The South Wales Lounge

[Freff]

It's been quite a nice afternoon here in Newport Mike. I nearly had a peep at the Moon but couldn't get the scope set up during chores.   

[L8-Nite]

Busy day for me too Tony.  I'm getting prepared to strengthen the rafter system supporting the existing roof on our future home.

Once that's done, I can get the steel framework installed, and then start removing the back wall of the house; piece of cake, lol.

[L8-Nite]

Took my off axis solar filter out of its protective bag for the first time, put it up to the ceiling light for a look,

and guess what ............. its toast.   

The glass looks to have several pinholes in the coatings ? ? ?

Perhaps I can remove it from the holder and replace it with some Baader solar film until I can get a replacement ?

Edit: Better check the finder filter while I'm at it.

[Mr Flibble]

Hard to see on the pic Mike but any doubts don't risk it.

Hot damn it was good to see the sun today. So that's three confirmed sightings of the sun today by me, you and Tony. I think its safe to say its still there!

[stevetynant]

Due to return on Saturday aswel before its 3 month hibernation begins

[L8-Nite]

Agree with you Dave, it's not worth the risk. The scope and accessories are 40+ years old, but still being made. I'm going to call the parent company to see what my options are, perhaps the filter can be recoated; there do not appear to be any scratches on either of the surfaces.

[L8-Nite]

Today's Adventure............

While looking on line for good deals on tools & equipment, I saw a multi function ladder that looked interesting.

When I clicked on to other items for sale by seller, it jumped out at me  ; "LARGE SOLID BRASS TELESCOPE WITH TRIPOD".

Its only about twenty miles away, so I called the seller, he said " its big ".  Well, the adrenalin is pumping, is it a Clark ?, a Mogey ?, a Brashere ?, or another vintage jewel ? 

I'm on my way !

[Rhys Hardwick]

Fab! Let us all know what treasures you have unearthed!

[Freff]

Mike.. if you fell in (you know what) you'd come out smelling of roses.  Hope it's a stunner. 

[L8-Nite]

Although it had some patina, it turned out to be one of those 2" reproduction scopes.  

There were no photos, and I could have asked more questions while on the phone, but I didn't want to appear too anxious. Still, I enjoyed the thrill of the hunt;  you never know what you might stumble upon.  

Rhys, Tony,  at least I didn't fall into any (you know what), today that is.     

Not that anyone would be interested, but its posted on Gumtree (Wales) for £90

[garethmob]

thas a real shame mike,    obviously his BIG is different to ours...... maybe you should of shown him matts scope.... haha    

maybe next time tho

[L8-Nite]

thas a real shame mike,    obviously his BIG is different to ours...... maybe you should of shown him matts scope.... haha    

maybe next time tho

Hi Gaz,

The owner was a nice guy, but wasn't into astronomy, and just had some miscellaneous stuff for sale.

[Freff]

That's a pity Mike, I thought it might be another gem like your Questar Mak.

[L8-Nite]

Tony, I think I've had my share of luck for awhile, I will be happy if someone here can find the next treasure.

[L8-Nite]

Anyone here had a chance to observe the super nova ?

Edit: Still cloudy in my neck of the woods.  

[stevetynant]

No chance yet Mike.flipping cloudsevery where<br />

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[L8-Nite]

No chance yet Mike.flipping cloudsevery where<br />

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Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk<br />

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Yeah Steve, and my neighbours are going to have to take the blame for the     this time.

They bought a Star and had it registered in my name on my   ___ th birthday. 

[stevetynant]

Doomed until March at least then lol<br />

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[L8-Nite]

Could be worse,  might have to pay property tax. 

[Helen]

I've imaged it, does that count???  Last night before the clouds rolled in

Helen

[Mr Flibble]

OMG either its the perspective or that spacecraft is huge

[L8-Nite]

Nice image Helen. 

The clouds parted for about an hour, but covered the north end of the dipper. 

Skies were clear to the South but Jupiter and its moons looked a bit like M104 's sombrero through the finder ?

Then I noticed the telephone wire overhead, lol.

[L8-Nite]

Doesn't look like its going to get any better tonight, looking forward to Saturday at Blaenavon; fingers crossed.

[stevetynant]

I've imaged it, does that count???  Last night before the clouds rolled in

supernova m81 with big arrow.jpg

Helen

well done Helen, have to say I'm feeling a little nervous amount actually being able to observe the event in just an 8 inch scope.fingers crossed I'll be able to sneak a peak in some of the bigger artillery at blaenavon on the weekend.

[AstroJOE]

well done Helen, have to say I'm feeling a little nervous amount actually being able to observe the event in just an 8 inch scope.fingers crossed I'll be able to sneak a peak in some of the bigger artillery at blaenavon on the weekend.

I had a go through the C11 from my back garden on Wednesday but couldnt see a thing. If Saturday goes ahead it'll be one of the first things I look for!