SimonS

Hope to join you all later for this  (if work permits it....)

Hope everyone is doing well

All the best to FLO, IKI and all involved with this project. Looking forward to following it.

I have had experience using remote telescopes with @Helen primarily through Faulkes and SALSA. They are a great resource for everyone involved.

As for science imaging. Would you consider opening the observatory up to 'Targets of Opportunity' (i.e. GRB, SN, X-ray systems in outburst etc) to contribute to the data collection of those systems?

An extension to @Helen's comment, welcome from Newport .

Helen I think a star party in our area is over due  I need to get out more often lol

Very sad news, but completely understand. Thank you to everyone who put so much into organising this. It has always been great to attend and I will very much be looking forward to the next

Hope everyone has a good weekend and can get the equipment out for a little bit  

@wormix I will be arriving on the Thursday as well. Look forward to meeting you :)

Old picture time....I'm sure my parents and brother won't mind me sharing this..........

I was in Dartmouth for the day, it is one of my childhood memories, although I do remember the British weather getting in the way and us only being able to see little bits of the eclipse when the clouds thinned a bit.

@Helen That looks great, we will definately need the try that out......maybe a cheeky meetup before hand to 'hone our skills'  

I have some experience of Radio Astronomy from my Uni days, would be very interested if you're doing a talk on it  I would love to try it out again one day

Booked Thursday - Sunday. If SGL/FLO or anyone needs a hand during those days please give me a shout .

Amazing image  

This morning I took delivery of this lovely little camera. Paired with one of the new Lynx Astro finder - T adapters I am turning my rarely used 9x50 finder into a guide scope.

This is the first step in my movement towards a photography set up. I look forward to playing around with this and PHD2, fingers crossed I will be able to post something into the EQ3-2 challenge thread before too long.

Many thanks to FLO for a very prompt service, having ordered only yesterday morning.

That is very eye catching, I really like it.

I have been looking at getting a guiding bundle to pair with my ED80. Have been looking at the Mini Guide Scope Bundle (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/guide-cameras/mini-guide-scope-bundle.html)
but I am now torn between that and this new 50ED one.

Which would you suggest would be the better option? and what is the weight difference of the 2 guide scopes?

Thanks in advance  

2 hours ago, Helen said:

A late Christmas present from Mike... A piece of history that is is special for me - Voyager fired my astronomy curiosity 30+ years ago 

Very jealous!  

My set up from the SGL camp this year. Managed to get some very nice views while there, next step is to invest in a new camera and start experimenting with Astrophotography  

I don't see why you can't have 2 cars, but I have read in the forums that Lucksall now have a barrier with number plate recognition, so you would have to let reception know about the second car etc so they can get in  

Sadly due to work, I don't think I will be getting there until about 4.30 - 5 on Friday depending on traffic. looking forward to the curry and quiz

I will bake some form of tray bake or biscuits....

13 hours ago, simmo70 said:

Ok cheers,

what about electricity are all pitches  elec hookup ? and big enough for  large tent car and scope ?

 

Second to Grant, the pitches are a good size. Last year I was able to fit 2 tents (a 4 and a 3 berth) on a single pitch with plenty of room to spare for telescopes and my car on the grass in front.

Same pitch as last year  looking forward to seeing you all again.

12 hours ago, Bramisheu said:

Me and my daughter would of loved to come to this, a bit late now but ill be sure to keep an eye out for the 2018 one.....

We love our camping and star gazing

Bram

Not too late to book at all (unless of course for other reasons). I booked about this time last year and had a great time  

All booked for the 13th and 14th.

Enjoyed meeting everyone last year, despite the dull weather.

See you there.

Simon