VNA

Thank you Jim, the descriptions next to the ratings are spot on. 34 years ago without help from binoculars I could see the Milky Way in the winter, today it impossible, the same with Polaris. Living in a suburb of San Francisco with no street lights! A very nice neighbor who lights up his garden and trees! Frustrating to say the least. ;- (

Hello, this website will help: https://www.eminent.com/pages/checked-luggage-restrictions#:~:text=The prohibited items list includes,important%2C when you are packing. Here is the agency controlling what you can take on an airplane: he ICAO Council adopts standards and recommended practices concerning air navigation, its infrastructure, flight inspection, prevention of unlawful interference, and facilitation of border-crossing procedures for international civil aviation. Bon voyage,

Hello, what is missing is the personal experience of looking thru an eye piece. Seeing the real thing with your own eyes is very special and very real. Images of the sky are many a dozen on the internet. Agree visual observing does not show everything, but then one can use the internet to complete what you were observing.

Bienvenue Gareth, do you live in the same town that is mentioned in "Doc. Martin?"

Hello, how about a sump pump?

Hello, if you are going to remove the corrector plate again, I suggest of course clean and remove the glue, then using a very fat black marker to minimize unwanted reflections, then re-glue only in spots. Also re-glue next to the secondary mirror support. You could also use black tape all around. Make sure the flanges are clean. So sorry it happened. If you are a model builder, you will understand-lots of patience, care, clean work space, steady hands, etc. Yes I use to build a lot of models, plastic and cardboard (architectural models) Good luck,

Hello, anything is possible, Mother Nature will never stop amazing us all. Besides, "she" does not care about anything including us, humans.

Hello, use frequently a 2" -36mm

Hello, not sure how to read the chart, but in the San Francisco bay area, it is hot and clear! Not ready for the rain and clouds, although the garden could use some. . .

Hello, truly very interesting thread--something I personally don't have to deal because I am always on cement. Besides it has not rained since April I leave my gears outside covered. Although the sky after rain will be clearer or cleaner. Could you take a couple of plywood sheets to make it a little dryer for the observer?

Hello, beautiful work/project, still 10 fingers? Then very successful project, thank you for sharing.

Hello, the question should have been: "most popular high end refractors?" My Askar 185 did not make the list! ;- ( Maybe a lawyer will rectify the oversight? ;- )

Hello, you can also add to your comfort a heated coat: https://www.amazon.com/Venustas-Upgrade-Heated-Battery-Detachable/dp/B07X16CCDQ/ref=asc_df_B07X16CCDQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693711478441&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4648963270276051963&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032013&hvtargid=pla-828849280214&psc=1&mcid=6c0fef7e203133a39a21ae8759654a84

Hello, drinking? no way too many double stras! Prefer to lie on my back on my air mattress floating along in the pool when it is hot. The only problem are those pesky tiny mosquitoes! No--life in California is not perfect! ;- )

Hello, wanting to feel alive under a gorgeous sky! --okay, going in it is cold! ;- )

Hello, beautiful shots-thank you for sharing.

Hello and warm welcome Haze, great place to learn more.

Hello, a CGX mount? It has been a real pleasure to use.

Thank you Jim, will try this evening, but I have trees to avoid and it is somewhat smokey!

Hello, what ever you do: mark every parts in relation tho the tube. Dismantle in a very clean environment. Do not move the secondary mirror attached to the corrector plate. There should be a mark on the tube and edge of the corrector plate, if not make two marks one on the edge of the corrector plate and one on the tube. Follow the video. You cannot replace the plate.

Hello, I leave my 185 outside covered and a garden umbrella!

The bigger the better? Nothing can replace aperture. Recently bought the 185mm, it gives impressive views. It is on the larger size, but the rings mount first and then place the tube-it works very well. This is my first apochromatic, as so many people praise them, the price was so much easier to deal with.

Hello, I have a 10" Meade SCT for over 20 years and de-forcked it a few years back and mounted on a CGX mount that gave new life to the tube. Not aware of counterweight behind the mirror? The optics are certainly very fine but I am no expert. When after 3 electronic repairs and could not find spare parts, a CGX mount is a good match, besides I use the mount for the Askar 185 and also a CR6. Fortunately can leave every thing outside covered plus a garden umbrella.No rain yet, maybe another month?

Hello, very interesting and true story: "According to Chuck Bueter, writing in Nightwise.org on 2017 January 6, although clouds and rain dominated the Saturday morning of 1865 March 4, as the Inauguration ceremonies of Abraham Lincoln proceeded, the clouds parted and the planet Venus dominated a crystal-clear blue sky! Two members of President Lincoln's body-guard detail, during the Inauguration proceedings, corroborated the sudden appearance, and notice by Inauguration attendees, of Venus in the post-Inaugural sky:" http://spacewatchtower.blogspot.com/2021/01/venus-surprises-in-day-time-sky-shortly.html

Hello, make sure it is "nothing" more than floaters, I just posted another possibility on another thread: AMD is age related macular degeneration, there is a simple free test right on your computer screen to check wether you have that condition: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-amsler-grid-daily-vision-test Go see an ophthalmologist.