Ceramus

Quite happy with my PST and a Seben 24-8 zoom or a 12mm BSO. Also a hood over the head to keep out reflections...

Hi James I know pretty much where this is. Our house is quite near, just up the mountain a few miles NE. We're in a fairly dark area near the Nature Reserve (sky quality 20.88) but light pollution has got worse in the last few years. The light dome from Velez is significant together from developments on the coast. Nevertheless you will still have dark skies away from the direction of Velez/Torre. You'll also be a short drive from much darker areas up the mountain into the Parque Natural. You'll definitely have much opportunity to enjoy the night sky here and the advantage of a more southerly latitude. When will be there? Perhaps we could meet up. marcio

Welcome and look forward to enjoying your telescope in the southern skies !

Hi Bish I've seen several eclipses in the past travelling most times with Astro-Trails. Last year in Wyoming was fantastic. We'll be seeing next year's from Bela Vista in Argentina ( in map posted above), east of the Andes so protected from the Pacific fog that comes inland into Chile this time of the year. From there we'll fly to Santiago and onwards to the Atacama desert for 2 nights observing culminating with a visit to the VLT's in Paranal. I believe Astro-Trais has put on an extra tour group (6A ?)do to the great demand.

The height of the obsy wall is something I'm also concerned with, especially because I have a 300p dob which gets obstructed by walls when viewing at less than 30 deg. How high the wall needs to be in order to keep stray light and wind and still allow for low angle views especially to the S is difficult to work out...

I'm quite happy with my 300p Flextube Syncscan. Needs collimation only when moved on its trolley, not when collapsed and left covered and parked in situ. A light shroud is needed but easily and cheaply made out of black yoga Matt.

I'm seriously considering this Keter 6x6 shed for the much-needed shelter for my Skywarcher 300p Flextube. I would want to convert it to a roll off shed, rather than RollOff roof though. For that I will need to cut a square off the floor at the door side to slide the shed away from the scope. Probably set the shed on a wooden frame with maybe 6 or 8 75mm castor running on a concrete base. I'd like to know the difficulties in cutting this aperture off the floor and possible structural implications?

Just to add to the debate: a baseball cap under a black t-shirt does the trick for me, keeps it away from the face and the head not so hot...

Great images, will try to find it in October in darker skies.

Great image! Totality was awesome, best I've seen so far. Saw it in clear skies near Shoshoni, Wyoming.

In Lander, Wyoming. Leaving early tomorrow on bus to eclipse site. Preparations in place!

Welcome to the forum, Cedric.

I had both eyes operated on about 4 years apart. Recovery was quick, especially the 2nd time round. My vision is now 20/20 and colour perception more vivid. At the telescope I notice a definite improvement , due possibly to better contrast sensitivity. I must say both cataracts were quite advanced when operated on, so a marked difference was felt. Thanks to our NHS!

We've booked with Astrotrails to see the Ecllpse ifrom near Lander, WY. I believe they may be still a few new places available, as due to the high demand they have booked extra accommodation and tour buses. Good luck!

Great sketches, nice detail.