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Posts Made By: Mike Alexander

August 30, 2007 11:29 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Declination or surface brightness???

Posted By Mike Alexander
All other things equal - location, aperature, galaxy, darkness and transparency - in your opinion what is more important to seeing details in galaxies: declination or surface brightness?

Thanks.........Mike

September 4, 2007 12:35 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Largest DSO's ?

Posted By Mike Alexander
How many DSO's have a visual size larger than 30' ?

What are the most popular ones?

Thanks.........Mike

September 6, 2007 01:31 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Differences in surface brightness for galaxies

Posted By Mike Alexander
Does a linear relationship exist between the numerical difference in surface brightness between two galaxies vs the percent difference in brightness?

For example, lets assume we have two galaxies - one with an SBr of 12.5 and the second 12.6. Let's assume that it works out that the 12.5 is 10% brighter than the 12.6.

Now consider a third galaxy with an SBr of 13.0. Would the 12.5 be 50% brighter than the 13.0?

Would the 12.5 then be 100% brighter than a 13.5?

Or is the relationship between the numerical difference in SBr and visual brightness nonlinear?

If so, how can I compare them?


Thanks........Mike

September 28, 2007 12:32 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Darkest skies in PA, NY and WVA

Posted By Mike Alexander
I will be retiring in the not too distant future and moving out of the (overpriced), rural, but still light polluted CT.

My remaining family lives in the northeast, so I don't want to retire to the southwest.

I am thinking about Pennsylvania, NY state and/or West Virginia.

My passion is galaxies, so I am looking to move to the best area for dark and transparent skies.

I am planning a vacation trip to that area next month to check areas out.

Any suggested area would be greatly appreciated.

Clear skies........Mike

November 3, 2007 02:09 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Culmination dates for major galaxies?

Posted By Mike Alexander
Does anyone know where one could find out the culmination dates for the major galaxies? In my opinion, this could be very useful information.


Clear skies.........Mike

November 11, 2007 01:58 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Cold hands and cold feet

Posted By Mike Alexander
With Hi-Tech thermal underwear I can keep my body and legs warm. With a ski mask I can keep my head warm.

But what works BEST to keep your hands and feet warm when you are out in the cold for 2,3 or more hours observing?

Clear skies......Mike

November 22, 2007 10:37 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Sunniest skies in Northeast

Posted By Mike Alexander
Which states have the sunniest skies in the North East?

Clear skies.........Mike

February 8, 2008 11:42 PM Forum: Meade

Barnard objectives with Autostar

Posted By Mike Alexander
The Barnard DSO's are not listed as as separate subset on the Autostar. Is there some online reference that converts the Barnard objects to eg NGC or IC numbers? Thanks....Mike

May 3, 2008 04:11 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Two inch diagonal and EP's ???

Posted By Mike Alexander
I currently own a 12 inch LX90 with UHTC,a 1.25 inch Williams dielectric diagonal and all of my EP's are 1.25 inch.

My passion, if you will, is viewing galaxies.

Would converting to a two inch diagonal and 2 inch EP's appreciably improve my limted view of details in galaxies....even M51?

I live in rural CT but it is CT.


Thanks........Mike

May 15, 2008 02:29 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

?Best type of scope for planetary viewing?

Posted By Mike Alexander
In your opinion, what is the best type of telescope for planetary viewing? I am primarily interested in seeing details of Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. I can not afford an APO refractor and want GOTO capabilities.

Thanks for your recommendations.

Mike



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