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Welcome to SGL. Gavin. Never too late to turn attention to the night sky. It is not the mystery it was once describes as, much has be learned over the many years since man gazed up and wondered what it all meant. It is true to say that much has been discovered by amateur astronomers over the years, so If you are not sure of something you observe, mention it on the forum, and the experts will analyse it, and tell you the answer. Many new comets have been discovered by amateur observers, but of course every smudge in the sky is not a comet, lots of work to do before that solution is arrived at.,,,😀. Enjoy your new instrument and ask as many questions as you like, no question is a silly one. We look forward to your observation posts, there is much to see and enjoy. Best Wishes. Ron.

Producing a Paraboloid can be a time consuming task, particularly if it is required to be a fast photographic objective. It is the main reason these mirrors are pricier. A spherical mirror is no pushover to fashion either though, and not be taken lightly, the same care and attention has to be applied to it's creation, not having to figure it does not mean it will be a doddle to produce. Ron.

Welcome to The Stargazers Lounge Pete. You got a decent Photo Visual Scope there. At F5 You will get some good results from It when polar aligned . A good mount is a must, and if you can make a permanent fixture it will help a lot. I see you have aqainted yourself with Steve Jones, who supplies astro photograpy help on his website from his home in Canada. He's a great guy, and as well as Astronomy. he loves his dog, and his wife too of course. Enjoy your stay here, where we have all the help you need as you progress through the learning curve. Ron.

You will be OK G. There is plenty of topics you can engage in of these forums whilst wailting for Lockdown release. You will find a great deal of knowledge waiting to be gathererd, and there is very little that is not covered here. Many experts in the different sciences that Astronomy as a whole is built on reside here, so feel free to post any questions you need answers to, and they will be answered. Enjoy your stay, and your new telescope. Best Wishes. 👍. Ron.

I would ask you, do you really need to clean it? It is surprising how well a Newtonial Mirror will still perform when presumed to be dirty. A dirty objective will always out perform a badly cleaned one. I'm sure you will take the utmost care , but I will always draw attention to this possibility whenever this topic shows up. Often over zealous caution itself can create danger. I always removed the mirror from it's cell, if done carefully, it can be replaced exactly as before. Ron.

What a lovely instrument, I love the build of this, the Truss system looks very stable and rigid, Such a well constructed looking instrument. Ptricey, but you can nsee what you get for your money here. I do hope there is a good end to this, the buyer must be feeling very sad, but Kudos to Flo. They've acted very well, which won't surprise anyone here. Hopefully It turns up OK. Ron.

Let's hope this pandemic nightmare is over sooner than later. Busineses as well as the general population have taken awful and tragic blows and the News media broadcasts the figures daily, and pretty demoralising they are. However, perhaps the beginning of the end is about to commence, (Part of a famous phrase Winston Churchill used in the House during WW2). I turn to our Sponsor now, Flo, the business has grown in stature over the Years, their Service, Integrity, and readiness always to treat their customers with honour and respect. Quality staff members too, and always willing to go just that bit further to satisfy their customers. I've been with SGL 14 years now, and feel qualified to write these words, we're fortunate to have them in our midst. This isn't flattery, just fact. I got my Vaccination today, part one at least 😀. Ron.

I can remember many stressful workdays being anesthetised by taking my mind to night sky. Once the skies enter your soul, they become an antidote to stress. Ron.

Many Thanks Luke, I know that pain, it can be very debilitating, and makes life a misery at times. Hopefully we all get a much better 2021. Ron.

Yup! It sure has.

These Images are testament to your Astrophoto capabilities Michael. Very impressive indeed. SGL has many who are dominant in this field, and an inspiration to many others.👍 Ron

Thank you kindly Stu, very nice of you. I hope all is well with you and your family too. Dreadful time we are all having to endure, but as Boris said, the Light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. Ron.

Cheers buddy, I got myself a new Bicycle for that very purpose. I also have a step machine, stretch bands, and various kettle weights. Don't want to overdo it though, as I might make things worse. 😀

Thanks Dave and Tony. Hope 2021 is kinder to us all than 2020 has been. I spent many years on Garage Workshop floors on my knees too Dave, ignoring the warnings that time will show the folly of that practice. Of course we never listened to the wise, because we thought we knew better. Good luck to everyone in the coming year. We deserve a break from the torment and disruption Covid19 has caused, And my Condolences to all those who have lost family, friends, and relatives to the pandemic. Ron.

Well, the Surgeon saw me this morning, and after a short chat, he agreed an Operation to replace my left knee is required, in view of the deterioration it has suffered. It is now only a question of when, and that may still take a while due to the overwhelming work Covid has levelled at the NHS. I just need to be patient, but I don't mind the wait, it will happen when it happens. I'm just pleased it is a given now. Thanks again for all the support from you very nice people. 👍 Ron.

I'm seeing an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Carlisle Hospital at 10:05 tomorrow morning. I sincerely hope he gives me a date for an Operation, be it in Carlisle, Hexham., or Whitehaven. Fingers crossed, it's been over a year now. If I don't get back on the Golf Course soon, I'll crack up 🥺. Ron.

I'm overwhemed by your warm reception, but that is the nature of this forum's members. Thanks a lot, and I hope to get back into the swing of things in time. I've been negleting my Observatory too for almost as long as my absence from here. However, the mount still responds well, so no problems their. Again, I hope everyone can enjoy their Xmas with their families, in spite of the applied restrictions. Please all, practice the safe procedures to stay away from that little nasty that is plagueing the world. Best Wishes. Ron.

Much obliged for your posts guys. I'm thankful that Covid has had no direct influence on my health issues, the wife and I have been careful to observe the behaviour necessary to lesson the risks of contact with this awful virus. Let's hope we see the end of the nightmare soon. Ron.

Well done Nigella, you're one of the lucky ones with sky good enough to record this event. Raned all day here in Carlisle. Ron.

Popped in to the place I've missed for a long time. Basically, I've been not too well these last weeks, but hopefully I'm getting better Day by Day. I am suffering from a very painful kee problem, and still waiting for an operation to sort it. Unfortunately, Covid has helped to put everything back as far as hospital waiting lists are concerned. More people than me are victimas of that problem too though. I also have had Internet problems, but thankfully Sky have rectified that, although it took a while. I was happy to get a phone call from MikeP. who I regard as a very good friend, and his call boosted me a great deal, as I was feeling a bit depressed. Thanks a lot Mike. Miss my Golf too, but the weather is also responisible for that too. I Hope someone managed to get shots of the Saturn / Jupiter conjunction tonight, the weather here is vile at this time, so it put paid to any any attemp I was planning. Anyway I wish everyone and their families a Happy Xmas, Covid has decinated that too, though, so we have to do what we can to make the best of things I guess. Best Wishes everyone. Ron.

Christmas came early for you Mike. You really nailed it having a friend that generous. It Looks quite splendid too. Ron.

I can't understand why some folks have to drown their property in bright lighting during darkness. Motion detection lights are fair enough, but their seeming penchant for 24 hours of daylight is bordering on the ridiculous. Besides, the lights create darker shadows which a would be Tea Leaf can put to good use. Ron.

Apologies from me, I was unable to make it to this one, and I was so looking forward to this topic. I hope to watch the replay though. Ron.

Welcome Ed, you could almost be describing me in your Intro. I'm just west of your patch in Cumbria, not a spit away from the Lake District, which is at present being invaded by hordes of car borne people wanting a break in this sunshine we're enjoying at this time. I owned a LX90 12" for a while, but sold in on, and now own an Obsy sited Skywatcher Mak. Newt. and all the gubbins associated with an Astrograph. You're quite right about the quality of the membership of SGL, plenty of help and advice if you require any. Enjoy your stay, and I look forward to your posts on the forum. Ron.

I am in Awe of D.W's Images. Makes me wonder If I could ever aspire to such Creational Heights. I'm barely over the doorstep, but I can't even visualize producing work of that quality. Nevertheless, I will be glued to the Zoom screen on Sunday to see how Dave works his magic. Ron.