Workshop for Collimation at IISAC2014 - Volunteer?

[iceman (Mike)]

There's always been requests for more 'beginners' workshops at IISAC, covering things like Collimation etc.

So I'm putting it out there - if one of the regulars who knows the various methods for collimation and can describe it, explain it and demonstrate it, it'd be great if you could put your hand up to show others.

It won't be formal, doesn't need presentations etc.
Very informal - like, "Meet at the marquee, or meet at this telescope on the field, at this time, and bring your telescope".

Please let me know if you can help out.

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

I'm happy to do the "cheap'n'cheetful" way, not photographic or AAA+ standard, but enough to understand & not break the piggybank. Any good?

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

I saw this thread and I was literally thinking. Do I nominate Alex or do I wait for him to nominate himself?

IMO, people just need to come over to us if they need help and they will get it.

I've never been to a large scale star party before. Am I right to say that the imagers and the observers are segregated for obvious reasons? If that is the case it will be pretty easy to find us who can help.

[Steffen]

Originally Posted by AG Hybrid

I've never been to a large scale star party before. Am I right to say that the imagers and the observers are segregated for obvious reasons?

I've been to IISAC twice, doing purely visual of course. The first time I set up near the imagers, the second time at the visual observing field. I think this time I'll be joining the imagers again and find a spot away from the screens, or go somewhere up the hill. The visual observing field is terribly dewy (low lying and near the creek), worse than my dew heaters could handle. It was like a rain shower materialising out of thin air.

Cheers
Steffen.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Originally Posted by Steffen

I've been to IISAC twice, doing purely visual of course. The first time I set up near the imagers, the second time at the visual observing field. I think this time I'll be joining the imagers again and find a spot away from the screens, or go somewhere up the hill. The visual observing field is terribly dewy (low lying and near the creek), worse than my dew heaters could handle. It was like a rain shower materialising out of thin air.

Cheers
Steffen.

OK, cool. I have a Dark Sky Apparel Observing Hood anyway.

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Yeah, anything that shows me how to collimate for visual without breaking my corrector plate would be much appreciated

I'm a bit worried about the dew now though...was planning on taking both my Cats and the 'frac for wide haven't really suffered with it up in the Blue Mountains.

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Folks, worry about dew when you get there. Sure, take what dew prevention measures you have for your kit. But, only once you get to the Lostock site, take some time to inspect the site, and then figure out where you would be most comfortable observing from. The site is quite varied topography wise. You will find somewhere to keep you happy.

Just be mindful that the paddock is used for cattle grazing, and there can be A LOT of cow pats about.

[iceman (Mike)]

The dew also depends on the conditions at the time.

We've had camps where it's been dripping with dew, and others where it's been dry with a slight breeze keeping the temp from dropping below dew point.

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Thanks chaps, will bring my heated shields anyhow, just need a nice hefty battery to power em now

[MortonH]

Just don't leave any non-laminated star charts lying outside!

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Along with collimation 'for beginners', I'm happy to go over eye anatomy & observing tips to best exploit our human eyes. Helpful to anyone?