barkis

Another sad Loss, and so missed on our TV Screens. She cooperated with Nigel Henbest writing books quite bit. RIP Heather. Ron.

I understand what you say, I too read a lot of books on what in those days can only be described as fiction, however, our deepest hopes were that in the future, some of what we avidly read, would actually materialise. My remark about a possible intervention by an interstellar intelligence, may perhaps occur, however, the Voyagers are light years short of any possible encounter. Sadly you and I will be ancient dust on a planet that may already devoured by it's mother star, along with others of her family. Now this last part isn't fiction, but distinct reality😉. Ron

That planetary alignment fortunately encouraged the plan to make that journey Mark. They planned it well, but success could not be guaranteed. However, history has proved the attempt was well worth it. Thanks for your input here, that very early description of the route is historical. Ron.

Wouldn't surprise me Paul. Fly tipping could well be an Inter Galactic Nuisance .

Unknown methinks Barry, rough estimates vary between 5,000, and 100,000 Au's.

It's an incredible story the journey these two craft are on. Goes without saying so of course, but I understand both vehicle are beyond the Heliopause. V1 is apparently 14 Billion miles from Earth, and V2 11 Billion. probably being bombarded will all sorts of exotic particles. These two human creations gave us a first close of the Solar Systems Giant gas planets, and how great was that? The first encounter with another star is expected in about 40,000 years. Another wonder, is the communication we still receive, a result of the Nuclear fuel supplying the energy to broadcast the signals down to Earth, although the engineers have to have much patience in waiting for these. It just seems fair we continue to acknowledge these two small craft, as they are a credit to those who built them and monitored their journey out of the Solar System. Perhaps some time way in the future, they will be examined by another species, and some form of contact will be forthcoming. A bit science fiction perhaps, but at least the bulk of this is very real. God Speed you two tiny adventurers. Ron.

I hope the Hubble is allowed to function for as long as it's feasible to do so James. The JWT of course as you know, will be imaging in the Infrared, and will reveal very distant objects denied to the Hubble due to the vast distances involved. I'm just hoping for a launch sooner rather than later, and that the telescopes deployment is entirely trouble free. Nasa's taking their time testing, getting it as perfect as it can to ensure a perfect result. However, it's still in the lap of the Gods. Ron.

Captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, this arms wide open Galaxy NGc 2008 is just another spectacular Image to add to the so many this wonderful Instrument has blessed us with. I try not to dwell too much on how much more life the Hubble has left. I guess that will be determined by how successful the launch and Commission of the James Clerk Maxwell turns out to be.

Try and acquire copy of Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos' series. I know it isn't reading material, but you will find enthralling, inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyable. Ron.

Another fast delivery from First ( Light Speed) Optics. Diamond Steeltrack arrived a short time ago. I just love that Tracked Service. Thanks again Flo Squad. Ron.

I hope it does the job for you, the Lakeside looks a useful bit of kit. I'm sure it will be very capable. I have a JMI NGFS linear fine focuser which I intend using with a Steeldrive focuser I've just ordered from Flo. It's going to make an additional weight to the scope with the CCD Camera, and Filter wheel in the train. It's on a MN190, and I just hope I can get good a balancing act worked out 😀. Ron.

The big Fellah will pop in his own good time. He ate too much in his lifetime, and the penalty for that is boom. All those fluctuations in his magnitude are simply him taking deep breaths from so much exertion. By the way, how are all you weight watchers getting on. I remember you setting off on a regime of weight loss. Hope you're all eating sensibly, and getting plenty of exercise.👍 Ron.

Not a bad effort at all Helen, considering on site fixes required. There's nothing new finding problems you didn't know existed until zero hour arrives. The remedial fixes can be made permanent when you get it all into the surgery and really go to work on it. Even so, I'm not sure how much better it would be to outdo the above image. We await round two 😀. Best Wishes Ron.

I can well understand your predicament RW. Far too much packed into too small a venue. It's uncomfortable and exasperating for everyone who attend there. A shame really, I stopped going awhile ago simply as a result of the difficulty in getting around easily, and managing to see all on display. I think many folks are opting for the Midlands Event now, because Kensington Town Hall is too cramped. Having said that, I do hope those who do attend the London Event have a good time there. It will help If you have a lot of patience though 😃. Ron.

Your skill and effort has come good for sure. Exceptional creation, it almost looks alive with energy too. A worthy candidate for an APOD 👍. Ron.

That's a real corker. Delighted you got a decent sky to enable you to capture the event> It really is a beaut. 👍. Ron.

One gets very attached to their Astro stuff, and comes the time when change appears to become inevitable. There has been remarkable progress in technology in this field of ours, especially in mounts and scopes. That promotes a feeling of the need to improve on what you have. This is the thinking cap period, and much thought is needed to reassure oneself that what you do about it, really will improve the pleasure you already experience from the equipment you are presently using?, you need to be honest with yourself answering that question. Another point to query, is the one of ego, is the impending upgrade driven by the need to satisfy a desire to be held in a higher regard by your peers? Study your answers to those two answers, and your answers if true, will allow you to make a right choice, one way or the other. 😁 Ron.

Worth the scatting about to find some gear to do the job Ant. It's a great result. Ron.

Steve must be really down losing such a gem of an instrument. Especially so having spent a long time creating this lovely telescope. It's horrifying knowing some low life, who will have no semblance of a conscience, could crawl so low to steal something he/she ? can't possibly use due to the item's uniqueness. It could be spotted from space. I sincerely hope enough people are informed about this awful act, and the perpetrator is soon brought to justice. For my part, justice would be a short rope over a long drop. I despise thieves with a passion. Lowest of the low. Sincere condolences, and I hope and pray you get your work of Art back Steve. Ron.

Perhaps Skywatcher are using Fluorite. Since Large deposits are available in China, why would they not exploit that, and encourage the Apo fraternity to their product. Heh Heh, perhaps I'm hallucinating. Ron.

Nothing at all wrong with your equipment, and certainly nothing wrong with your very first Image either Terry. There are so many Deep Sky targets, so you are quite ready to tackle many of them in your own time. You have made an excellent start. 👍 Ron.

My best wishes to Jean Helen, I hope she's keeping well.

'Heavens to Murgatroyd' Olly , are you seriously berating Jaffa Cakes, the glue that cemented SGL Star Parties in byegone times, parties that enjoyed the presence of the Legendary Steve L. , Astro. photographer extraordinaire. If I'm correct, twas he who propelled that excellent piece of confectionery into SGL Folklore. Shame on you sir. 😖 Ron.

Yeah! pretty grim I must say, but perhaps it's their happy face.

4 Yolkers too, you are a lucky guy Alan. ☺️