Luke

There was a period where I got a bit frustrated. I normally feel better once I've got a session in. The other thing that helps me is that I think about how old some of my gear is - ten years or more, some of it - and what good condition it's still in. I reckon I've already had my money's worth out of it, for the amazing views they've given me. I haven't bought anything astro for years now, though it would be lovely to put an order in with FLO if funds allowed. Good luck, I hope you get some opportunities soon.

There's always something new to learn! I just discovered something useful for my solar processing five mins ago. It can be a steep curve and hopefully you are past the steepest bit. Onwards and upwards!

Hmmm, and now I am changing my mind again! Yes, BAD camera!

<sigh> Will the temptation ever go away? Is there no hope for ex-imagers? I shall try using my binoviewer as spectacles for a while, see if that helps.

Gosh, to my surprise, there is movement from my wife Sarah. I need to get a job first. Although I could maybe raise funds from selling some board games, she thinks my £200 lappy might not be up to the job! Might need a few other bits n bobs. Yeah maybe if I am going to get back into it I should wait until I can do it in a way that feels like an upgrade on where I was at. More pixels, bigger chip, new h-a filter. <off to check job ads>

Merry Christmas, David!

Charl, sorry to hear you've lost one of your dogs.

It's been a lean spell for me, though I am clinging on to the thought that what we see is truly amazing, when we do finally get to see it! Hope you find a good solution one way or the other.

What is this yellow disc you speak of? I'm really missing the moon as well as Sol at the mo, I am supposed to be into my lunar imaging season now. My SCT is getting dusty! :-o Itching to get the dob out for some deep sky too. That new AR looks nice :)

Yeah I think that was kind of 2015 David, iffy weather :D I held off any lunar imaging for a while, looking forward to getting back to that. I am thinking maybe do solar mostly in summer,. lunar imaging in spring and autumn and observing planets if they are about, and DSO observing in winter.

Well done getting something, Dave. Weekend looks iffy here, after a rather iffy bank holiday weekend! Roll on Summer 2016 :D Must say I am looking forward to a bit of deep sky and lunar.

Lucky you! There's not not a nice big AR to play with by any chance, is there? Have fun!

Welcome back, Rob. Hope to see some more of your brill sketches soon.

Good to hear. I will miss summer because of solar but am looking forward to the darker nights now.

Look forward to seeing the fruits of your labour. Manage a bit of Quark tuning testing at last here though thin cloud may have hampered results! I think I can conclude from the image on the lappy screen that two clicks clockwise is off band by some way. Funny, every other Quark I have had - and Sarah's - seems to like 2 clicks clockwise or more.

Glad to see your luck is in Craig, nice day to be lucky :) Down with clouds!!

Lucky you getting some action yesterday! My chance has come this morning, Sol ain't looking bad, the AR was stunning!

Congrats, Joel! The sun is fairly quiet for larger spots at the moment, we should hopefully have some bigger spots in the next week or two. I do like the quieter sun too, still some nice details to see.

That is one more than me, Jarrod! Forecast went downhill for us, it was looking good at one stage, moon tucked out the way for later as well! Hoping for some weekend Sol now, just rain and rain here Thurs and Fri! Look forward to you being back in business. Hope all has gone well!

Are you hunting Perseids, Jarrod? Looks like no joy here again tonight! I will forgive the clouds if they allow some solar over the weekend!

Ouch. Know the feeling. Part of the mistakes that go with the territory to get the good stuff, hope your next session is a good 'un.

My best view recently was with the Mk1 eyeball. The Milky Way from a dark site. Stunning! Hope things improve money-wise for you soon.

I am going to buy some Weather Dice. Just as accurate I imagine :D Good luck for next time.

Nice one. Good way to start the weekend proper :) Some clear our way too. Nearly made a stoopid mistake, deleted my flats thinking they were aborted captures. Realised just before packing it all away, so retook them. Phew!

I got the 35nm, Gerry, arrived very fast from FLO! What a disappointment, though! Using the 35nm instead of UV/IR cut gave an awful result, tried different tunings in case it needed it. Swapped back my UV/IR and bang, fantastic detail and contrast. I have no idea why it did not work as expected, have returned it to FLO (thanks, Martin!) What a shame, it was cracking conditions once my Quark was singing, only got a handful of shots.

Well done, Michael! Look forward to seeing it.

Silly me, I am 2 out of 4. Hmmm! Anyway, congrats, Michael, can you get a whole rotation?!!