Astromart

August 29, 2006 05:53 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mirror cooling & Deformation, all you ever wanted

http://home.hetnet.nl/~artm/atm/articles/cooling.html
This link contains a study of mirror cooling and deformation with no fans, one fan on rear and a fan on both sides of the mirror.
The study shows that a fan on both sides is much better than just one on the back and that the amount of deformation is greatly reduced.
Interesting read for those interested.

September 6, 2006 05:59 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Meade DSI II Pro or DSI II Color?

Posted By Floyd Blue

I know that the Meade DSI is not the premium CCD out there, but if you were to choose between the two, which would it be and why?
DSI II Pro (mono with filters)
DSI II COlor (one shot)

September 11, 2006 01:37 AM Forum: Pictures of Me and My Telescope and........

Re: 10" Newtonian.....Finally Finished

Posted By Floyd Blue

David,
That is absolutely stunning looking. Very nice indeed. Should be a wonderful scope.

September 14, 2006 11:37 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Jay Leno Astronomy Quiz.

Posted By Floyd Blue

http://www.nbc.com/nbc/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/jaywalking/
For a laugh~! smile

September 18, 2006 04:47 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Perhaps not the death, but the transition?

Posted By Floyd Blue

As we have seen the light pollution has become a serious concern for all of us. It has been stated that in 20 years, ground based telescopes will be rendered almost useless. It has been demonstrated that one can take pretty nice astro-photos from very light polluted areas. This may be the saving grace for future astronomers. I mean, not everyone can drive for 100's of miles to find a dark sky even now. In 20 years, even a long drive may not give you dark skies! cwy

Things are progressing very rapidly as far as astro-cameras are concerned. It may be possible within the 20 year span to have cameras that are capable of producing real time images that rival those seen through EPs. Perhaps ever better than the "real thing"?
This may be the only way that an amateur astronomer of tomorrow will be able to see the galaxies from his back yard. It is even possible that the EP will become obsolete, who can say? :S

September 21, 2006 01:14 AM Forum: Refractors

Any Advice on buying?

Posted By Floyd Blue

Any advice on buying a Meade 127ED f/9 with LXD650 mount? Good idea, bad idea? Well corrected, poorly corrected, good mount, bad mount? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
This would be a new unused package.

September 21, 2006 01:16 AM Forum: Meade