|
Welcome
I’m not an expert and I don’t claim to be an expert. My observations sometimes resemble the classical way of notation, sometimes not. They are for my amusement and I have kept them short and sweet—K.I.S.S, Keep It Simple Stupid.
At any rate, they have enabled me to claim a Messier certificate and Globular Cluster certificate from the Astronomical League. Current projects include, the Urban List, Binocular Messier List, Binocular DSO List and Herschel 400. Now after you see the toy that I have at my disposal courtesy of the Richland Astronomical Society, you’ll think that I’ve lost my marbles observing with binoculars. But binoculars are fun and the 12x50’s that I use are quite satisfactory and enjoyable to use.
|
|
This is the 8” f6 Dobson that was built by me in October of 2003. In the months following its completion, it underwent a number of changes. First came the encoders and Argo Navis. That worked pretty good and I was impressed with the accuracy of the encoders. Then I plugged into a Palm device running a digital setting circles program. This worked pretty well in a pinch but really sucked up the batteries. Finally, I plugged into a laptop running MegaStar. This is what I’m talking about. I can observe objects at the absolute limits of an 8” mirror. On nights of very good seeing, it isn’t uncommon to find dim galaxies between 12th and 13th magnitude. It’s fun and tests my observing skills. |
|
This is “Big Blue” and it’s located at the Warren Rupp Observatory and maintained by the Richland Astronomical Society. It’s a 31” f/7. The views from this telescope are absolutely incredible. NGC’s, IC’s, PGC’s, UGC’s, MAC’s and ARP’s are all possible with this instrument up to around 17th magnitude. Here’s a link to the website. You can take the “Tour” for more details. W.R.O. |
|
Links |
|
8” f/6 Dobson |
|
31” f/7 |
|
Contact: johnneum55@embarqmail.com |