Mike and Rod's Dark Sky Roadtrip!

[iceman]

Hey guys.

I've done up an observing report article for the IceInSpace website, from when Rod and I went out dark sky with our scopes.

There's some pictures of the scopes etc so head on over and check it out.

Mike and Rod's Dark Sky Roadtrip (http://www.iceinspace.com/index.php?id=33,168,0,0,1,0)

Comments are welcome, thanks for reading! :)

[rumples riot]

Good report Mike

[Mick]

The journey is half of the fun :) Nice report Mike.

[silvinator]

Very good report Mike. I hope you guys have better luck next time. The weather has turned pretty nasty lately.

[Striker]

Great report Mike......nothing better then getting out with some mates who have the same interests........

Very enjoyable reading...........

[Dave47tuc]

Great Report Mike,

That's the sort of stuff i like reading.:D

Thanks:)

[RAJAH235]

Great report Mike. :D

[beren]

Enjoyed the read Mike/Rod ,well done {BTW Rod have you got any dew control ?}

[Rodstar]

No dew control yet Beren....the list of purchases keeps growing. Was thinking about it last night when I had serious dew condensation happening. I might try a home-made cheapie arrangment for the time being.

I bought a couple of aluminium padded cases last week, one for the eyepieces / Barlow/ star diagonals, and the other for the scope bits like microfocuser, autostar handset etc. Hopefully that will make the next outing with Mike a bit less complicated (don't you just hate fossicking through your stuff in the dark, trying to find that lens cap etc.) Also got a torch that straps onto my head (with compulsory red celophane) as well as eyepatch.

Good news on the alignment front...I've improved since the field trip with Mike, so next time it will be a breeze. The microfocuser is also working beautifully now courtesy of Bintel. Last night I was able to get exquisite focusing of the edges of the moon.

Next time I'll have to put some make up on before I let Mike take any more photos!!!!

It was great fun Mike. Thanks for the company.

Rodstar

[beren]

Rod get some backpacker foam from kmart and a simple tie down strap , should do for the interium.

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks for the great write up Mike.

It always seems better to view with someone else.

You know what I mean: "quick, look at this" and "hey, have a look at that one" and "have you seen this one?"

My dogs Kelsey and Astro (yes, Astro) must think I'm mad when I tell them how good something looks, and each time I go "WOW" they run over for a pat.

Glad you could both share the experience (lights and all).

[Rodstar]

Good tip Beren. Thanks buddy.

Rodstar

[Robby]

Ah ha, so now I know what Rodstar looks like.
Looking forward to catching up with both of you at SPSP.
Great report Mike.

Cheers

[Rodstar]

Just the back half of me. Some say the front half is a bit like Michael Jackson....(just kidding)

Rodstar