L8-Nite

Two sets of Nikon Microscope eyepieces, along with the vintage Stereo Microscope. Happy Day !

Hey, congratulations on the Brandon ! I'm confident you are going to love it, even if it is cosmetically challenged.

I do not feel that my astronomy investment has been a waste of money, but the reality is, that I do feel observing conditions in the UK fall far short of being worthy of what I have spent. I've been on and off in this hobby since the mid 1960's, and if one looks at it as a seasonal or hobby of opportunity, then it can be most satisfying. Unfortunately, while trying to wade through the quagmire of advertising, many new to the hobby get caught up in the starry eyed gadget trap, which can make one feel like they have wasted their money for the meagre returns.

I had an exciting delivery today from one of our SGL members in France. Two Zeiss Orthoscopic eyepieces in superb condition !

Hello, and welcome to SGL and the Group !

As Neil says, ....... " its a case of making the best of what you have. " The weather here in the UK, at least in my neck of the woods, has been atrocious for Observing this past year. Guess I've been spoiled as I've lived most of my life near a dark location on California's coast, so the hobby here makes about as much sense as having surfing as a hobby while living in the desert. Got to say though, I now have a greater appreciation for the rare clear nights when they do present themselves.

Tonight was the first clear night out in ages for me. Here's ourTelementor-1 with its newley acquired CZJ diagonal.

Hello, and welcome to the group !

I think I have this vice also, lol.

I agree with you Helen, these scopes are keepers for life. Our scopes haven't seen starlight since ....... Hmmm, I can't recall, lol. Looking for Zeiss accessories is like fishing without bait on the hook, you just have to get lucky to snag one once in awhile.

Hi Helen, Wow, that was quick, in 8 minutes ! Yes, its an original Zeiss diagonal. I have been searching for one for a long time for our Telementor-1 with the helical focuser. We have a turret on the Telementor-2 model, but its just too much weight to use on the T-1 in my opinion. Now my Wife & I can have a choice of instruments to use without straining our necks.

The post man arrived ! What is it ?

I'm not familiar with this one, but will make note of it. Thanks!

Splendour of the Heavens - A magnificent work to say the least, comprising nearly one thousand pages by many contributors, with illustrations on just about every page. A fabulous book to enjoy. It was printed in both single and two volume sets.

This was a book to introduce children to the wonders of the night sky back in 1911.

Mr. Olcott's Books. A bit of trivia....... I found the Field Book of the Skies in an unrelated section of a used book shop. When I began reading it the following evening, I noticed that the previous owner had inscribed his name and a date. It brought a smile to my face, and I did something I normally don't do; I inscribed my name and date just under his, and this was because I came into possession of the book exactly 76 years to the day after the former owner signed it.

This could take awhile. Ok, I'll start with my oldest book, which has moon & planitary charts....... "Astro-Theology A Survey Of The Heavens - 1715

I love seeing my set up's under clear skies, something that has been evading me quite a bit; at least the darker nights are upon us.

As for which size of aperture is best with regards to 8, 10, or 12 inches which you are considering ? I believe it depends more on the quality of the optics than just size, as resolution will only be as good as the weakest link in the optical train.

Our Telementor with solar projection screen. Old school viewing, but great for a group watching an eclipse in progress.

I guess now-a-days you have to pay a heavy price for nostalgia. On the APM site there is a 110 mm Zeiss that seems to have been on there forever. It was priced at 28,000 euros, but now is 79,000 euros; got to laugh.

Hi Tony, Pat, I spoke to Lenny a couple of weeks ago, and asked him if he was planning to attend the Star Party. Said he had been real busy lately, working long hours along with a lot of traveling, and doubted he could make it to the Star Party as the timing conflicts with his present work commitments.

You will find answers to more question than you may have in the Beginners Forum under the section of "Primers and Tutorials".

Moon is all I see, not a star visible; time for some shut eye.