L8-Nite

Although we were unable to spend the weekend at the star party, it was nice to come up for a visit and catch up with some old friends and to meet other fellow observers. Glad good observing conditions prevailed. 🙂

Dorothy & I will be up for a visit on Saturday. Looking forward to catching up with friends and fellow observers. 🙂

I haven't had much inspiration to Observe for awhile now, and as we've sold the caravan Dorothy doesn't really fancy a tenting adventure, lol; but we do look forward to coming up for a visit to see old friends and meet other forum members. 🙂

Th the best of my recollection, I started out with either a 50 or 60mm cheap used refractor when I was a child. It was a return that had parts missing, which my Dad bought for me at a Sears parking lot sale in 1965. Unlike in the past few decades, I don't think there were cheap "junk" scopes back then, as products were built to last in those days. As the saying goes, even a cheap scope is better than no scope, and anyone with common sense will do a bit of research before they spend their money. Even though I have acquired some fabulous optics over the years, I still enjoy viewing through my 63mm refractor's the most. 🙂 Guess part of it is nostalgia, taking me back to the early days in this wonderful hobby. .

Hello, and Welcome from me too. 🙂

A great image you were able to capture there Nigella. 🙂 Back around 1985 I was in charge of a construction project at the Mt. Wilson Observatory, and was fortunate to received a private tour inside the dome of 60" telescope by the Astronomer who was my contact for the project. It was very cold inside, and I had an eerie feeling like time had stood still. There was a small shed structure by the wall, which still had the original Edison lightbulb in it; and it was still working. The highlight for me as an amateur observer, was to sit in the ancient chair by telescope, the one that famous Scientists and Astronomers had once graced. 🙂

Sounds good to me Tony. 🙂 👍 As you know, I have been out of the loop for awhile now, but look forward to getting out under the stars and catching up with the group once again.

But of course, and once stabilized, the OTA starts to begin docking procedures.

Loving the Telementor on the Unitron mount. 👍 🙂

Yes, a good observation there Andy. I also brought my redneck tractor coveralls here for cold weather. 😁

It was my retirement present to myself with my Wife's blessing, as she thought it would be a safer option for me than a motorcycle or sports car.

No, just with custom colour coordinated observing apparel.

Back in 1985 while working on a construction project at the Mt. Wilson Observitory, I had the opportunity to view through a Questar 7 one evening; and I said to myself, " someday ". 🤔 Fast forward 25 years, I had retired, and " someday " had finally arrived. 🙂

Its an Intes-Micro Alter M500 model (127mm) which I purchased from the Widescreen Centre, to have a scope during the long wait for the Questar to be built. I should put it up for sale as it is redundant now.

Its marked as a " Tiltall #4602 Professional Tripod ", and originally manufactured by C. M. Marchioni in Rutherford, New Jersey USA The one I have has been in my family for over fifty years. The build quality on every part is superb, and I'm confident it will give a lifetime of good service without issues. I understand they are now manufactured by Leitz, but have not seen one. A few years ago these tripods were under the radar and could be had quite cheaply, however now they seem to be quite sought after. I still see original ones come up occasionally on ebay, and they are well worth looking out for in my opinion. The stool is a light weight Drummers model from an entry level drum kit. I picked it up for a couple of (£) Pounds at a charity shop. Here are some other photos of the tripod.