barkis

1 hour ago, alan potts said:

Ron, looks like we have alien chickens over here too, not something you see every day.

Happy free roaming chickens, seem to like my garden too.

Alan

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

I remember Orson Welles War of the Worlds radio announcement years ago.
Caused a right old panic.
Can't foresee that happening  though.😀

I'm a bit perplexed about Helen Sharman's statement concerning Aliens, their likely existence, and the likelihood they 
are already here on earth.  
I, and many others will agree, that their probably will be other lifeforms in the universe, due to the countless  number of
stars, with planetary systems similar to our own.  
Guesswork isn't enough to indicate the existence of others in the Universe, it would be more  sensible to wait for absolute proof.
I hope the sale of tinfoil doesn't  go through the roof 😁.
Ron.

Apology to Tim for missing my appreciation for his comparison image showing
the brightness  variation of the big red one. The blinking really does bring the  remarkable dimming 
of the star.  Sorry buddy.
Ron.

It may still be a bit presumptuous to expect the big fellow to go bang in the near future.
He could well hang about for a few hundred, if not thousands of years yet.
I'm not sure I want to see  Orion's right shoulder turn into a moon like object shining in our night,
or daylight sky. It would be a sight to behold for sure, but I'm not that eager for it happen .
Ron.

Who the hell comes up with these crackpot projects anyway?
The space surrounding Earth is crammed with enough junk without throwing anymore up there. 
The main aim in my opinion, is to make money for those responsible, and not so much to improve communication
planet wide.  I'm sure technology in time,  will improve sufficiently in order to achieve that goal without the need
to litter the night skies with hundreds of pesky fireflies.
Is there not a world governing body existing to veto this madness?
Ron.
 

It will be spectacular event for sure, if and when the demise of the big Red one reaches our eyes.

The sad result of course, will be the sad sight of a lopsided Orion. It will not be the Same. Sob, Sob! 

Ron.

I had an issue with my EQ6-R too, but unfortunately, self inflicted due to 
carelessness. I blew the main board out, but Flo. and thanks very much to Martin  who
quickly got a new one sent out to me, I had to pay for mine, but that's what you get 
when you've donned your own Idiot hat. James too had a role in the communications
that Flo. excel in.
I'd just add my best wishes for a Great Christmas, and more success in the coming New Year
to all Flo's crew, and indeed to all members of this great institution SGL.

I'd just add, be very careful when altering the power input cable for whatever reason.
The correct Polarity is vital, so be absolutely sure you get it right. There is no polarity 
protection built into the Motherboard, if you get it wrong, it's instant death.
Ron.  

The APM909 Module was difficult to buy. I tried but I was informed that the device could not be 
imported due to restrictions in place because they contained certain metals that were deemed a danger to health.
I've no Idea how much truth there was in that. However, I took a devious route to get one from the States.
I needn't have bothered, I sold the scope shortly after.
Ron.

56 minutes ago, Louis D said:

So, you might not be opposed to being banished to live in the shed. 🤔

I probably spend more time in there than I do in the house.
Bit of exaggeration there.😊

My RoR is a double one two in tandem.
Both have permanent piers, but only the front one is used for astronomy.
The rear one is used to house the Laptop, and is also a warm room.
It stays remarkably dry in there, so no damp worries. 
This image is old, the mount carries the MN190 at present. 
Power supply cable to a distribution box.  plus USB  cable  to a Startech Hub,
means all the cables for addons don't litter the surrounding area. 
Outputs are set to service different devices. Since this picture was taken, the Dist. Box
is attached to a saddle that can be parked on whichever scope is on the mount,

You're a Class act young Steve. Tremendous production here, and great to see your work
 back in the DS Imaging section. You must have put a lot of effort into this  work, and the effort
has been rewarded in a big way.
Look centre left of the image, there is a likeness of a Great White shark rearing up out o f the turbulence it resides
in. Perhaps it's just my questionable imagination at work there though .

Best Wishes matey.
Ron.
 

4 hours ago, apophisOAS said:

Correct,  what a film, Such a great shame we lost the great Carl Sagan .

Roger

A true Gent, and Scholar of renown, well loved and respected by his Students, and many many folks worldwide.

 His Cosmos series had me spellbound.

Ron.

6 hours ago, apophisOAS said:

yes Horizon is much better than sky at night since we lost sir patrick. Why does the BBC have to have 2 presenters finishing each others sentences one is fine , but typical BBC overspend "why have one when you can have 2 at twice the price"--question what film is that a quote from?

Roger

Ah! Has to be The movie 'Contact'

Ron.

I'm sure most of us are looking forward to the launch of the Webb telescope.

  Such a technical challenge this instrument, and it must rank very high in the hunt for the birth of the Universe

Let's hope that event isn't even further back in time than was calculated. In any event, there will be revelations to savour for sure.   

However, God speed the JWT.

Ron.

I will also be watching at 10:00 tonight, followed by The Horizon Mission to Mars for half an hour. Then at 11:30, Revolutions: Telescopes for an Hour. I think I will stay awake for the duration, although I will be in bed with ear buds so as not to disturb Mrs Barkis.😁

You must be very pleased with what you have created here Graeme.
It's an excellent image of this majestic galaxy. Your confidence must
a lot higher now, and after 17 hours work, patience is something you do not lack,
and that is a big plus in this branch of Astronomy.
Good stuff sir .
Ron.

A very nice treat from your good lady Stu. Exactly tailor made to suit your interests too.
The wife and visit London for a culture week every year, and always take advantage of the two for one
offers that hold our interests.
Nice one matey, now you make sure Mrs Stu. receives a nice Xmas prezzie 😀.
Ron.

I wonder how many members reading the Admin. post, are saying to themselves,
'Crikey, I wasn't aware of that'. 😬. 
But then,  there may be none at all.

Small but vital parcel arrived as predicted.
Many thanks Flo. Team.
Ron .

It's great when Astro. Societies reach out to folks who may need help and advice on their optical aids, whatever they may be. 

A huge well done to Bristol AS.

Ron.

That's so neat, and C3-Po would have been too difficult to depict.🙂

Ron.

Wow! That's a giant leap, and an exciting one too. 

21 hours ago, Helen said:

  hello Ron 

Hello to you too Helen, and nice to see you again,
although it was only a picture of you in this thread 😀.

11 minutes ago, tomato said:

I was taught that a successful business:

1. Gives their customers what they want, and,

2. Never stands still.

Speaking to Steve on Saturday, he certainly gets this.

Yep! And with the quality of the guys In Flo's team, there will be no chance of steps too far. In  House communication will ensure feet will stay firmly on the ground.