The best portable goto GEM mount I could still carry. Together with a fast flourite imaging scope and tracking scope to fit it.
Since I cannot afford either I have not researched what they may be.
Probably a 36" reflector, F3 or similar I would need to widen the doors on my obs though, maybe even somehow extend it to accommodate the length. With a C14 edge HD as a guide/secondary scope. All mounted on a custom EQ goto. It wouldnt be that heavy either because id use a honeycomb mirror and CF tube. 24" of this size are around 25kg tops where as my 12" solid is 20kg
If It didnt fit in my obs and I couldn't upgrade for whatever reason its a tough call between the 14" edge HD and a 150mm taka refactor, probably the 14". My EQ6 should handle it though id consider a EQ8
Ofcouse id match this with a highend atik or imaging source monochrome and filters of atleast 2000 pixels
Someone bought me some lotto type ticket thing as a gift, if I win, I'll pick one post and random and send you the gear
Poita ....I'll do the same for you....IF I win the big one....$100 million....( or even half that....heheheheh......probably could afford it even if I won a hundredth of that ).
Does this post count as a binding contract?????????
Something like this and this........( thanks Chris.....)
Cheers for the offer , but the odds are not that great hey.......first you need to win, the you need to pick me .....mmmmmmmmm
1. I would purchase a block of land in Bucketty or thereabouts (about 1 hour from where I live, but in a noticeably darker sky location);
2. Build a large observatory with automated dome;
3. Install two scopes - a 40" reflector coupled with an 8" refractor (as a finder)
4. Install heating/cooling in observatory to create very stable temperature environment.
5. Cultivate a beautiful garden around it;
6. Build weekender with all creature comforts elsewhere on the same block;
7. Build lodgings for visitor groups so as to host small star parties;
8. Build a cellar with range of premium Australian and French wines, and premium range of Whiskies from around world, especially Single Malt Scotch Whiskeys; and
9. Hire a site manager who loves astronomy, maintenance and gardening, and who is not an alcoholic.
1. I would purchase a block of land in Bucketty or thereabouts (about 1 hour from where I live, but in a noticeably darker sky location);
2. Build a large observatory with automated dome;
3. Install two scopes - a 40" reflector coupled with an 8" refractor (as a finder)
4. Install heating/cooling in observatory to create very stable temperature environment.
5. Cultivate a beautiful garden around it;
6. Build weekender with all creature comforts elsewhere on the same block;
7. Build lodgings for visitor groups so as to host small star parties;
8. Build a cellar with range of premium Australian and French wines, and premium range of Whiskies from around world, especially Single Malt Scotch Whiskeys; and
9. Hire a site manager who loves astronomy, maintenance and gardening, and who is not an alcoholic.
Strangely enough, I was just thinking the same yesterday. But astronomy is on/off for me, as is the weather here. Not much point spending a million dollars on gear if I only get to use it once a year. So I was thinking just a nice 4 or 5 inch APO refractor for wide fields and a 180mm mak for planets. Probably only need an EQ6 or HEQ5, plus a good CCD camera and planetary imager.
1. I would purchase a block of land in Bucketty or thereabouts (about 1 hour from where I live, but in a noticeably darker sky location);
2. Build a large observatory with automated dome;
3. Install two scopes - a 40" reflector coupled with an 8" refractor (as a finder)
4. Install heating/cooling in observatory to create very stable temperature environment.
5. Cultivate a beautiful garden around it;
6. Build weekender with all creature comforts elsewhere on the same block;
7. Build lodgings for visitor groups so as to host small star parties;
8. Build a cellar with range of premium Australian and French wines, and premium range of Whiskies from around world, especially Single Malt Scotch Whiskeys; and
9. Hire a site manager who loves astronomy, maintenance and gardening, and who is not an alcoholic.
A one meter class binocular telescope designed around thermal management principles,
located at Arkaroola and mounted at least 6m above ground level (for better seeing)
Last edited by clive milne; 31-10-2012 at 08:35 PM.
