Rain forecast when expecting new scope?

[notoriousnick (Nicholas)]

Hi there,

Well, after waiting for weeks, my new 'scope (as described in my sig) and bits should be here in the next day or two!

Here in Adelaide we've been having record hot weather for ages now (43 tomorrow!) - I've been using a small pair of binoculars (12 x 25) to familiarise myself with the clear, starry skies at night. However, as soon as I found out the delivery date for the scope, what happened? Rain was forecast for that date!
So purchases of new scopes bringing rain is not an urban myth

... and I have all these choice heavenly bodies lined up to look at. Astronomical objects too

Actually, the first ones I'll probably look at because I can find them in 2 seconds flat are the Pleiades, M42 and 47 Tuc. I've been studying them with my small binoculars (more like opera glasses) and I'm absolutely busting to find out how much more I'll see with the 10" Dob.

Thanks for letting me vent and I'll give a first light report after I get it on Friday, and after the skies have cleared!

Cheers,
Nicholas

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

You've done yourself a big favour by exploring the skies first with binos.
Everyone should be made to do that before buying a scope. Sort of a learners plates.
I just know you're going to be blown away by the detail you'll be able to see when you finally get to put an eye to your scope.
Hope the clouds clear for you.

[Benno85 (Ben)]

Originally Posted by notoriousnick

However, as soon as I found out the delivery date for the scope, what happened? Rain was forecast for that date!
So purchases of new scopes bringing rain is not an urban myth

Spot on there mate, the scientific name is Newscopium Precipitation. And most of the time the amount of rainfall is proportional to the aperture of the new toy.....so with a 10" on the way you're in for a wet one!!

Congrats on it though, 10" is a GREAT size, the hook will be well and truly buried once you've had your first look

Benno

[Manav (Yugant)]

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

Everyone should be made to do that before buying a scope. Sort of a learners plates.

I was forced to use the bino even with the scope since I didn't have the power supply for the EQ6 and it was too much effort using the RA/DEC knobs. Character building

[ChrisRS (Chris)]

Newscopium Precipitation is spot on. Since I got my new 8"SE a month ago I've had 1 good and 4 so-so nights viewing, and all of those from the light polluted inner city, which doesn't do justice to the scope's capabilities.
Fingers crossed for a clear night with the ASNSW at Crago very soon so that I can really check out what this scope can do.

Chris

[notoriousnick (Nicholas)]

Thanks all!

"Newscopium". Sounds like it should be a constellation! I'll go check my sky atlas ...

One more sleep ...

Cheers,
Nicholas

[Ric]

Hi Nicholas, the rain clouds are actually packed in the box with the scope.

Don't open the box.

[Barrykgerdes]

I don't know why the people worried about the drought and lack of rain don't talk to the astronomy fraternity. I am sure they could organise a star party in the area for all the people with new scopes that would ensure rain!

Barry

[Manav (Yugant)]

lol yeah thats the solution to the world wide drought problems - Astronomy meet.

[Terry B]

Can some one in Inverell please open an astro box to put the bushfire out.

[notoriousnick (Nicholas)]

Originally Posted by Ric

Hi Nicholas, the rain clouds are actually packed in the box with the scope.

Don't open the box.

Too late! The beast arrived today accompanied by wet weather even BEFORE I opened the box. Somebody at work (spotting me lugging my prize out the door) already suggested we could solve the drought problem by getting one new staff member to take up astronomy each week

I took my time assembling it - not wanting to drop my icecream onto the mirror or anything - and now will only probably have to wait four days for clear skies. Guess I can line up the finder scope and check out the collimation in the meantime ...

Cheers,
Nicholas

[DavidU (Dave)]

Enjoy it Nic.

[Octane (Humayun)]

Hi Nicholas,

Enjoy your new purchase.

Here's something for you: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ead.php?t=6952

Regards,
Humayun