L8-Nite

If you have some bush wheels for that Cub, there's room to land at Forest Fields; first checking with the management of course.

For me, it was when I realized it wasn't about the size of aperture, but about having a manageable scope with premium quality optics. Your views are only going to be as good as the weakest link in your optical train.

Not that one, but mine is an almost identical story which took place around 1964 in Los Angeles, where I witnessed a fireball streaking across the sky towards the west, and actually over the Griffith Park Observatory in the distance. I've posted about this before, and its what got me interested in Astronomy.

Overseas when we had an invasion of wasps or bees in my barn, it was easy to convince them to leave by fouling the air with some chlorine bleach from a repurposed spray bottle.

No, don't buy on a whim, I'm pragmatic in that respect; but have found some Questar and Zeiss gems

Never sold a scope to purchase another. Have always done extensive research including viewing through a scope of similar interest before considering a purchase. I try to apply the minimalist approach to "necessary" equipment in this hobby and have been happy with my choices. Over the years I have acquired more astronomy gear than I'll ever realistically need here in the UK, which means presently we have 5 scopes; which is two too many. I've only sold one telescope, and that was years ago, but have given away several with related accessories to friends and family.

Best time would be around September / early October when summer holidays are over and most people are back to work and the kids are in school. It takes a couple of days to get use to the elevation so camping would be a good option, and the small town of Lone Pine can provide the civilized comforts anyone might require.

If you have the opportunity the next time you are in California, Horseshoe Meadow a few miles east of Mt. Whitney is a fantastic location for observing, although you will have to acclimate as its above 9000 ft elevation; great fishing for golden brown trout also.

I'm confident you will get a chance Paul, I had it at the South Wales star party in Brecon where I recently met you ; Unfortunately the weather was uncooperative so most of us just ended up in the Pub instead of bringing our scopes out.

The older I get, the simpler I like things to be, and as a visual only observer I don't care to fuss about with unnecessary gadgets. So, considering that my Wife and I like travelling to dark destinations, our little kit here would be my one scope choice. .

Good to see everyone and enjoy quality time with you all. Look forward to catching up again at the next one. Clear skies.

Just reminded me, and I've dusted off a bottle of Jura purchased back in 2011 that we may need a volunteer or two to try.

Hi Tony, I've got to remember the antenna cable for the tele this time, or Dorothy may designate my sleeping accommodation to outside in the cold. Think I'll dust off the Telementor for this trip, as I would like to try out a couple of items acquired since it last saw starlight. We will also be bringing some "Atomic Fireballs" to take the edge off the chilly nights.

Hi Tich, Sorry to hear about your friend and hospital issue. All the best, Mike & Dorothy

One week to go ! Look forward to catching up with familiar faces, and meeting other SGL members.

HI Tony, Dorothy & I are looking forward to it. Please put us down for pitch 6; Don't want to upset Tich by jumping que for # 29. Merry Christmas to you and Cath and to all a Happy Holiday.

Hello, and Welcome ! Hopefully those of us in Astronomical hibernation will reawake soon as the dark nights approach, and the weather starts to cooperate. Look forward to meeting you, and catching up with some old familiar faces.

A few years ago I also found a Russian binocular, a KOMZ 8 x 30 while looking for Astronomy books in a charity shop, the optics are very good. Price was the same, £10.oo but the case was British made. There is a certificate in English which is dated 1963, and the eyepieces are focused individually, are yours ? 12 x is about the limit in power I would want for a terrestrial binocular, especially if you are likely to be venturing to a hot climate, as anything with stronger magnification would suffer from mirage as the temperature rises past the mid 20's C. So, congratulations on a nice find !

Obviously a deceptive add, but were you able to check the optical quality and function before deciding to send it back ? It looks like a glue failure which could be a production issue for others manufactured as well. Could you tell us what brand it was ?

That's what I'm afraid of. I've been trying to resist buying the 10" Portaball that just came up for sale in the Classifieds here on SGL.

We have a winner ! Now I will spare everyone the suspense. I finally found a mint condition example of this out of production optic, which I have been looking for for a long long time.

Yeah, sad isn't it. I'm obviously bored too, lol.

Another photo, anyone recognize it ?

Sorry guys, I didn't have a ruler available, so I placed the caliper in the photo for scale. The " item " is in the leather case.

Today the postman brought this....... Any guess ?