mapstar

I'm struggling lately with the editor sometimes underlining words? 

I booked when leaving this years autumn event and I'm in from Tuesday 2nd to Tuesday the 9th.

If what they are saying about the current situation with the pandemic carrying on then I can see the pitch restrictions still being in force with limited numbers.

Looking forward to next years events 

3 hours ago, Physopto said:

Thanks for posting a few pictures there Jim. Nice to see a few, even with a sober Mapstar I believe..... 😱

OK I am only joking there Damian. 🤣

Derek

 

P.S.

Dates for the 2022 Star Camps have been posted as of now.

Derek

You must have me mixed up with Ian 🤣

Have a read if some of you haven't seen this in the observing reports section. 

 Calvin's viewing report

Brilliant stuff mate and a proper good read up of the event.

I've yet to write anything down. The skies were not transparent but out of 6 nights I had 3 that were clear enough to do some viewing and timelapse's.

The Friday was a triumph just in the fact that whilst skimming the hedgerow you managed to bag the omega neb. Don't think the dob could go any lower.

Looking forward to the spring event and the next viewing session. 

Arrived home in just over 4 hours. Very good journey and really quiet.

Cars more or less unpacked and most of the kit is away. 

Excellent time and great to see everyone. Looking forward to the spring bash.

Jyst on with a bit of breakfast before the last of the packing and journey home. 

Always disappointing dropping the tent but I've beat the inclement weather that is set to roll in later today.

Overall 3 out if the 6 nights the scope saw starlight and racked up several more targets. I will wrote a report later but the 4+ hours home will no doubt delay that.

Great to see the regulars and good to see new faces. Safe onward journey to all travelling home today and looking forward to the spring event. 

48 minutes ago, Demon Barber said:

How about an update? Or are you still sleeping,were waitin with bated breath.

Mike

Clear all night again Mike.

Good session although I had to have an hours kip at midnight but the carried on to 6am.

Derek had to bring a can of tomato soup down to plug in as the Ipad nearly ran out it was on for quite some time. 

20 hours ago, Physopto said:

Don't know if it would sink in you know !!!

🤣

I'm sure Derren would be able to sort it as we know the quality of his workmanship.  

Mentioning sinking though I heard there was comms problems again with the mount last night? I've an empty tin of mushroom and veg soup I can fetch over to sort it. 

7 hours ago, Physopto said:

No yer not !! I'm still at it .

 

Ha  20 mins  85mm Tak

🙂

Derek

From the warmth of the caravan an image from Derren. Rosette looks well 👌 

Just turned in. Skies have been good tonight and everyone made the best of it.

Lots of targets although not many new ones.

Time for the eider now as I'm the last one on the site still out and about.

Well the skies are nice and the site is filling up fast. Looks like the new arrivals have brought some clear skies with them.

Safe journey to all travelling today 

1 hour ago, merlin100 said:

 

According to that its looking promising but I used to use clear outside years ago but found it unreliable and a waste of fuel quite often.

The view from the tent door is really reliable 😁 

Just packed in as the clouds have become a lot more persistent and struggling with the views inbetween. 

The campsite has dried out with the breeze today which has been a constant companion but it has finally eased as night drew in. 

A couple of 🍻  for me and a good night's kip ready for tomorrow night which is set to be very good by the sounds of it 

Safe journey to those who are travelling early tomorrow and look forward to the site filling up steadily through the day. 

58 minutes ago, Physopto said:

Too technical for  a moon dodger !

🤣

Derek

Like getting aligned for an old bodger 😉

2 hours ago, 2STAR said:

Not like you to forget your faithful Star Chart Damian !!

eric

Totally lost. This sky safari thing just ain't working!!!

27 minutes ago, Uplooker said:

Well done! What are the details - frames, exposure, equipment??

Think Chris said he'd just taken this with his camera phone. Off the back of the dslr screen 😉

After this mornings sunshine the wind has changed direction and it is broken clouds but quite a few larger clear patches. 

Camp is quiet at present but still activity going on and getting ready for viewing windows (hopefully long ones) later. 

After yesterday I'm all set and the dslr may be out to do a timelapse or two. 

Morning all. It's a calm, bright day on the campsite and was a good night upto about 11pm when the clouds rolled in.

I only looked at one Galaxy tonight the old favourite of NGC891 which looked good but the seeing was mushy so I turned my attention to Mars which got better and better as it traversed the southern skies.

A little too bright without a filter but the amount of detail was surprising. The polar ice cap was like a small cherry on a Christmas pud.

I woke at 3am to a partly cloudy sky with orion hung in the south looking resplendent although I was too tired to get the scope out the skies looked to have improved.

On with the cuppa now and greet the rest of the campers when they surface. 

At present the sky is clear and the wind has dropped right off. Dew is forming quickly though. The milkway is running from ne to sw and is very bright. 

After a few hiccups and repairs I'm going to try and get some viewing in . Having to borrow Mike's sky safari as for the first time ever I've forgot my star chart!!! 

Update later 🌠🌟⭐🌙🪐

1 hour ago, Uplooker said:

In the process of making a small pot of Irish Stew😁

😋

45 minutes ago, Mr Flibble said:

Thanks Derek 👍

Gotta say the forecast for monday night onwards is looking great so far. The early birds will be bagging the horsehead night after night........

Monday 🐴

Tuesday 🐴

Wednesday 🐴

Which forecast is that one? 

Made sure my batteries are charged and all the gear is in good order last week. 

Made up a mains box for the camera time lapses as the batteries would only give an hour and  half. 

Although the mains box is not upto Derek's standards of aero space grade, retired engineer type precision it will do nicely fir the job intended. 

Hope to post a few videos of many hours of the dob sweeping the dark, 🌌 lit skies 

8 hours ago, Uplooker said:

Sorry to hear that Dai - we are in very strange times!!! Just have to make up for it next year.

Or move 🤣

Seriously though it's a shame you can't get Dai but I'm sure the spring one if you can make that will be just as good. 

Thanks for the update Derek and fingers are crossed all over the country.