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RICHARD COFER

VdB 141 Ghost Nebula

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Posts Made By: Judson Mitchell

December 4, 2006 02:32 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

December DSO List

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Again Dave, thanks for taking the time to post this list. It saves a lot of time trying to decide what to view. Especially since I am a star hopper who works from my printed star charts from Tasco Skywatch which incidentally is a very functional program even without the updates. I will not locate these items on my charts and start running the gauntlet.

December 6, 2006 01:15 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Tripple Threat!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Rick Margolies has three friends that may be interested in that scope.

December 6, 2006 01:21 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Baader Hyperion Click-Stop Zoom

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Perhaps someone who has used the Hyperion extensions can comment. It is not a stretch of the imagination that it should perform similarly to a Hyperion with some combination of their 14 and 28mm fine tuning rings. My concern would be that there has to be some compromise when extending the range past 17mm-8mm all the way to 24mm. I would be more interested in the shorter range. Gosh, would the fine tuning rings work in this as well? wink

December 12, 2006 08:36 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Please Help!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Eric
The other thing you should consider is the limitations of your scope in the location(s) you choose to view. In Burnsville you will be limited quite a bit to the Solar System, star clusters, and a few nebula, and several of the M-objects. Quality viewing of DSOs will require venturing away from home. www.mnastro.org is a local astronomy society that would be of great assistance to you in your quest. Please spend some time with them before making any serious equipment decisions. The clear sky clock http://cleardarksky.com/c/Minneapoliskey.html?1
indicates that the best viewing is to the north. Check out the blue areas. Although, even areas in yellow can often yield decent viewing under excellent seeing and transparency. Study the chart carefully, it yields a lot of information that is pertinent to your area.

December 13, 2006 06:51 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Just how hard IS it to find objects?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Cindy
I concur with the advice already given, i.e., go with the 8" without the locator but save up for it. A good computer program to plot accurate star charts is extremely helpful in the art of star hopping. The things to adjust to in star hopping is adapting to the star patterns in the view finder as relates to the charts. Second is that the image will be turned upside down in your scope and the function of moving the scope correctly will have to be mastered. But is is not hard; I have found most observers master that move in just a few seconds with a few trial and errors. If you have trouble finding a good computer program, let me know so I can help. The one I use is easy and excellent for your purposes.

December 14, 2006 03:35 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

The Great Geminid Fog-Out, 2006/12/14 UT

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Wow! That fog extended all the way from South Carolina to Penn. There was a lot of early moisture in the are in Greenville SC as well. Thus, trails were shortened due to the mag 4 skies. A halo developed up to 45 degrees in the direction of any light pollution source. As the moisture started manifesting it near the ground, even local light sources caused significant seeing difficulties. We did see an aboundance of meteors (6 in a one minute burst). We stayed at a local slightly darker site until about 11 then left. After that I watched from home where the halo was even higher, but still saw 26 in about 50 minutes from 12midnight on. Based on our experience those at a decent dark site should have had quite a show.

January 5, 2007 06:58 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Super-beginner questions

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Kay
Check out this link http://cleardarksky.com/c/Edmontonkey.html?1
and also the included links that will lead you to local sources of information and viewers like you (PBS Takeoff). The good news is that you have some excellent sky prospects 30 k or so north of Edmonton. Your viewing pleasure will go up exponentially as you go north. It will be worth the trip. But check with the locals for better information.


January 9, 2007 08:13 PM Forum: Sports

A Gator moment of gloat!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Well, I have been a fan slightly biased towards the Big Ten only because it was my country. But, the fact is Ohio State forgot to show up for the game. After FSs first touchdown I told my wife that they would win by two touchdowns and quickly upgraded to 3 when OU failed to move the ball and FS scored again. To me there was never a moment after FSs first score what the outcome would be. OU seemed always to be a step short throughout the game. Probably overfed and not very hungry, or just outclassed, especially on monday.

January 10, 2007 06:24 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

How would other Astromarters view this

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Is it possible that with increased concerns about shipping questionable materials that somewhere along the line the item was opened and somewhat disassembled for inspection, then not properly reassembled? Just a thought!

January 16, 2007 12:30 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

January DSO List

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Dave
I always look forward to your monthly deep sky list. Thanks for taking the time.

Jud

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