New member saying Hi

[citivolus (Ric)]

Hi all. I'm a new member, and this seemed as good a place as any to post and introduce myself.

I'm from the icy wilds of Canada originally, and now live in Redland Bay, Queensland (between the Gold Coast and Brisbane). I've been into astronomy for about 25 years now, much more seriously for the past 7 years. Current equipment is an LX200GPS 10", assorted Canon DSLRs (10D, 30D) and lenses for piggyback wide field, Meade LPI and DSI Pro to experiment with autoguiding, a small orion Cat as a guide scope for the LX200, a Milburn wedge for those nights I feel like attempting a polar alignment , plenty of accessories, and an ED80 on order for more wide field work. The current LX200 is my third SCT, after I "outgrew" an LX90 and an LX200 8" classic. My childhood was spent on a department store 60mm refractor, but at least it could split a few doubles, resolve Saturn's rings and the Galilean moons, and worked well on the Moon.

My astronomy activity has taken a bit of a dip the past couple years due to both business travel and a few kids coming along, but I am starting to get back into it now. My primary, every growing interests are wide field photography, nebula, clusters, comets, and planetary objects. Long term aspirations are to solidify my photographic technique and get a decent size APO on a good mount, some time around when I win the lottery.

At various times in the past I have been fairly active on many imaging and equipment mailing lists. You can't shut me up once I feel at home

Currently I'm not a member of any clubs, but was fairly active in my club in California prior to moving to Queensland. I hear that there is a local club in Redland Shire that I plan on tracking down soon.

Regards,
Ric

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Ric, to IceInSpace. Thanks for posting an introduction.

You're equipment and evolution and interests are not uncommon here, so I hope you'll feel right at home.

There are a number of local clubs in the QLD area. As i'm sure you know, astronomy as a hobby is even more fun when you can share it with someone nearby. Did you go to the recent QLD Astrofest starparty?

I look forward to your contributions to IceInSpace and hope you enjoy your stay here.

[Dennis]

Hi Ric

Welcome to Ice In Space. You can find a contact Telephone Number for the Redlands Astronomical Society on the BAS Club listings web page.

One of the RAS guys de-throned H0ughy (IIS) at the counter weight tossing competition at the recent Queensland Astrofest, our annual, week-long astro camp some 2 hours NW of Brisbane.

Cheers

Dennis

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Welcome to IIS Ric

[erick (Eric)]

Hi there Ric. Enjoying Queensland? Eric

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

G'day Ric and Keep an eye on the Observing Sessions and Star Party forum for details of our monthly new moon get together under the dark skies of Cambroon (near Kenilworth)

[citivolus (Ric)]

Thanks all. I'll definitely check out the RAS, as I have 10x as much fun out with the scope when I can wander around and see what other people are up to.

[radu5er]

G'day Ric

From a fellow North American (Kentucky)... Welcome!

You have definitely found the 'Mother Load' of Australian astronomy information here!

You will find quite a few of northern hemisphere natives here as well.

Enjoy, and again...WELCOME!

[citivolus (Ric)]

I have to admit the whole task of relearning the sky is somewhat daunting. I grew up at 53 degrees north, so now at 27 degrees south half of the sky is relatively unknown.

At least I don't have to wear five layers of clothing to go out in the winter. Observing Comet Hyakutake at -35C was quite a challenge, even if that was a night I will never forget. Unfortunately I was trapped in Beijing for the entirety of Comet McNaught's appearance, so hopefully another good one comes along soon

[Ric]

Hi Ric and welcome to IIS, I thought -7c was cold but -35 must have been awesome.

Cheers