Posts Made By: Louis Marchesi

Chris,

I think you'll get tons of use out of the TV-76.

I own a rich-field refractor (the NP-101). It's also the only scope I currently own. I use it as much as my schedule and the weather (woe are we who live in the Northeast these many past months).

Shhhh, right now, it's resting for the Black Forest Star Party.

Regards,
Lou

Floyd,

My two main pieces of software I use are TheSky and SkyTools2.

Typically, I start with TheSky as my general star atlas (and to control my scope). Once I've "zeroed" in on an object, most likely something from a SkyTools2 observing list, I switch. I find SkyTools2 invaluable at the EP. Its charting capabilities let me see a simulation of what I would see through any optics I use in a session: finder, binocs, scope/EP combinations.

SkyTools2 is also where I do my logbook. I can generate an ephemeris. For items in my observing lists, SkyTools2 can suggest optimum viewing times.

Regards,
Lou

Chris,

I don't know where you live, but ...

Among the darkest skies east of the Mississippi would be those at Cherry Springs State Park, Potter County, Pennsylvania. This is the site that is home to the Black Forest Star Party. I've been to Cherry Springs twice now and the skies are absolutely stunning.

If you wish, go to http://www.bfsp.org for directions to the park. This year's star party is history, but I understand there is almost always a contingent of astronomers there.

Regards,
Lou

I used to say it "wrong" until I chatted with Thomas Back at the BFSP. He pronounces it as in your #1.

I used to do #3.

Lou