumping to pull it back in regularly.

My DEC axis is particularly sensitive to balance with the Newt. Needs to be very close, but many people say perfect is not perfect sometimes....

What days are you astrofesting Adam?

[Tandum]

I've been getting a similar problem and here it looks like low power from USB to the qhy5 causes it to spit out crap.

[AlexN]

Thanks for having us last night Peter.. Was a great night!

[ozstronomer]

Peter

Thanks for another great night, looks like that c14 will turn out to be
an Awesome scope.:eyepop:

Look forward to more good nights this week, Peter see you at Astrofest.

Alex, great to catch up again. Thanks for staying till the end. The thermometer said -0.3 at 7.00am you should have stayed for the fog:D

[adman]

yo might be onto something there Robin, my QHY5 can sometimes just cut out for no apparent reason. I get the USB-disconnecting sound, then the connecting sound from the laptop and then have to unpug/replug QHY5 to get it going again - as well as restarting PHD, which means re-calibrating. A real pain in the bum.

I have suspected for a while that there is something screwy with my USB...

Adam

[Tandum]

It may not be the problem here. Tonight I have powered the hub on the mount to remove any low power issues, yet the mount still jumped and it took me 15minutes to see it had moved :( Only done it once so far tonight but that's one too many times.

[edit]
The move commands are definately coming into my mount from outside. It shows it's moved in TheSky so it's a simple matter of pressing 'slew' to get it back on target. Lots more good weather is needed to solve it, that's the problem:(

[pmrid]

Guys, I am only repeating what I was told but when I encountered the same problem with my EQ6, I was advised to change the Dec algorhythm in PHD - there are only 2 choices but I can't now remember which was the "good" one. It may be wrth experimenting with.
Hey Robin, have you any thoughts on how to wire up a few Peltiers? Would they need any sort of controller - PWM and suchlike?

Peter.

[Tandum]

Yes, similar to the dew controller, but if it had a temp sensor feedback you could keep the temp constant instead of varying with ambient.

[pmrid]

G'day folks.

Well, it's been a couple of months since we lastr assembled at TCHO. It's time we planned for the September new moon. The new moon is on the 8th so the Friday/Saturday 10-11 are our windows of opportunity.

Let me know if you're planning to come up.

cheers

Peter.

[Tandum]

I should be able to get there at this stage.

[DavidTrap]

Hmmmmm, I might finally get around to taking you up on your offer Peter. I'm busy on Saturday night, but Friday might be a goer - depends on my wife's agenda for Saturday with the kids and how busy I am on Friday at work... The planets will certainly need to be in alignment to pull this one off!

DT

[pmrid]

Keep the October TCHO new moon nights free - that's the 8th and 9th. Brett (Bert in IIS) the automation nut will be here helping me put a bit of extra magic into my roll-off and no doubt won't mind having his brain picked just a little. He's hoping to meet up with some of our local IISers so make it a date - probably the Saturday would be the best bet.

Peter

[AdrianF]

I will try to get there in October but I have been driving from Roma to Maidenwell/Yarraman/Blackbutt/Kilcoy for the last few weekends. Only got home this afternoon and driving out to Cunnamulla tomorrow and St George on Thursday and possibly back to Blackbutt etc on Saturday. So I think I need some time at home.

Adrian

[pmrid]

Ahhh, dear old Cunna-bloody-mulla! I lived there in the mid 70's. They had a newspaper that came out every Wednesday that was nicknamed "the 3-minute silence" because that's how long it took to read it cover to cover. The local convent teachers used to set it as regular homework for the kids to correct the spelling errors.
Ahh, nostalgia!!

Peter.

[AlexN]

I'll be up on the saturday in October mate.. :D Lookin forward to it

[RobF]

I'm out of it until Nov Peter.
Good skies.

[ozstronomer]

Hi Pete,

Matt and I are trying for BOTH Friday and Saturday night 10/11 Sept. Definitely Saturday 11th.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone.:)

Cheers Geoff

[AdrianF]

I don't think things have changed much. All shops close at 6pm. The motel I am in is ok but only 1 thing on the menu at the moment..... Boot steak sandwich and burnt chips just spent 10'mins driving around to see what else goes on around here verdict.... Not much. I wish I had brought my binoculars with me.

Adrian

[pmrid]

G'day all.
well, Skippy says Saturday will be clear and Jetstream moderate. The BOM says there will be a high sitting right on top of us so we ought to have cool weather also.
Let me know if you're planning to come up please.
I've finally got all the bits and pieces to finish the mods on my main pier to accommodate the new Titan and to mount up the C14 - both jobs I hope to finish later today - so barring the totally unforeseen, I ought to be able to begin the learning processes for Gemini systems and the Titan. Probably won't be imaging by the weekend though. But at least the beast will be mounted.
Peter.

[astroron]

:hi:Peter, it looks like everyone is Astro Fested out:P
No takers this end for Cambroon at the moment:shrug:
I hope we have a Good weekend:thumbsup:

[DavidTrap]

Hi Peter,

Unless this weather blows through quickly, I guess Friday will be a no-go. I'm busy Saturday night. If the weather does improve, I think I'll just stay in Brisbane and try some imaging through my LPS filter...

Thanks again,

DT

[pmrid]

Hi Ron. Yes. I can identify with that!!
Peter

[AlexN]

I'd come, excepting I've committed to taking a lovely young lass out for dinner and a movie... I did everything I could to organize it differently, but as you know Peter, my 'free time' schedule is limited at best... I might get a chance to do some photography from the back yard with any luck..

Cheers.
Alex

[pmrid]

May the force be with you!!!

Peter

[Tandum]

I'm coming up pete. I need some RGB action, as you can see, it's pointless from here :D Might even clean the sensor :P

[pmrid]

Good on you mate. You will be able to help me christen the beast.
Peter.

[Tandum]

Geezzz it doesn't look as big with that water heater on top of it :)

[adman]

just to clarify....you are talking astrophotography aren't you?? ;)

Adam

[Tandum]

Check out what happens to that previous image when you throw out the Lum layer :thumbsup: That looks better.

And only jocking, sif I'd clean the sensor, the splotches add character :lol:

[AlexN]

Is there any other type of photography one would bother to undertake? :P haha

Peter.... Oh. My. God.. If anyone ever fires a cruise missile at you, I would strongly recommend you hide behind that monument you call a mount and scope... I'd bet anything that massive metallic contraption would stop any and all ordinance in its tracks! :) Quite the sky sucker! :)

[ozstronomer]

Peter,

Matt and I will be up for Saturday night.

Cheers Geoff

[RobF]

Out of action until Nov earliest alas.
Have fun all...!

[ozstronomer]

Pete,

Thanks again for another great night. Good to see the C14 up and running.
I'm sure you will work out that control software. At least the Polar Alignment is close. :thumbsup:

Cheers Matt and Geoff

[pmrid]

Thanks guys. CHeck out Tandum's 'trio' in the Astro_Imaging section. He manager a few beauts - particularly Corona Australia which is right up there with Rho Oph as one of my all-time favourites.

Figured out some of the 'issues' with the Titan - it was in the worm on Dec - some adjustment required and now waiting for tonight to see how it performs.
Peter.

Peter.

[pmrid]

Folks, contrary to previous announcement, Brett (observatory automation nut) won't be here in October. Try to wrestle with your disappointment and come anyway. The saturday 9th is the present plan, with Friday 8th also available for the desperate.
Peter.

[Tandum]

I've got the nieces wedding that week-end peter, I'm out.

[pmrid]

The good news is that the dams and tanks are all full, the water levels in the bore are at record levels, the ground is wet, the grass and trees are growing and the cows are getting fatter than blimps.

The bad news is that the Bureau forecast is for more of the same without any break in sight for the next week at least.

I think the last decent night of seeing we had was on the New Moon in September and that was one night only. Probably one night in two or three months. So I won't cancel this weekend yet but forewarn everyone that unless the weather totally breaks by Tuesday I will - mainly because the access tracks will need that long without more rain to be trafficable by the weekend.

Peter.

[ozstronomer]

Peter,

Matt and I would like to come up, weather permitting. Just let us know if the tracks become impassable and you have to cancel.


Pete, I 'm not sure how you are going with polar alignment of the Titan but I saw this site which Mark and Adam the teachers from the Sunshine Coast have designed.

Under Tutorials there is an easy drift alignment using K3CCD Tools. Might be worth keeping if only for future checking.

Cheers Geoff

[pmrid]

Cheers Geoff.


Have you got a link to the site you mentioned?

Peter.

[pmrid]

Well, who knows? The nights have been hard to predict. Even though the skies have cleared later in the evenings, the high humidity has made seeing fairly poor and condensation a real issue as the temperature drops. Still, it hasn't rained since Sunday and the access road is fine. So, we might as well proceed on the assumption that we will "have a go" on Saturday - subject to any late shifts in weather of course.
Peter.

[pmrid]

Well, it seems to be pretty clear that this New Moon is going to be wet, wet, wet. The latest from BOM this morning has the whole state under a very wet blanket that is not going to clear for several days yet. So as much as I would be happy to have the pleasure of your company, I think I have to cancel this weekend.
I will keep the door open for the following weekend though. We've had so little sky these past few months that you're probably like me and willing to settle for a bit of moon-glow as the price for some seeing.
Peter.

[ozstronomer]

Peter

Thanks for the note. We can't make it next weekend, so will catch you for the November new moon (weather permitting)

Cheers Geoff

[pmrid]

Well, so far, Skippy is predicting clear for Saturday night. So I'll declare the drawbridge officially down.
Peter.

[RobF]

All the best with the weather Peter
Can't get there this month alas.

[Tandum]

I won't be able to get there either pete. I was a bit slow starting this week so I want to get the last bits into this thing this week-end to get it ridgid before the wind gets it.

[pmrid]

Looking good mate. I can imagine what a nice breeze might do with it though. Better get it into the loungeroom -in front of the telly perhaps, or on the dining table.
Peter.

[Tandum]

Even with 3 bricks in it, it lifted off the bench this arvo and hit the deck. We just got it to wiggle through the sliding door and inside, so it's in front of the telly:)

It's blowing a gail and bucketing down outside now. I hope there's some sun out tomorrow to set the glue. It will not fit through that door again once I add more bits.

[RobF]

Heck, that was lucky Robin - last night one of the windiest nights I can recall for a long time in Bris. Would have been a shame to lose it all when it was looking so good. Hope you can get it all mounted etc before the next big blow. You might need a foil like the F1 cars that rotates into the oncoming wind.....;)

[Tandum]

Didn't it howl. The wind drove the rain through a gap in the back of the house somewhere and water was running on the inside of the downstairs windows. Looks like I've have to get on a ladder and find that one. I figure once I get the foam finished I can pin it to the ground under a tarp and move onto stage 2. I'm almost foamed out...

[pmrid]

Guys, if you were planning to come out tonight, I think you should postpone the trip. The wind isn't letting up at all - it's howling up from the South-West at a hell of a clip. Skippy says there is a westerly jetstream also, 100 kph++ tonight so even in clear skies, the seeing will be poor - and that assumes you can anchor your scope to the ground.
Tomorrow (Sunday) offers a somewhat better prognosis though - so all is not lost.
Peter.

[pmrid]

Well, that was a bad call. The wind did drop - eventually and it's been cool, calm and clear - now midnight and still banging away.
Peter

[Tandum]

I didn't drag the foam outside till after lunch, it was just too windy.
I only just got the last of the glue off me :) 5 half hexagons to go tomorrow.
Thank god it's been sunny today. Waiting 2 days for glue to go off is a pain in the ar.....

[pmrid]

Hello folks - a reminder that the final 2 nights for 2010 are 6th November and 4th December.
Peter.

[Brundah1]

Nov 6 is a SEQAS BBQ w/e at Hazeldean and I'm one of the cooks.

Dec 4 is granddaughter's ballet concert, already told been I am going!

Sad but true. DG:shrug:

[ozstronomer]

Thanks Peter

Matt and I have booked in the 6th Nov, looking forward to a good night...will have to see as December get closer.

Geoff

[Tandum]

I'm obligated to attend a family function on the 6th Pete. I'm out :(

David, your inbox is full...

[RickS]

G'day Peter,

I have another trip away on Monday, but should be back and ready for 6 Nov. I have all this new gear that needs to be used!

Cheers,
Rick.

[lesbehrens]

hi. ill try and make it out this time too. its been awhile since Ive done anything.
see u all there:eyepop:
les:thumbsup:

[adman]

trying to organise to get there for next weekend Peter - would be Saturday night 6th November....

Adam

[pmrid]

Ten-Chainers will be familiar with the slow progress of this project. It's been fairly slow progress waiting for stuff from the States and for things that are backordered.
Anyway, the official outcome is that 21Kgs have been shed from the OTA leving it at a nice 20Kgs. It's now been re-assembled and optical exes brought into alignment. All that remains is a reasonable night to collimate and we'll be able to see if it's all been worth the effort.
Here's some pics of the end result. The main changes have been a new primary and secondary assembly including spider, a new focuser and some vaery drastic cuts with an angle grinder to the sonotube itself.
Fingers crossed. If it collimates well enough it'll be an f/20 12 1/2 inch scope with a FL of 6300 (or so) capable of up to x1200 on a good night. There's enough of Jupiter still in the sky to make the mouth drool just a little.

Peter.

[ozstronomer]

Peter

Excellent work :thumbsup:, a brave man to take to it with an angle grinder but it looks great.:)

Lets hope the weather holds for the weekend, it will be quite exciting to finally get a a look through this monster.

Cheers Geoff

[Tandum]

I hope it works for you pete, halving the weight is quite an achievement.

[RobF]

Certainly sounds like an impressive bit of gear. Looking forward to having a gawk at some stage. All the hard work must be paying off Peter.

[RickS]

How's the weather looking up there, Peter?

[RickS]

Thanks for being a fine host again, Peter. Despite some technical difficulties it looks like I got some useful data...

Cheers,
Rick.

[adman]

speaking of technical difficulties....:rolleyes: I have returned the synguider and ordered a QHY5 (again - shouldn't have sold my first one....)

Adam

[pmrid]

Well, it may seem a trifle on the desperate side but Skippy is giving us a clear night this Friday. Yes, I hear you say, don't count your chickens (photons in this case) etc, but I believe this is the first clear night since Moses went A-over-T down the mountain and I don't plan wasting it.
Yes, I also hear you say, it will be an 83% Moon rising about 10.30 p.m.. BUT I DON'T CARE.
If you want to take a chance that the new moon in December will bring you some clear skies, go ahead. I have a nice bridge I'd like to sell you. For me, I'll be digging out my moon filters and rolling back the roof. Any takers?
Peter.

[RickS]

Sorry, can't make it on Friday night. Fingers crossed for the new moon!

[pmrid]

Crikey, that was quick. It's gone again. Skippy seems to have canceled my sky for Friday. Oh well, I might take up knitting.
Peter.

[adman]

Yeah - knit yourself a scope cover - you're not going to be needing it for a while :mad2:

[ozstronomer]

Pete,

I hope the weather changes for you tomorrow night. Full cloud cover here tonight.

We will wait and cross our fingers for the new moon night

Cheers Geoff

[Tandum]

I think Pete's got cabin fever and is grabbing at straws :)
They are forecasting rain again all next week :(

[pmrid]

Cabin fever eh. Well, yes, probably. I doubt that I'm alone in that.
BUT, notwithstanding the above, I'll be having another crack tomorrow (Saturday) night when your friend and mine, Skippy the Mexican kangaroo predicts clear skies and good seeing.
Peter

[Tandum]

Did you get a result pete?

It rained here at 9pm :(

[pmrid]

I had just enough time to get set up before the high cloud came back - but I had started a sequence so I carried on for a few shots through the cloud. How desperate is that? Still, here is the result showing at least that the HypeStar will work if I ever get some clear sky and a chance to do a proper collimation.
Peter

[pmrid]

Well, it's next Saturday folks but nobody is predicting anything but more of this cloudy weather. On the assumption that this proves to be an accurate guess, I will leave open the possibility of the weekend of the 11th in lieu.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Peter

Will try for this weekend 4/12 otherwise will come up on the 11th...weather permitting

Geoff & Matt

[RickS]

4th or 11th should be good for me too. Fingers crossed for clear skies!

[pmrid]

Looks like the 4th is definitely going to be out. But even if Skippy is wrong, I have to make some duty visits in the name of domestic harmony that will mean I'm out anyway.
So it's the 11th or bust. Fingers crossed.
Peter

[Tandum]

Better cross those toes as well :)

That's a huge chunk of sky in the hyperstar pete, what is it again, F1.5 or something?
One of them qhy12's might be the shot for that, with really short exposures :)

[pmrid]

Well, good intentions don't seem to cut much sway with the sky gods. Tomorrow night looks like a mess and so does every night up to about 5 or 6 days from now so it will be new year before we get another chance to assemble at TCH.

I hope you all have a great Xmas with your families and friends and that there are some nice bits of kit under everyone's tree.

Peter

[RickS]

Not really unexpected, but a shame nonetheless :sadeyes:

All the best to you as well, Peter, and all the other folks I've met at TCH. I hope you have a safe and joyous Xmas and clear skies in the New Year!

Don't worry about me getting some nice bits of gear. It's all on order, although I had to do it myself ;)

Cheers,
Rick.

[ozstronomer]

Pete

As Ric said, to be expected.... with this continuous cloud cover we may not see a clear night until Autumn :D

Many thanks for all your hospitality over the year, Matt and I always look forward to each new moon night.

All the best for Christmas and the New Year and to all the other 10Chain Hill visitors. I hope we all have a safe and joyous time and many clear nights in the New Year!

Cheers Geoff and Matt

[RobF]

Yep, Merry Christmas all :thumbsup:

[Tandum]

All I got under my tree is a frigging BAS statement. Have a good one :xmas: :reindeer:

[pmrid]

This weekend is a non-starter I'm afraid. Our access road in from the front gate is a kilometer of mud and this country is slow to dry out so I am sorry to say that unless you have a hovercraft of a chopper, I won't be seeing you until February.
Peter

[RickS]

Thanks, Peter. We can only hope that February will be dry and clear!

[ozstronomer]

Thanks for the update Pete, looking forward to better weather in February

Cheers Geoff

[pmrid]

Those of you who are familiar with TenChain Hill may have noticed our little creek that divides our property. At the moment, it is more of a river than a creek.
Peter

[RickS]

Stay safe, Peter!

[Tandum]

Looks like it's our turn in town now.
Another meter odd and I'll be cut off from the pub :eyepop:

[RickS]

I reckon you could turn that dome upside down and paddle it like a coracle :D

[pmrid]

Folks, there's no predicting what may happen but Saturday 5th February seems worth setting aside for our first TenChain New Moon Night since Moses crossed the Rubicon in a hatbox (or whatever the story is).
I'll monitor Skippy and post here again as we get a little closer but for the moment at least, the internal road is open. I can't vouch for the external roads at that time but can say that right now, the Mt. Glorious Road is closed as is the road at Fernvale so access to us is via Caboolture/Kilcoy or, if you can get there, via Gatton/Esk. I'm sure that'll be a much less unhappy situation after a couple of weeks have passed though.

Peter

[adman]

sounds good peter - will pencil it in

[ozstronomer]

Thanks Pete have booked it in. Fingers crossed we get a fine night

Geoff

[Bender]

Hi Pete
It's only been a year since I was last there. Looking forward to getting out of the house.
Martin

[pmrid]

Happy Anniversary Martin! I think there'll be quite a few of us cabin-fever sufferers who would sacrifice an appendage or two for a night of stars. Here's hoping.

Peter

[RickS]

Looking forward to it, Peter! I should have a tripod for my AP 900GTO by then and hopefully the correct filter-wheel for my Starlight Xpress H18. With luck, I'll even get a chance to test everything in advance...

Cheers,
Rick.

[Tandum]

On ya pete, eternally optomistic, that's what we want to see. Sif it will clear before 2012 :rofl:

But just to hedge my bets, I have a spare 2" mounted starlight carousel Rick and I can put 5 filters in it for you. No tripod though.

[Brundah1]

May aim for the fifth Peter, even if its only to see if Robyn can find his Tri-pad
in the long grass:rofl:

We're off to tassie on the 9th, so SHMBO will sure to have me grounded before we go:sadeyes:

Otherwise may sneak up with the HDTV, before once the pergola is finished.

Just outside after a P and that bloody floodlight is on again! Maybe you could take potshots with your 12" Naval Gun;)

BTW thanks for the PUSA tips, works great.

DG

[pmrid]

Folks, it probably no surprise to anyone to discover that the February New Moon will bring with it a cyclone from the deep Pacific. I won't be around for the March NM and April is in doubt due to possible work commitments overseas. It's a miserable outlook but that's the way it is!!
Hope you all survive the cyclones OK and look forward to seeing you - someday.
Peter

[Brundah1]

Struth Peter! That means no Doctor visits for 3 months!

By then we'll both have aperture fever and not much cure :sadeyes:

Perhaps a BBQ & group hug in the cool clear nights of May & June :rolleyes:

[adman]

Peter, I remain optimistic for the feb new moon.....mainly as I have been given a rare 2 night pass. I was going to try to come up Friday night after work, if you are about....?

I will keep my eye on skippy.

Adam

[pmrid]

Adam, your optimism is laudable. It should be rewarded in any just world. If the weather allows, all and sundry are welcome to come up. (I have to admit to having a selfish motive for hoping you can make it up - I need that counter-weight). But I am reconciled to disappointment because I have decided to develop a new form of thought based entirely on negativity, cynicism and gloom - in this new system of thought, if you can manage to keep your expectations suitably low, every day is a winner.
Peter

[adman]

Hmm...maybe that explains that pervasive p***ed off feeling I have most of the time.:shrug: You need to write a book for the self help section - "Every Day is a Winner" is a catchy title

If worst comes to worst and I don't get there next weekend, can we do a pickup if that friend of yours is coming past again?

Adam

[RobF]

I would have loved a 10 Chain fix. Definitely suffering withdrawal.

How are the roads out that way now Peter? Can you get through from Fernvale now? I bet the trees have been loving the weather. I hope you haven't lost the shed and Obs in the grass though? ;)

[pmrid]

Well, keep an eye on Skippy. Perhaps the power of Adam's hopefulness will part the clouds for us all. If the skies clear, we'll certainly open the roof.

I did a run down to Fernvale today and the road is passable with a fair amount of gravel on the road in places and with only a few serious washouts. These are well signed though and basic repair work has been done on them to make them trafficable. The "Road Closed" signs are still up. There were no roadworks in progress today except on the Mt. Glorious road. The road Fernvale, Esk, Toogoolawah, Somerset Dam remains the "official" means of access with the caveat that "local" traffic can use our Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd from Fernvale.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Peter
Any thoughts on this Saturday night, do you think there is a chance we might see clear skies even for a short time?

Geoff

[pmrid]

My first thought is "you can't trust Skippy". As late as 4.00 p.m. yesterday, I'd written last night off - but as the sun went down, and no clouds appeared, it became apparent this was going to be OK. I'm just back inside now doing a bit of processing. There was a bit of wind from time to time but that settled pretty well and I had good seeing and clear prett well all night until about midnight when I packed it in.
So what the hell? Tomorrow will probably be much the same so I say "go for it".
Peter.

[ozstronomer]

Peter sounds like a good plan...see you tonight

Geoff & Matt

[Brundah1]

Best wishes for clear skies tonight - wish I could be with you.
family trip prevents same.

[pmrid]

Geoff, don't bother. it's turned to muck out here. It seems we're getting some of the tail-feathers of Yasi coming in from the NNE. BOM and Skippy agree and, sadly, so do I. So don't waste the petrol mate - it's shaping up to be wet and wall-to-wall cloud.
Peter

[RickS]

Ah well, I might as well finish cleaning up my office and start working on last year's tax. It would have been great to have an excuse to pack the car with astro gear and head on up to Ten Chain instead...

[ozstronomer]

Ok Pete, I expected as much as the clouds are quite thick here as well.
Just keep us in touch with the next event

Geoff

[pmrid]

Skippy is offering the prospect (note I did not say 'promise') of clear skies this Friday and Saturday nights. There will be about 50% moon setting between 11 pm and midnight so filters might be required - but it will be an opportunity to get the "Daddy Longlegs" out of your equipment. Please let me know if one or other (or both) night has any appeal to you and we can go from there. The Mt. Glorious road was closed yesterday (I think they are letting 'local' traffic through though.) and the guys manning the entrance said that they were now expecting to open it again on Saturday. The road via Fernvale is now open and also the one through Caboolture/Kilcoy.
P

[Tandum]

I think Saturday night will be the best bet Peter.
7Timer (http://7timer.y234.cn/V3/product.php?language=en&product_id=1&country=AS&adm=AS04&site=221)shows crap seeing for Friday night, it doesn't show Saturday yet.
Is the Split Yard Creek road open now?

[pmrid]

Yes. It's open.

Seems that both nights the seeing improves as the night wears on - and it seems to be clearing from the west. But yes, Saturday seems the better chance at the moment.
P

[RickS]

Don't think I can make it this weekend :sadeyes:

[Tandum]

Think again Rick, first chance in 5 months mate.

You definately can't rely on any of those weather sites. It's still clear here tonight and clouds are coming from opposite directions as shown on the weather sites :shrug:

[ozstronomer]

Peter

We are looking at Sat night, just reorganizing a few things,will confirm Fri night. Really looking forward to it:) Geoff

[RobF]

I'm going to be boring and stay set up in the backyard. Just an hr or two less moonlight and I would have been up for it. Fingers crossed you all have a great night! :thumbsup:

[RickS]

I've got a bit of a cold, so even if I could get out of my family engagements tonight I'm probably not up to it. I hope it's a great night for you all!

[ozstronomer]

Peter we won't be up tonight(12-02-11) looking forward to the next new moon

Geoff

PS will contact you off line

[adman]

I'd love to be able to get there tonight peter - but just not going to happen - my pass for last weekend was non-transferable :sadeyes:.

Adam

[Tandum]

I'm here .. not a cloud in the sky :D

[ozstronomer]

Have a good night guy's...see you next month

Geoff

[DavidTrap]

It's my night to be Mr Mom, otherwise I'd be making my debut at Ten Chain Hill Peter... My wife is off to a concert with her friends and I'm home with the kids. Don't worry, the scopes are setup in the backyard!

Have a blast!

DT

[pmrid]

Well folks, March is here.

Skippy Sky is working off data that is 2 days old at the moment so predictions out to Friday/Saturday are a bit "iffy". But the forecast for both Friday and Saturday is lousy.

7-Timer says we'll have overcast Friday and they're not showing Saturday yet.

BOM says for Friday:

"Showers and storms possible throughout the rest of Queensland, though more active and widespread about the southern districts. Showers and storms also spreading out to rain areas overnight in the southern districts. A late southerly wind change about the southeast coast"

And for Saturday:

"The southerly wind change should spread rapidly towards the central coast during the day, though it should produce active showers and storms ahead of it as it travels over the Wide Bay, Capricornia and Central Highlands districts. Cooler with mainly coastal showers behind the change over the southeast districts."


That suggests a clearing and cooling change coming through from the SE on Saturday.


I think it will just have to be left to the Gods of wind and water to decide and the rest of us to wait for the augeries on Saturday morning.


Peter

[ozstronomer]

Fingers crossed for Saturday night, lets hope the weather co-operates

Peter, Matt and I will be up, weather permitting

[adman]

its off the menu for me either way - I am off to climb mount warning with the kids.....!

Adam

[pmrid]

Wanna bet?

TenChain is a boggy mess again folks. You'd need a hovercraft to get past the front gate.

March is yet another washout. Let's try now for April.

Peter.

[RickS]

Surely our luck has to improve soon :)

[ozstronomer]

Pete thanks for the update. Now looking forward to the April new moon, fingers crossed for that one :)
BTW did you ever get my package?

Geoff

[DavidTrap]

With all the money we have collectively invested in astrogear, a hover-craft would be a "mere drop in the well"!

Pity about the clouds...

Thanks again for your ongoing offer of hospitality Peter - I'll get there one day...

DT

[pmrid]

I sure did. And now that the unveiling ceremony for this weekend has been canceled, I will unveil it myself. I must say that May and September do seem 'familiar'. What a great job the AAQ do with these calendars.
Thank you for the generous thought and gesture.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

My pleasure Peter, sad to think if this weather goes on any longer we may have to resort to looking through the calendar in order to get our Astro fix :P

Hopefully....see you in April

Geoff

[RobF]

Sigh. I think May last year was the last time I could really let rip under clear dark skies. Even Astrofest was a bit frustrating in 2010.

The only way is up!........

[pmrid]

Well folks, it's that time again. New moon the coming weekend and there does seem to be a reasonable prospect of some clear skies (according to Skippy). I know a lot can happen etc etc, but live in hope, I say. Forever the optimist.
I think that SEQAS or one of the other astro Clubs may be at Hazeldean that weekend also and anyone headed that way is welcome to drop by to have a chat and say hello.

cheers all.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Peter

Looking forward to a good night out. See everyone Saturday

Geoff and Matt

[RickS]

If it looks like a fine night I'll be there too!

Cheers,
Rick.

[Tandum]

I'll have to pass peter, I can't get away this week-end.

[Brundah1]

Sorry Peter, yes I will be chef at the SEQAS BBQ dinner at Hazeldean.

Hopefully see you as planned later, but will be in touch.

Enjoy good company and maybe some clear skies, else some water of life.

David

[adman]

I might be able to make it...I am meant to be going to Noosa for my father in laws birthday - but a clear night and a new moon cannot be ignored at this point...

Adam

[RobF]

I'm heading up to Leyburn for the weekend. Clear skies to everyone for Sat night....

[pmrid]

Well, it seems just possible that we might get a bit of a break tonight. Sorry you won't be with us Rob. We do seem to have the makings of a group coming so we'll have good company if nothing else.

There'll be a new bloke here named Ken (a mate of Robin's) so make him welcome and give him a hand if he needs one.

Since it has rained here in the past 3 or 4 days, some guidance for you on how best to deal with my sloppy internal tracks:

Being black soil country, dirt roads turn to much fairly readily. The way to go will be to follow the track from the front gate for a hundred yards or so to where it forks - the right fork is the better track. Follow that until you get down on the flat and after about another 100-150 yards, you'll see a well-defined grass track forking off to the left. Follow that until you come to signs of life. The right track is OK too, if you keep one wheel at least on grass.

The trick with this sort of soft ground is to keep your wheels on grass, keep moving without spinning your wheels and the car will more or less figure it out for you.

see you all later today.


Peter

[RickS]

Sorry, I got caught up in a minor emergency today and wasn't able to get away until too late... I hope my absence helps to keep the clouds at bay :)

[pmrid]

Hi everyone. I'm working overseas this week so can't open up TenChain this weekend. However the following weekend seems clear at the moment. Shall we target that weekend? That will be Saturday the 7th May. I think the moon will be waxing again by then but rising well out of our comfort zone so it should be OK; if the weather will cooperate of course.
cheers
Peter

[RobF]

Woohoo. I can't get there next weekend, but Sat 7th might be a goer if my W's align (wife and weather...:D)

[RickS]

The 7th will probably work for me, thanks Peter.

[Tandum]

I'll be in Melbourne that week-end pete. Hope its fine for everyone.

[RickS]

And a few minutes later I overhear my wife on the phone making social arrangements for the 7th :sadeyes:

[DavidTrap]

Maybe...

DT

[adman]

yep - put me down for a maybe too...

with any luck I will have a fully pimped G11 by then - have just ordered some one piece worms to go with the gemini - but probably too steep a learning curve to climb before then - might have to be a 'test' night.

Adam

[ozstronomer]

Pete

Doing our best to make it up

Geoff/Matt

[RobF]

Looks like Sunday morning there should still be Eta Aquarid meteors about - predicted to be the best meteor shower this year (for moon and number/hr)

[pmrid]

Looks like it might be a good plan to do some time exposures with the Canon.
As far as it is possible to say at this stage, Saturday and Sunday should be OK although we are seeing plenty of condensation late at night. Bring those heater straps and warm sox - and a raincoat for the scope and gear.
Peter

[pmrid]

Well folks, it's looks like another no-go for tonight I'm afraid. RobF and I had a crack last night with very limited success. I packed it in about 1.30 just as it seemed the clouds had parted a bit, but the condensation was getting very heavy and there was a lot of cloud in the eastern horizon that seemed to swallow up the Eta Aquariids we were hoping to see. Then the fog rolled in and by morning I couldn't see the observatory at all. RobF was out there in his swag and roll beside his gear. The pioneering spirit is alive and well in the boy.
Tonight's Skippy and 7-Timer and BOM seem to agree that band of cloud in the west will arrive later today. So I think it would be a waste of time and effort to come out.
Sadly, then, it seems we'll have to try again in June.
cheers all.
Peter

[DavidTrap]

It's so disheartening to wake up this morning here and see crystal clear blue skies, but I agree with your forecasts...

My wife also put the kibosh on my plans!

DT

[pmrid]

Hi folks. Can't do it this coming saturday - family gathering planned and there seems to be an expectation that I will be present. But the weekend of the 4th June looks good so far. Let's target that!!
Peter

[ozstronomer]

OK Pete, Looking forward to the 4th, let's hope for some clear weather

Geoff

[RickS]

The 4th looks clear for me too. Hope to see you all there!

Cheers,
Rick.

[Tandum]

Looks like Rick finally got a tripod :)

I need a full set of new cables for the eq6 to make it go but should get it done by then :)

[pmrid]

Just took a sneaky peek at Skippy for the weekend. At this stage, Friday looks terrific; Saturday .... doesn't. Anyone who wants to come up Friday night would be welcome. Saturday remains open for those who can't get away sooner.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Pete

Can't make it friday, Matt and I will be up Saturday fingers crossed for a good night

Geoff

[RobF]

I was thinking exactly the same thing Peter. Might start seeing if Fri is possible with work and home. Sat looking very risky and forecasts not improving.

[RickS]

Still just a loner tripod (many thanks to [1ponders]!)

Don't think I can get away early enough on Friday, so I'm probably in the fingers-crossed-for-Saturday camp.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Tandum]

I have a funeral to attend on Friday. Not sure on times yet.

Got it sorted, I'll make it Friday, Saturday still looks to be overcast.

[RobF]

Sat looking better than it was, but I'm coming up Fri. Will aim for 4-5.
Fingers crossed this moist onshore SE stuff doesn't go inland that far :(

[adman]

I don't think I will make it this time - I can only do saturday, and it is looking a little too dicey on skippy at the moment.

Adam

[RickS]

I definitely can't do today but I'll come up on Saturday if it looks like clear skies are possible...

[ozstronomer]

Matt and I are right for Sat night, lets hope the weather holds.

Geoff

[adman]

how is it going out there tonight? How many of you made it??

[RobF]

Hi Adam

Robin, Peter and myself here sucking up photons. Robin having a go at 6744 while I'm trying the QHY9 on M64. Skies behaving very nicely. Currently 10 degrees, heading for 6 Peter says. I see the cloud tomorrow night is now a bit later - may not hit until midnight or 1am.

[adman]

Nice to hear it is all going well. I am setup in the backyard with FS-60 - still having tribulations with its flattener. I am starting to think (half-seriously) that someone put the optical element in backwards. I can't get a nice flat field for the life of me....

On the plus side my mount is behaving well, and I am getting some good - if slightly curvy - data. Currently in the middle of doing an hour and a half on Lagoon and M20 - both fit nicely in frame with the little scope with room to spare.

Don't stay up too late you boys!

Adam