L8-Nite

Hello and Welcome.

Hello, and Welcome from me too.

Hello, and Welcome from across the pond.

The weather is pea soup in my neck of the woods today, can't see a hundred yards. Odds are zero that there will be even the slightest opportunity for viewing this evening, but I just might take a chance and run the lockdown blockade (if there is one), and head up to my favourite observing spot on top of the mountain.

My favourite, the 48mm Brandon.

Total Solar eclipse in Argentina live streaming now on YouTube.

The wet climate here.

That was a great one, and quite a few of my neighbours gathered around for the event.

Thank you for posting this.

PM and photos sent.

Took the photos awhile ago. The book is in storage at the moment, but I will try and get a better photo for you tomorrow; until then, here is a photo of the inside cover page.

The event which struck me the most was the one that started my lifelong interest in Observing. It was one early evening in 1964 when I witnessed a fireball while washing out my Dad's cement mixer after the day's work on the patio. I saw it pass over head which must have took six or eight seconds to go from horizon to horizon. Not long afterward he bought me a small used refractor.

Astro Theology book, with star charts; dated 1715

Not worried about thieves, unless they can carry a half of ton.

Best one I remember was about fifty years ago. There was a small back page add in the newspaper which stated " Your Last Chance " - send $10.oo to *********** There was no mention of what the last chance was about, or even if you would receive anything in return, lol.

Reminds me of when my mother purchased some furniture back in the early 1960's, because it came with a free cedar chest; the chest was about 10" long, lol.

It's only a slippery slope if you haven't done considerable research before deciding on the "necessary" items to acquire, otherwise like many others who get caught up in the quagmire of available gadgets and gimmicks in the marketplace, you may end up dissatisfied trying to unload undesirable items at a substantial loss. Consider starting out slowly, and concentrate on spending your hard earned money on the best optics you can. The bottom line is, the quality of your views will be equal to the weakest link in your optical train. Edit: Welcome to the hobby, its a great one which can l

Hello Lisa Marie, Welcome from Rhondda Cynon Taf.

That setup looks familiar, beats a tent in a downpour.

Hello, and Welcome from another member in South Wales.

Hi Gil, The only thing I miss is the Central coast weather and the observing opportunities I took for granted. However, we swapped them for pure water, clean air, a slower pace of life and "real" whipped cream in the dairy products; you can almost hear your arteries hardening, lol. I use to play guitar and base at a very limited level, but have given up due to the arthritis in my hands. Still have a few instruments, including a Stingray & Guild Pilot bass. Stargazers Lounge is a great forum, with some very knowledgeable members more than willing to help. You have found a good place

Hello and welcome from across the pond.

Hello Ross, And Welcome from me too. As Pat says, its been slow, and I've been out of the loop for awhile now; but most of us still seem to be active on the general forum. This plague has changed the whole fabric of life, but fortunately we have a hobby that's the least affected and can always enjoy it at home. It will be nice to catch up with familiar faces and meet other kindred Observers, and hopefully, that will be sooner than later. I'm confident that other members in the group will chime in soon. Hang in there, this group is still alive and kicking.

We are in the Rhondda Cynon Taf lockdown, so highly unlikely to be able to travel. Look forward to catching up with you all again if and when possible. Cheers, Mike & Dorothy

Mine too. My parents moved away back in the 1950's when I was a child, but I came back, liked it here, and bought a home to retire to.