finally after all this time...

mickkk · #1 08-09-2006, 07:05 PM

Here I am, enthusisastic amateur. Been reading here for about 12 months with nothing to say.

However last week I was on the back porch, the sky was dark to the east but out the front to the s/w it was still light.

I was looking up for no reason like I always do at random wishing for somethin to hapen when I noticed a bright object it grew in brightness, star like at about 15 degrees s/e WOO its began to fade and I knew I was looking at the best solar flare(oops Iridium) I have ever seen. Id give it 9/10 compared to the normal 4/10 for the ones I see. Ive seen one in daylight too.

I was looking up 4am one morning and saw the best meteorite ever. Flashing and changing colours as it went through 3 atmospheres or something I think. Lasted 5 seconds looked like it was going straight down from my angle and boy oh boy do I know know how average a shooting star is in comparison!

Saw the Aurora Australis from my backyard a few years ago at 5am, great red/ green curtain that I thought was a fire at first, wow was that great.

Been in the middle of the southern ocean dead calm and seen one shooting star a minute in any direction, that was like the world was ending it was so clear. They said that happens all the time down there.

All these things over the last 5 years or so. So I reckon if you look long enough, youre lucks going to improve.

I look outside at the sky a dozen times at night. if I wake up in the middle of the night I have a look if its clear for a minute. Im planning to look over the bay a lot at night this summer.

I dont have a telescope yet. I cant justify the bucks just yet, but I have a great dslr I m gunna try on the night sky soon.

So if youre new, just keep looking like I do, you just never know. Imaging houses with clear roofs, no ceilings. How cool would that be?

iceman (Mike) · #2 08-09-2006, 07:10 PM

Welcome Mick, some great stories there! That iridium flare sounds like a beauty. It's great to hear the stories of someone enjoying the night sky with their own eyes.

Quote:

Been reading here for about 12 months

That's a long time lurking!

Great to see you finally join up and say g'day!

mickkk · #3 08-09-2006, 07:30 PM

oops I wasnt concerntrating was watching sad news on tv, solar flare, how embarassing.

xelasnave · #4 08-09-2006, 07:36 PM

Welcome Mick, sounds like my start. You gotta get a scope or some 80 x 20 binos ($200) or a 150mm reflector maybe around 300 I think. A cheap eq mount will see you turning out wide fields with your camera. It is great to see the enthusiasm you display, that what it is about.
alex

janoskiss (Steve H) · #5 08-09-2006, 09:15 PM

Welcome long-time lurker Mick!

Thanks for sharing your experieces. Pair of good quality 7-10x50 binos would be a nice upgrade to the keen pair of eyes you already have.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #6 08-09-2006, 09:49 PM

Hi Mick!
Thanks for sharing your astronomical highlights. I'd love to see an Aurora.

drmorbius (Randall) · #7 08-09-2006, 10:02 PM

Welcome Mick!

Just goes to show the wonders above us if we just take the time to watch for them. I too would love to see the auroras...

xstream (John) · #8 09-09-2006, 06:29 AM

Mick!
Enjoy your time here and thanks for sharing some of your experiences with us.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #9 09-09-2006, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janoskiss

Pair of good quality 7-10x50 binos would be a nice upgrade to the keen pair of eyes you already have.

But don't wearem in the daytime or out on the street, People might find you a little strange...

Mick

Ric · #10 09-09-2006, 08:51 AM

Welcome Mick,
Dont worry, the enthusiasm will take over and you will be able to justify a telescope.
If you get a chance to have a look through someones scope that will help as well.

cheers

Tamtarn · #11 09-09-2006, 02:56 PM

Hi Mick

Welcome to IIS

There are plenty of great people on this forum that will give you all the help you need when you are ready for for a scope or binos.
Where in Melb are you ?

David

Odlaw · #12 09-09-2006, 11:14 PM

Hello and

astro_nutt · #13 10-09-2006, 08:55 PM

Thanks for sharing that everyone..truely a wonderous sight to behold!..and welcome!!

mickkk · #14 12-09-2006, 05:53 PM

Thanks for all the welcomes. I posted a reply the other day but it seems it didnt take.

Carrum , David.

I have some 20 x 50s but I need a good tripod and an adapter.

acropolite (Phil) · #15 12-09-2006, 07:24 PM

Welcome to IIS Mick, your don't have to justify the cost of a telescope, they're very affordable especially the GS Dobs. An 8 inch dob will give fantastic views and costs very little.

Tamtarn · #16 13-09-2006, 09:29 PM

Hi Mick

You may want to contact Sheap, he has an 8" Dob and lives in Carrum also.

David

hijaker77 · #17 13-09-2006, 09:36 PM

Thank you mick for that awesome experience and sharing it with us!
See you later!