Mercury Transit ? - Page 2

[1ponders] (Paul) · #21 16-10-2006, 07:14 AM

I'm with you and in the same boat Mike. 240V

fringe_dweller · #22 16-10-2006, 12:16 PM

hehe don't get to excited - with the last venus transit, besides the high powered views of 1st and second contact - which were most excellent and thought provoking ect. btw! - I was surprised how bored outta me brain I was for the rest of it, as a purely visual experience, and consider a Venus Transit is a step up from a Mecury transit.
I would prefer a nice simple common partial solar eclipse for lasting impact compared to that, despite these transits rarity.
Woulda helped to have some nice sun spot activity tho, like at solar max say.
I think the horizon view with the dot on sun is the only other nice aspect of these transits imo -
have fun!
EDIT: and for those of you, like me, nervous of high powered/magnified telescopic views of sun with solar filter, try this to reassure yourself, and I do this 'toe in the water' every time, hold the filter up in front of you and view the sun at 1x before attatching it to scope, check for any scratches holes ect. makes me feel more confident everytime

iluvsaturn (Garth) · #23 16-10-2006, 02:18 PM

I got mine from HandsOnOptics on their ebay shop $18.00 + 9.00 post USD. No complaints delivered in 5 days from US.

Suzy_A · #24 16-10-2006, 03:41 PM

Hi All,

I just got a JMB filter for about $110. Fits over my Orion ED 80 mm. It's not bad - but the image is much crisper (although dimmer) with a 7 nm H-alpha in as well. Well, I think it is, as since I've had it (1 week?) its either been cloudy and/or there has been absolutely no details (sunspots etc) to be seen at all.

This morning I was thinking about a good place to have a look near where I live (Fremantle, WA). There are a number of hills with parks on top - one particularly good one is Wireless Hill Park which also has three 10 m high solid concrete towers. These are left-overs from a WWI and WWII radar and telecommunications station.

Problem is that in WA, I'll need to up at about 4:30 am

and at the park at 5:30 am and the gate doesn't open until about 8 am or so, so I'll have to park outside and carry all my gear - telescope, camera, tripod, mount, battery etc etc.

Dennis · #25 16-10-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzy_A

Hi All,
>snip
Problem is that in WA, I'll need to up at about 4:30 am

and at the park at 5:30 am and the gate doesn't open until about 8 am or so, so I'll have to park outside and carry all my gear - telescope, camera, tripod, mount, battery etc etc.

Might be worth contacting the parks dept and speaking with someone. If one of their employees has an interest in astronomy, they just might be able to swing it and open up as a special favour at 5:00am. Plus, you'll have the security of some official company rather than be alone?

Good luck!

Dennis

h0ughy (David) · #26 16-10-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

I can't wait either.. i need to start contemplating where i'm going to travel to, that:
a) has a good east-looking horizon, with some foreground interest too
b) has 240v power (for my laptop and cameras)
c) isn't too far to travel

I've already put in for 1/2 a day annual leave.

yep i have the full day off. the NAS has no officially booked the newcastle forshore area at nobbies for the even and will be broadcast live (no pictures) via abc radio newcastle

astroron (Ron) · #27 16-10-2006, 10:53 PM

How about Sunshine Coast iceinspacers getting together down on the forshore somewhere around Caloundra?,"any takers?"

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #28 16-10-2006, 10:56 PM

Don't forget the sunscreen!
Prolonged solar viewing can leave you with a very burnt face and arms, but only on one side. Looks kinda weird afterwards.

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #29 16-10-2006, 11:59 PM

Ron I'm up for that! There's a few sites around Caloundra here as you know that could work well. Anyone else interested??

[1ponders] (Paul) · #30 17-10-2006, 08:12 AM

Powered sites Steve?

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #31 18-10-2006, 02:55 AM

Oh jeez Paul now you're making it difficult .. what would I know 'bout power 'n stuff, being a simple dob owner??

I suspect thats going to make it tough. Perhaps one of the surf clubs that we look after at work could leave a power lead or 2 out for us to use, they all have GREAT water / Eastern views.

I'll get back to you.

gbeal · #32 18-10-2006, 05:46 AM

Why not come across the ditch? It is an all morning affair here. Hopefully the Land Of The Long White Cloud will not live up to it's name.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #33 18-10-2006, 07:33 AM

Tempting Gary.

Gary, can you get me Back in time for work at 12:00 Aus time

What's that? You said you'd pay for the flight? I'm in!