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Posts Made By: Ed Moran

April 5, 2003 01:10 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Discovery trip report

Posted By Ed Moran
I think your gonna like your new 8" f/6 a whole bunch, especially on deep sky. Your Light Cup is a mighty fine scope, but there's no substitue for aperture. I used a Discovery premium 8" f/6 mirror for a while in my Orion XT8 and it is a very nice piece of glass!

April 12, 2003 04:19 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

CNN- Complicit in Iraqi torture?

Posted By Ed Moran
Unfortunately, my post didn't elicit any responses on the behavior of CNN, or on the similar behavior of other news agencies with correspondents in Iraq. Is no one concerned that information was held back from us (and from the world in general)? Why do large sections of the major media withhold information from us if that information might make us more sympathetic towards the Administration's positions?

This behavior is not new. In the 1930's, Walter Duranty of the NY Times failed to report on what he knew about Stalin's brutality, in no small part due to his sympathetic views of Communism. For this he was awarded a Pulitzer prize. Atrocities committed by the Viet Cong were similarly under-reported during the Vietnam war, as were the atrocities of the "anti-colonial" forces during Africa's many wars of "liberation".

Why are some sections of the media overly sympathetic with the enemies of "Western Civilization" (sorry, can't think of a better term to describe "our" side)?

Well, I've beaten this dead horse enough...

April 29, 2003 10:26 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Media's Treatment of Jessica Lynch?

Posted By Ed Moran
About par for the course, IMHO. She makes an attractive "presentation" for the TV. It all gets blown a bit out of proportion but that's to be expected. A pretty girl captured by the bad guys, a dramatic rescue. I hope they leave her alone so she can get on with her life...

Although I noticed the lady of African heritage was not given as much coverage...but if she had been rescued like Jessica was I think the coverage would have been similar.

Just my .189 euro's worth....

May 11, 2003 12:48 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Gun control survey...

Posted By Ed Moran
Ah, a nice, non-controversial subject...gun control. I am in favor of gun control. Two hands should be used whenever possible to ensure control of the weapon.

Seriously, judging by the measurable lack of effectiveness of existing gun control laws, I think it's safe to predict that additional laws will have no effect on crime...except to INCREASE it.

June 19, 2003 04:53 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Vehicle Recommendations

Posted By Ed Moran
I bought a used '99 Suburban specifically for my astronomy habit and it's been great. Plenty of room for all my gear, plenty of room for sleeping. Only drawback is fuel consumption (and no room for it in the garage!), but at 17-19 mpg highway I can live with it.

August 4, 2003 05:25 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

Mars 8/4/03 - First attempt

Posted By Ed Moran

August 17, 2003 05:18 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

UHC Filter on Mars

Posted By Ed Moran
I tried mine on my NS11 a few times over the past couple of weeks, and while I did see an improvement in contrast (as compared to a medium orange filter or a #23 red) I also experienced severe chromatic aberrations. A greenish arc above Mars and a reddish arc below it.

Mars was about 25 degrees above the horizon during those attempts. I'll try it again at the next observing session and see if it improves with altitude.

September 16, 2003 02:29 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Off to Mt. Pinos

Posted By Ed Moran
With any luck, I'll be up there on Sunday with my NS11. Looking forward to saying "Howdy" in person...

Ed

December 13, 2003 04:55 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Lens Pen

Posted By Ed Moran
I wouldn't try it. Lens Pens work fine on eyepieces, which have hard coatings. Primary mirror coatings usually aren't as robust, and scratches are a real possibility.

The kitchen sink, lukewarm water and a drop or two of dish soap is a better way to go, followed by a rinse of distilled water.

Good luck,

Ed

February 29, 2004 06:07 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

focuser options for SCT

Posted By Ed Moran
JMI has some adapters (Large Format mounting Adapters (ADPT3SCTL, ADPT4SCTL) that will allow you to keep the full 2" light path. Check out the section on SCT Aadpters on their website.

Ed

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