How to make the most of observing opportunities?

[jeff65 (Jeff)]

When I was young, I had what seemed an endless amount of time and energy for observing sessions. Returning to things 30 years later, I find that somehow I've come to enjoy sleep!

I'm curious what some of you do to make the most of opportunities for short observing sessions. A couple of weeks ago when I decided to drag out the dob and have a peek at Jupiter because I was awake at 5am and it was clear, I lost a lot of time tip-toeing around the house getting everything together.

What do you do to have everything ready to go at a moment's notice? I'm thinking more along the lines of organisation rather than a scope shed or "scope on casters in the garage" - mainly because I don't have a garage or space for a shed.

Cheers,

Jeff

[stopusinmyid (Tammy)]

hi jeff,

i was thinking the same thing myself today as i want to get up in the morning and have a look at jupiter. i was thinking about putting telescope on the lawn and putting a blanket and tarp over it to stop moisture getting to it.

i haven't done it i am going to see how much hassle it is in the morning getting it out and setting it up plus i don't have to worry about sneaking around.

tammy

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Minimising the amount you have to take out is something I'd be aiming for. Mount, scope, accessory box.

Putting together a box or bag with all your accessories in a good idea (you could include things like eyepieces, finderscope, favourite star atlases, red torch, beanie, gloves as an example). Work out what you use the most and pack them an easy to find arrangement so you can reach in blind to find them in the dark.

If you think you're going to do some observing in the early morning organise the gear near the door. I'm lucky enough that I would have no hesitation leaving the scope on the verandah and I'd bring down my accessories and jacket to near the door so I just have to grab them on the way out.

And I also warn the family that I'll probably be up and about at an odd hour, so they don't think its prowlers if they do hear me!

[astro_nutt]

I have used a beach umbrella, with a red-light torch hung up pointing down, and table set up next to the scope, (covered in a BBQ cover) then it's just a matter of coat and beanie on, maps and ep's, plus a hot cuppa on the table.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Originally Posted by stopusinmyid

hi jeff,

i was thinking the same thing myself today as i want to get up in the morning and have a look at jupiter. i was thinking about putting telescope on the lawn and putting a blanket and tarp over it to stop moisture getting to it.

i haven't done it i am going to see how much hassle it is in the morning getting it out and setting it up plus i don't have to worry about sneaking around.

tammy

Over here I'd be concerned with moisture rising up inside the tarp from the ground.
I guess it really goes back to the ' I really want an Observatory' theme.
I think having a dedicated 'space' in the garden helps, piece of raised flat concrete with tripod put down spots marked out, a simple organised setup, scope in a case ( depending on your scope of course. )
Being able to leave it out all set to go is the best solution obviously ( I am heading that way ).
I will use my new 80 F5 refractor as a grab and go on an AZ for the sudden urge/opportunity viewing but it's not suitable for all occassions.
My answer will be 'SkySlab' but I haven't finalised the plans yet, or the finances either ..