paulastro

Glad to say the observatory is up and running again 🙂. OK, it's now roofless, but at least I can observe in the space within the shelter of the walls which also keep out extraneous lights. I've cleared the debris (which can be seen lay against the far wall) and swept it out this morning and put the Vixen Super Polaris (in altaz mode) back in situ. What's more its sunny and forecast to be clear well into the evening. Happy days 😃. When I'm not observing, I only have to move the mount into the other side of the garage, which still has a roof! The observatory will remain roofless until a full repair with a new roof can be carried out.

Certainly! Though, you may not agree with this as the emoji you added to my post indicated you were confused by my comments or didn't understand what I meant?

Sorry to be a kill-joy, but I think that the visual acuity and the technique of the observer, combined with the prevailing seeing conditions, are probably more important than having the very highest quality telescope and eyepieces money can buy. And I'm not just saying this because I cant afford either 🙂.

Blimey Mike, that was brave. I'm surprised Chris allowed you to post a photo of the two of you on SGL. If I remember correctly, that's the pic I took when she told you you couldnt buy a DZ.

All part of the rich tapestry that is an astronomer's life 🙂.

Thanks Steve. Luckily no scopes inside, I can observe outside the observatory, but alas local lights are a nuisance. Won't stop me observing though when it's clear 🙂.

Now that's what I call an observatory. I did have a system of locking it down - but it was clearly inadequate for the wind we had last night! 😏.

Many thanks Rus. I can use either of my refractors outside the observatory - I just have to use a dark cloth over my head to counter the effect of street and security lights. Not so bad in the early hours though. It's also a bit colder alas 🙂 🥶.

Mank thanks Mark, as you indicate, it could have been much worse. At least neither of my refractors was on the mount. Usually I carry the scopes out a couple of hours or so before I observe. Only occasionally do I leave them out all night.

It was windy in the early hours this morning, and around 7.15 this morning there was a loud crash from outside. My wife looked out and didn't see anything amiss. A couple of hours ago she was upstairs and called down saying there was something I needed to look at As can be seen in the pics, the run-off roof had been lifted by the wind, turned over and landed upside down across the opening - and it was flapping up and down in the wind and in danger of blowing off completely. I rushed out as it could easily have blown onto someone, or onto a car parked a few yards away. When I was out there, found my field tripod and mount had also blown down inside. It took a while to make safe. I had to remove one of the aluminium panels so I could manoeuvre it inside the observatory and lean it against the rear wall so it couldnt go any further. The roof is a bit mangled and twisted, but the tripod and mount (my Vixen Suoer Polaris in altaz mode) seem none the worse for wear. Until something can be done, it will be out of use unfortunately. In the mean time it will be open to the elements so I've had to move everything that was inside. Still no one was hurt (apart from my shoulder when trying to make it safe) and no one else's property damaged either. It could have been worse so I'm thankful for that.

I second this. I bought this scope through Astrograph, taking delivery just before Christmas. In fact, mine was the last one in stock at Tecnosky in Italy or anywhere else as far as I'm aware at that time. Rupert is great to deal with and as promised, the scope arrived in perfect collimation, and in fine condition. Of course, though I have no experience of them, other 102ED F7 FPL53 doublets are available 😁.

Thanks Stu. Ill get up and take a look if the weather is kind. I'll check first though, just to make sure it is far enough up above the horizon to see from up north 🙂.

Good idea, will do. Thank you Stu, I'm fine now.

I' m pleased this generated some interest - and observing! Alas, I wasn't very well yesterd evening so couldnt observe. Still, great to read about other folk's adventures. The good thing is, there's another opportunity post-midnight on March 29th/30th 🙂. I'll post a reminder nearer the time.

Thanks Mark and Laurie, its certainly close to where it should be, and looks like it. Its very interesting if Willkins observed and recorded it on his map. I've looked in several photographic resources and not seen it represented. However this isnt too surprising perhaps. Lunar observers know very well that effects of the changing sun angle on the Moon can cause features to change their appearance very rapidly. In this respects visual observers have an advantage over imagers. The latter may take a pic in a fraction of a second, and may not look at the feature long enough to observe how it changes.

Mark, I've had a careful look, and I cant see the x you are talking about. There is so much detail, it's rather confusing. I'm presuming the map is orientated inverted? I didnt see Dorsa Harker on the map, but then it may not have been included. I have seen some information on the feature in Lunar Cognitta but I cant remember where. I think if the lighting is correct, it wont be too difficult to see. Nigel was only using a 76mm refractor, though he does have an excellent eye and is a top notch observer.

Here's a challenge from Nigel Longshaw in Feb's AN. Id noted it in my diary as something to look for if it was clear tonight - and it looks like it might be. I didnt know about it before I read Nigel's article. Hopefully others may find it of interest too.

Many thanks Mark. I havea feeling I've tried Moon Atlas 3D and took it off for some reason I'll check it out again. Thanks again, Paul

Thanks John. It looks like I'm heading for my 4th clear night in a row - almost unheard of up here 😃.

Many thanks Mark. Which app have you downloaded? I use virtual moon Atlas on my laptop, havent found any app which is as good for showing the correct terminator including liberation. Did come across something once but it was only for i - phones.

I also went out last night, and as you say John, now the sun has fully risen over the area, it looks very different. Lacus Autumni and Lacus Veris appearing as long grey features. I took another photo at 22.28pm, and had to darken the photo as it was difficult to see them with the rather overwhelming light on the limb. The seeing was poor which also didnt help - I cant make out Kopff in the photo - unless it's the elongated highlite on the limb? It was good to have three night viewing on the bounce, and nice to see it go from pre - full to full to post - full Moon with the sun setting on the E limb last night.

I'm really pleased you found the post useful in identifying the features of Mare Orientale Philip. If you save the picture from the atlas, you'll be able to use it again when its favourably placed in the future 🙂.

Thanks John, hoping to go out lmyself later when the Moon is higher, if it's still clear.

Mike, I've just checked and it should be visible tonight again, subject to clear skies. I'll expect a full report 🙂.

Many thanks Mike, you are kind - the cheque is in the post 😄. I wish I'd rung you now. I thought about it, but it was rather late and I didnt want to disturb Mrs Hezzlewood. Sorry 🙄.