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Any night sky watchers here?

300 H and H

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Patron
From my youth, I have a couple of telescopes. It has to have been more 10 years since either of them have made it out side under the night sky. The early spring we are haveing, and low relative humidities (until this last rain anyway) have me wanting to get them out and go for a tour of the night ske. Also I have noticed Saturn is at a point to offer prime time veiwing in the late evening as well. 10 years ago the rings were edge on and visible, but less than impressive. I am sure by now they may be more oblique and much more visible.

I also have been watching Jupiter passing Venus in the west after sundown. It has taken a few days but the job is now done, and Jupiter is pulling away....

So how many here know how to find and are able to locate Polaris in the night sky?? (Polaris is the North Star)

I need to get those old scopes out and ready for use, Refectors, a 6" F8 with clock drive and a 12" F4 Dobsonian reflector....My kids are in their teens and I haven't got the job done!!

Regards, Kirk
 
heck i look up every morning in the last few weeks mother nature has been putting on quite a light show for me never seen the northern lights like i do up north here away from light polution
 
Kirk, use to stargaze a lot, but over the years just quit having time. Kind of sad really. think that was about the time I realized I had quit dreaming big anymore.
 
Full moons, lovely awesome sunsets (had an awesome LARGE sunset here a couple of nights ago) bright starry nights.
Never miss them.

The stars have been more noticeable around here lately, or maybe it's just me gazing toward the heavens on my way home from work, or when I take the dog out and notice it on evenings out?
Some people notice the show more than others.
Never allow the natural things that are offered you to be missed from the 'down earth' distractions.
Goes along the same lines as stopping to smell the roses.
 
Kirk,

Thanks for the reminder. Been wondering which 2 planets it was in the Western evening sky. I pulled out my spotting scope for a closer look thinking it was Venus and Saturn (hoping to get a peek of the rings to show the kids).

Looking for a decent scope. Any recommendations? If at all possible, a lens add or change to make it viable for terrestrial as well (so everything isn't upside down).
 
bczoom,

If I were going to buy today I would first check out Celestron, A Schmidt Cassagran type scope. It is a reflector, but the eye piece is mounted as if it were a refractor, in the rear.

There is so much out on the market now compared to the time I was familiar with it, I would hate to say much about what you might buy. Many scopes are now equipted to "go to" what you select, automatically.....25 years ago when I was into this, they were not even a dream I could have comprehended!!

Maybe tonight I will get one of mine out. It looks clear. BTW a clear night is when you cann't see the light comming from cities in the distance. If you see the light "dome" over a neighboring city the humidity is too high for clear viewing. Got to be a bit picky about your conditions at observation time. And remember to set you scope outside to come to temp before you look.

I have a 85mm Kowa spotter with a 27X lens I will try as well....

Regards, Kirk
 
300 H and H said:
So how many here know how to find and are able to locate Polaris in the night sky?? (Polaris is the North Star)



Regards, Kirk
Click to expand...

I'm an old star gazer from way back. My second merit badge in the Boy Scouts (Troop #1 Barre, VT) was in Astronomy. My first was electricity, taught by my Dad. :biggrin:

I too have been following Jupiter and Venus in the west. One nice clear night this winter I enjoyed a breathtaking view of the Andromeda Galaxy and the Crab Nebula with my old Celestron 5" Cassegrain. The Pleides or Seven Sisters was also very impressive.

I think I know where Polaris is too. Use Dubhe and Merak as pointers. :biggrin:
 
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Vermont and Iowa must have some thing in common I am not aware of, cause you sure have some similiar interests as an Iowa farm kid....:wink::biggrin:

If you were say 1,500 miles closer, I'd have to invite you over for a beer, or a Scotch or what ever suits your fancy! How about Templeton Rye?

Then of course we'd have to have some good conversation...

We could invite Melensdad and Waybomb for some education on cigars.:whistling:

Best regards, Kirk
 
300 H and H said:
Vermont and Iowa must have some thing in common I am not aware of, cause you sure have some similiar interests as an Iowa farm kid....:wink::biggrin:

If you were say 1,500 miles closer, I'd have to invite you over for a beer, or a Scotch or what ever suits your fancy! How about Templeton Rye?

Then of course we'd have to have some good conversation...

We could invite Melensdad and Waybomb for some education on cigars.:whistling:

Best regards, Kirk
Click to expand...

I'd say the values of country living have rubbed off on both of us. Country values and small town living are the best.

If I were 1500 miles closer I would be honored to be in such good company. I relish good conversation over a few Crown Royals. I must now keep them at very few, but that is a conversation for another day. :biggrin:

As for Melensad and Waybomb, I would be honored to introduce them to the enjoyment of a good El Producto. :doh: Remember, this is old country boy here. :yum:
 
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