Geoffw

Anyone like me finding it hard to make contact with http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/ ?

Idiot - that's me. of course! Thanks!

I'm Having a problem setting a Start Time for Stellarium. I go to 'Configuration / Time' and under "Start Time and Date" I select the "System Time at" radio button. I then set the start time. After closing Stellarium and restarting it reverted back to system date & time. What am I missing out?

I know you won't believe me, but I've never placed a bet online in my life!!!!

While preparing a little talk on Astronomy for our local pack of Cub/Scouts, I came across this website https://www.planetsforkids.org/galaxies/andromeda.html Which looked OK till adverts chipped in!

Thanks for the comments folks. Treated myself to a pair of the Omegon 2.1x42's and was a bit peeved when they arrived four days before I saw them on the Astroshop's website 20 euros cheaper in their Black Friday sale. I did have a little grumble at the Astroshop to no avail! I didn't even get a little bag of sweets either!!!

There is an advert on p15 o December's Sky at Night for Omegon 2.1x42 wide-field binoculars. Anyone had experience of using them? For a pair of old and tired eyes like mine they sound a possible investment or an idea for a Christmas present!

Anyway thank you for the advice. It has been an interesting discussion. I am certainly more aware of the issues around using the laser.

It would have been really helpful if someone had mentioned the 1w UK limit earlier in this thread. However I've tried it out, and it 'seems' to do what I require (point and find Polaris for my Omegon Minitrack). I suppose I must be careful, limit its use and be prepared for a possible knock on the door!

Settled on the Princeton Tec Fred Headlamp! Thanks for all the comment and advice.

Well it has arrived. my Laser 303 300mW Professional Green Laser Pointer. Tidy little device. I particularly like the lock and key for safety.

I took a look at the moon as well at the weekend, during a brief break in the clouds. Tried out my Watson Binoviewers with the 20mm eyepieces. on my Nextar GPS 9.25". It really was spectacular when I finally got them set up!

Paul, I thought about brakes but decided not to bother. It is easily managed and I remove the skates to observe. Just carefully lift one leg at a time does the job.

I've got some ant-vibration pads, but the decking is very substantial so as long as I move about gently I cope. However excited children and company is another matter.