Dave Dubya

If you opt for the strict SETI specification for intelligent life, it's that they can build and operate a radio transmitter.

Which means they need the opposable digits to use a soldering iron.

 

Thank you, Steve.

Does anyone happen to know what screw thread is used in the tension handles on a Skyliner 200P?

Photo attached of the handle to which I'm referring.
 

My exciting new purchase:

I bought some of these - the most important piece of all astro kit - http://bit.ly/13IGbiB

I find the moderation on this subject too harsh I am out of here sorry.

Indeed.

With any luck this could be the kick in the behind the Americans need to get on with their manned space programme again. Will we be looking at another space race?

Why does it matter that the Americans do it?

Is another space race a good idea? It didn't really leave either of the involved space programmes in a particularly good state.

It's good that there are possibly some actual plans to the return to the Moon. If the Chinese space programme has the inclination and resources, great.

mm i used to live in braintree , if i was you id save up for a holiday in barra .. lol

The skies in Braintree aren't perfect, but I get on alright with my dobbo.

Look for the Church of St Peter-on-the-Wall on Google Maps. That's the area I meant. Head for that.

Thanks. I will try towards Bradwell, it sounds good.

I have tried around Epping Forest a few times. If anyone knows a good spot let me know. It seems to be too close to London to be really dark.

Plus, a lot of places in Epping Forest are accessible along tracks by cars or jeeps. I once had a strange experience when a jeep turned up in the middle of nowhere when I was looking at the stars and stood there with headlamps on for a long time. Then left. I still don't know if it was forest rangers or not!

Yeah, perhaps not somewhere to go to on your own at night. There used to be a couple of spots with clear openings - one was down the road from the Jewish cemetary and the other was toward the Chingford end but whether they are still worthwhile now I'm not sure. Loughton and its plentiful array of golf courses may have screwed it up by now.

I like walking in the Dengie Peninsula as it is not a huge distance from where I live on the outskirts of London but feels like it is very far away. You can walk along country lanes and see only one or two cars an hour! So I can spend the day walking and looking at nature and then the evening looking at the stars.

Yeah, it's definitely well worth the trip out there. The RAF Bradwell Bay site has a Mosquito memorial and you often see Barn Owls in the daytime over there. And then somewhere like St Cedds is near perfect at night.

Burnham isn't bad, but there a few sources of light pollution (especially from the Southend/Shoeburyness/Foulness direction across the river).

Depending on how late the buses run to get you back to your station, I'd recommend heading more toward the Bradwell area - almost no streetlights, lots of open land. It's about 8 miles from Southminster. Most of the villages that way are fairly sparse.

Otherwise perhaps try try heading for the Epping forest area.

I don't seem to be able to set up an avatar or signature. I think the options should be in the Control Panel, but I'm not seeing them anywhere. Any ideas?