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Posts Made By: Gerald Kuchera

February 13, 2008 03:49 AM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

GW in the News

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
This from the BBC:"Global warming may save lives" http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7240463.stm

As global average temperatures go up--Some places grow warmer, others perhaps colder?

BBC: Worst winter in Afganistan in Living Memory-http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7241824.stm


CNN: Winter storms cost China $4.5 billion
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/30/china.weather.apology/

Gerald

June 2, 2008 04:23 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

William Optics t188

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Anyone have this tripod? Or anyone seen reviews of this tripod?

Gerald

September 12, 2008 07:54 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

10X50 roof-prism binoculars, review

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Anyone see any reviews of 10X50 roof-prism, phase-coated binoculars?

Gerald

December 3, 2008 02:47 AM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

Fuel Problem Solved-Solar Panel Paint

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
The answer to an electric car's fuel issue may be closer than we think.

Gerald: Popular Science, "NanoSolar Powersheet-The New Dawn of Solar"

"Imagine a solar panel without the panel. Just a coating, thin as a layer of paint, that takes light and converts it to electricity..."

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2007/green/item_59.html

NationalGeographic, "Spray-On Solar-Power Cells Are True Breakthrough"
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/01/0114_050114_solarplastic.html

September 25, 2009 09:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Eyepiece Dew Control

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Up to now I've been carrying most of my EPs in a small orion beltpack. Now I've installed an aluminum L-bracket with eyepiece holes drilled out mounted to my GEM. I figured since I usually have one or two EPs out of the beltpack laying on the table, I might as well have 'em nearer the mount and telescope.

I haven't used it outside yet, but happened to think with the EPs sitting out there would be dew to be had if I don't take steps now.

I was wondering if I heated the aluminum bracket if that was enough to keep dew from forming on the EPs.
Or should I install (make or scrounge) a flip-up cover?

Anyone with similar experience and some solutions?

Gerald

October 11, 2009 10:20 PM Forum: Global Warming - REAL or NOT

New Report Documenting 20 Millions Years of CO2 Ch

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8299426.stm

Gerald

October 6, 2003 05:58 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Portable (affordable) Planetary Scope

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
IMHO,

For refractor, you could consider Stellarvue, I'm impressed with their scopes, S&T has rated their Nighthawk as a Hot Product, a complete system is 800 bucks. Or their 102DN, complete system under $1200 It's had great reviews. Check Astronomy and S&T for reviews as well as Ed Ting and Cloudy Nights.

November 22, 2003 06:36 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

First Scope

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Kip,

Like you, until recently I haven't used a scope for about twenty years myself. I would suggest before buying anything, read Phil Harrington's "Star Ware", Dickinson and Dyer's, "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide".

I started back with an excellent pair of binoculars first, then to a small apeture refractor that would be easy to 'grab and go' with no cool down issues. Perhaps the Meade 125 would be a perfect starter. Celestron's C5, Nexstar5i would be comparable. I second the motion to check some websites.
Check out Ed Ting's website, Cloudy Nights, Todd Gross for some scope reviews. Join a club, check out other folks scopes before you buy.

Good Luck!


December 8, 2003 09:27 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Moon Filters

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
Sorry about not answering your question directly! I've used netural density filters so I can't comment on the two polarizing filter...but I wanted to share my humble thoughts no the less.

Do you think you even need one? Personally, the full moon's detail is a tad 'washed out" because sunshine is directly on the surface, casting few shadows. I'm not sure any filter would tease out greater detail by killing glare....I get a thrill observing the moon, but I find I don't use my moon filter at all: I just move to high powers, and the brightness automatically subsides! I guess I hate putting another layer of glass to disturb those photons anymore than they have to such as to cause any further loss of detail.

And concentrating observing at the terminator, where night and day meet, I find the brightness subdued anyway. Just my 2cents.

Great that you're getting back into this fasinating hobby!!

December 23, 2003 04:51 PM Forum: Refractors

Re: SV102DN or ORION ED80

Posted By Gerald Kuchera
If I had to do it over again, I'd spend more and get a 102 That said, I did get an 85 APO, and it was worth every penny to have no false color distracting from a great view. Can't comment on the SV other than I've got one of their APOs and am extremely pleased. Out of my three scopes, it gets the most use. I've become an apo addict.

I've read great reviews of the SV102DN, but haven't looked through one.

I've been hearing complaints about the quality control of the Orion 80ED, so maybe if you wait until the excitment dies down, the factory pace may slow and quality may be more assured.

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