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Posts Made By: Darian Rachal

October 15, 2013 06:52 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Re: what started it for me

Posted By Darian Rachal
Keith Lawson said:

What started it for me was my first view of Saturn at age 8 (1960) through my uncle's 3" Unitron alt/az mounted refractor. I have had many spectacular views of this planet since then but my first view was permanently "burned" into my memory. The whole universe opened up to me for the first time. I couldn't stay out of the local library after that. So many pictures in so many books to read. I still remember clearly how the universe was so new, fascinating and wonderful. I would love to have that that feeling again. Sometimes I get a little of it when I use a new scope 8)

I have been a lunar/planetary observer ever since. I love "active astronomy".

Keith

Strange Astro rememberance: My father (deceased) and I both remember seeing the Horse Head nebula through that Unitron refractor. Though I remember the view clearly, I now know that this would have been impossible through this scope. In Los Angeles no less...
Maybe it was NGC 2024 you were catching a glimpse of; I do not know anything else in that area that would be a likely candidate. :S

December 19, 2013 12:00 AM Forum: Solar System Observing

GRS visible under full Moon?

Posted By Darian Rachal
Antonio, Thanks for the update. I may have to take a look at it. I do not think the moon will cause any problems. Got a nice view of Venus this evening around 3:45 CST, after finding it in 7x42 binoculars. It seems the crescent was discernible through the binoculars. smile

December 24, 2013 03:32 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Education from University Optics please...

Posted By Darian Rachal
Andy, I have a UO 16mm Konig that I purchased in the early '80s, but it does not have the model #. IIRC, UO used to send their oculars out in small, "red velvet" lined boxes. I know they did in the early '70s.

I've gotten rid of a number of oculars over the years, but(for some reason) I've held onto this Konig. It was actually my favorite 'deep sky' ocular when I had an 8" F7 Newtonian. smile

January 22, 2014 02:29 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

2014 Subaru Forester: Initial Impressions

Posted By Darian Rachal
Rod, Thanks for the information and the link. smile I do not know if this is true or not, but someone told me that the best way to 'break in' a new vehicle is to get out on the open road/interstate highways and put a few thousand miles on it at highway speeds, rather than slowly putting miles in "off and on" city driving. :S

Nevertheless, I'll put the link in my favorites. smile

April 9, 2014 02:03 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Too Good ?

Posted By Darian Rachal
Well, somebody got a good deal! smile

April 23, 2014 11:45 PM Forum: LUNATICS

Are you sitting down? You are going to like this!!

Posted By Darian Rachal
Very nice Maxwell. smile Of course Armstrong's words make me a little sad since it's been almost 45 years since they were spoken and manned exploration of space has "declined" since the Apollo program. cwy

April 28, 2014 08:18 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Bortle 1 Sky Simulations

Posted By Darian Rachal
Rod, When I see something like this, I try to visualize what it must have been like for early man having this sort of display on a regular basis. smile

April 29, 2014 02:59 PM Forum: No Holds Barred

Re: pitiful priorities

Posted By Darian Rachal
Billy, I weaned myself off television years ago and off "talk-radio" after Obama was reelected for a second term. I'm entirely in agreement with you in regard to Obama and his administration; he really is a pathetic excuse for a President. cwy

Maybe it's just my age(60), but I guess I'm inclined to ask myself to what extent I can affect circumstances in the world around me. I have friends that get upset about events, but their getting "upset/angry" has no bearing on matters; they simply are upset. I do not want to give you the impression that I am apathetic about matters; I just try to be realistic and that can be difficult at times.

I'm certain that there are very many decent people just like you, who are at times overwhelmed when they see dishonesty rewarded. I believe that ultimately, justice will prevail.

April 29, 2014 04:03 PM Forum: No Holds Barred

Re: pitiful priorities

Posted By Darian Rachal
PM received. smile

May 10, 2014 01:28 AM Forum: Sports

366 Yard Drive

Posted By Darian Rachal
As I stated Billy, when I think of someone hitting a golf ball almost 1100 feet with some degree of accuracy, that to me is incredible. I find a good golf match very exciting. smile

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