Log Book
The following log is a brain dump of the events that occur during an observing session. Mostly these are my notes and are mainly to track my progress, learn from my mistakes etc. I have logged every observing session since I received my telescope in March of 2004.
240 Entries
Date: 14-Aug-2010 8:00pm - 12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, humitidity was terrible. not worth imaging Description: - Skies were so bad, m13 was not even distinguishable.
Date: 13-Aug-2010 8:00pm - 3:00am Location: Fundy National Park Sky Conditions: super clear, dark sky! Description: - Looked at M13 (Hercules Cluster) through Danny's 16" scope. Spectacular! - About 15 of us at the campsite. - About 30-50 from the public stopped by. - Imaged with two cameras on tripods to try capture some more meteors.
Date: 12-Aug-2010 8:00pm - 1:30am Location: New Scotland Rd, Moncton Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Went observing at our new Scotland Road Site. About 15 people were there to see the Perseid meteor shower. We counted 80+ per hour. - I took two cameras with me trying to catch a good shot of meteor. Around 12:30am my patience was rewarded with a doubly exploding meteor just near Jupitor. Awesome! - We had a few new faces.
Date: 7-Aug-2010 8:00pm - 12:30am Location: Indian Mountain, Moncton Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Took my laptop, camera, tripod with me. Also a small Celestron 4.5" reflector. - Tried to capture some meteors, but it's just a 'by chance' thing. - There were 5 of us there along with some new faces.
July
Date: 14-Jun-2010 Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - My flat frames were over exposed, so I'm going to try them again tonight.
Date: 11-Jun-2010 @ 10:00pm - 3:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged a few targets - Coathanger cluster with airplane trails - M10, M12, M14, M6, M62, M19, M80, M26, M11
Date: 05-Jun-2010 @ 10:00pm - 2:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Finished my Explore Universe certificate Woohoo! Although the last object I observed was the last quarter moon, I'm going to continue to check off some items. I'd like to get all 110
Date: 22-May-2010 @ 4:00pm - 5:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - experimented with taking flat frames in the dome.
Date: 21-May-2010 @ 9:00pm - 3:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Bob came over ans we Worked on EU certificate, moon mare's, craters, double stars, constellations - imaged the eagle nebula. Decided to leave the camera running around 3-4am. Wored great. - Figure out that nebulosity crashes when there is lack of signal and you do a fine focus. Craig is looking into it.
Date: 17-May-2010 @ 9:00pm - 12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: partly cloudy Description: - Bob came over to work on EU. Cloudy periods forced us in early - upgraded to v2.3 of nebulosity, crashed when I tried to fine focus.
Date: 7-May-2010 @ 10:00pm - 1:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: partly cloudy Description: - imaged m104, m61
Date: 6-May-2010 @ 10:00pm - 11:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: partly cloudy Description: - experimented with flat fields
Date: 5-May-2010 @ 10:30pm - 12:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: partly cloudy Description: - Imaged m94
Date: 25-Apr-2010 @ 10:00pm-11:30pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, moon getting bright. Description: - Imaged m36 - Imaged m93 - imaged m05
Date: 20-Apr-2010 @ 9:30pm-11:30pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged m101 for an hour until the clouds rolled in. - managed to snag a shot of comet W
Date: 20-Apr-2010 @ 9:00pm-12:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged m101 for an hour until the clouds rolled in.
Date: 13-Apr-2010 @ 9:00pm-12:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged m101 - 2.5 hours of 5min subs, 0 throw aways! wow. - Set phd to use 100 ra agressivness. Works perfect
Date: 11-Apr-2010 @ 9:00pm-12:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged ngc4565
Date: 10-Apr-2010 @ 10:30pm-11:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Clouds rolled in.
Date: 08-Apr-2010 @ 10:00pm-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged ngc4565
Date: 04-Apr-2010 @ 9:00pm-11:30pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged ngc4565
Date: 03-Apr-2010 @ 11:00pm-1:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged ngc6465 - had a small accident with astronomik filter, dented the thread. filed it down, screwed it back on my 2" adapter and it fused on there. Looks like I'll be using it all the time now.
Date: 02-Apr-2010 @ 10:30pm-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged ngc4565Enter for a chance to get your town photo on Bing.ca! Submit a Photo Now!
Date: 13-Mar-10 Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - Bit the bullet, ordered a CGEM !
Date: 12-Mar-10 @ 9:00pm - 3:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - took 30min to test PE. Not so hot. Not sure what has changed. PE measures ~80arc sec. I think I've exceeded the capabilites of this mount. - Imaged ngc2903 again. tried 10min exposures. About 30% keep.
Date: 12-Mar-10 @ 9:00pm - 3:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - took 30min to test PE. Not so hot. Not sure what has changed. PE measures ~80arc sec. I think I've exceeded the capabilites of this mount. - Imaged ngc2903 again. tried 10min exposures. About 30% keep.
Date: 12-Mar-10 @ 9:00pm - 3:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - took 30min to test PE. Not so hot. Not sure what has changed. PE measures ~80arc sec. I think I've exceeded the capabilites of this mount.
Date: 10-Mar-10 @ 10:00pm - 12:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - Tried to take 10min exposures, but still some star trailing. I must test the actual PE of the mount
Date: 6-Mar-10 @ 7:30pm - 12:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - Imaged ngc2903 - Took me some time but I think I have licked the dec backlash problem. I've adjusted my HC settings to autoguide rate of 25%. This worked after hours of fiddling. - Imaged NGC2264(xmas tree) imaged 5min exposure to see how much the CLS filter works. - Focusing was a problem with my orion autoguider and my C9.25. Using my 1.25" flip mirror if I bing to focus my 32mm eyepiece all i have to do is about 9 turns counter-clockwise and the cam is almost in focus.
Date: 5-Mar-10 @ 8:00pm - 1:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - Imaged m67, ngc2903 - My family is gone for the weekend and two nights of clear skies!Date: 25-Feb-10 @ 7:30pm - 10:30pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, moon Description: - adjusted polar alignment - adjusted collimation - imaged the moon - imaged marsDate: 9-Feb-10 @ 9:00pm - 11:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear cold Description: - tracking was way off in dec again. - goto's was not working at all - scope->computer connection not working - frost on on the camera again - broke my observatory key, good thing for a spare - packed it up early, not productive at all.Date: 5-Feb-10 @ 6:40am - 7:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, bone chilling -20C Description: - Imaged the moon again. - camera frosted up again... arg...Date: 2-Feb-10 @ 8:00pm-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, bone chilling -18C (-30C wind chill) Description: - Took many exposures of Orion with 80mm+0.8WO+Astronomik LPRDate: 2-Feb-10 @ 6:30am - 7:45am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, bone chilling -18C (-30C wind chill) Description: - Imaged the moon again. This time in 4 parts - camera frosted up. Took it indoors this time for the day.Date: 1-Feb-10 @ 12:00am - 12:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, bone chilling -21C (-30C wind chill) Description: - Imaged the moon again. This time in 4 parts - CCD sensor started to frost up again. I tried placing it in a bag to remove the moisture. It's better but not perfect.Date: 30-Jan-10 @ 10:30pm - 11:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, cold Description: - Imaged the moon again (1 day past full). Imaged in 2 parts. - ccd frosted up.Date: 26-Jan-10 @ 10:00pm - 11:15pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, cold Description: - Imaged the moon again. Imaged in 2 partsDate: 24-Jan-10 @ 8:00pm - 10:30pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, cold Description: - Imaged the moon again. Now big enough that will need to image in 2 partsDate: 23-Jan-10 @ 8:00pm - 10:30pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, getting colder Description: - Took a video of the moon to try and color the video, no luck, I think the ir block filter is cutting out some light. - Imaged the moon again for my moon projec. To take images of the moon at various phases and overlay them so you can see the craters during the full moonDate: 22-Jan-10 @ 7:00pm - 1:30am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: clear, not too cold Description: - Imaged the moon (about 1/2 full), Celestron reducer to run some tests - my plan is to color the moon. - Also tested the Astronomik LP filter on the horseheadDate: 17-Jan-09 @ 7:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: average-poor, -10C Description: - Some friends, Darren, Elise&Olivia came over and I showed them the crescent moon an Orion. - Finally got the Astronomik filter but didn't get a chance to use it. My t-adapter on my vixen flip mirror was fused to my QHY8 t-ring. Took me an hour to get it off.Date: 16-Jan-09 @ 1:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: snowy Description: - Did a presentation for the astro club on coloring the moon - bought a WO 0.8x focal reducer from Paul.Date: 18-Dec-09 Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: part cloudy Description: - Bought a Astronomik CLS filter. Going to be interesting to see how it performs compared to the IDAS LPSDate: 16-Dec-09 @ 6:00-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: very windy. Description: - Imaged the horsehead & flame region in Orion, 6x15min exposures.- I now have enough exposures for a somewhat decent image. However it seems that I really need a light pollution filter to filter the light pollution out.
Date: 12-Dec-09 @ 8:00-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: very windy. Description: - Imaged the horsehead & flame region in Orion, 8x15min exposures.
Date: 08-Dec-09 @ 7:00-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: average Description: - Seems 10min is nowhere near enough time exposure. Seems a Ha filter is needed. - Imaged M36 - Imaged the horsehead & flame region in Orion, 4x15min exposures. My longest exposured yet. - There was some very dark spots on my QHY8, i blew them off with a can of air. Looks like maybe ice formed on the chip. Used a can of air and all is well again.
Date: 06-Dec-09 @ 9:00-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: average Description: - Took a 10min exposure of the Christmas tree cluster. Seems 5min wasn't enough to see any nebulosity
Date: 04-Dec-09 @ 9:00-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: average Description: - Took a 10min exposure of the Christmas tree cluster. Seems 5min wasn't enough to see any nebulosity
Date: 02-Dec-09 @ 9:00-11:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: average Description: - Took a 5min exposure of the Christmas tree cluster after finishing my polar alignment.
Date: 22-Nov-09 @ 6:00-9:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: excellent Description: - Imaged Andromeda again. Tracking is getting better.
Date: 19-Nov-09 @ 6:00pm-12:00am Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: above average Description: - I think I figured out why my tracking is jumping. Seems the lock nut on the Dec axis was loose. - Imaged Andromeda. Still not perfect, but I just need to polar align a bit better.
Date: 12-Nov-09 @ 6:00pm-8:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: above average Description: - Inteview with The Weather Network.
Date: 11-Nov-09 @ 5:00pm-9:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: above average Description: - Interview with CBC Radio Canada for "C'est ca la vie" - Show the interviewers Jupiter--- Three more Galileo moments.
Date: 28-Oct-09 @ 1:00pm-3:00pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: above average Description: - Interview with Global news. Shame it was in the daytime
Date: 26-Oct-09 @ 5:45-7:45pm Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: good Description: - Did a segment for the CBC news. Wish I could do it again. You always forget to say something you wanted to or think 'i should have said that...'. Ok well, first time's always toughest.- Had a look at Jupiter, not good conditions in the dome. After having a 1,000,000 candlepower light in there for an hour the dome heats up.
Date: 25-Oct-09 @ 8:00 - 11:00 Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: good Description: - Imaged M31 with WO 0.8x focal reducer. Works perfectly on the Orion 80ED. - Switched to using guidedog again. Finally figured out my main trouble with guiding. It's the DEC axis causing problems. Wasn't noticable when my polar alignment was off a bit because it was always tracking in one direction in DEC. Now that I have nearly perfect polar alignment sometimes dec tracking goes too far and has to turn around, which it still takes about 5 seconds to do so. Tightened the DEC axis as much as i can. Need to look at this again
Date: 23-Oct-09 @ 7:00 - 11:00 Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: good Description: - Imaged M31 with WO 0.8x focal reducer. Works perfectly on the Orion 80ED. - Still having tracking problems.
Date: 03-Sep-09 @ 9:00 - 12:30 Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: good Description: - Imaged Jupiter with webcam. adapter is broken so collimation seemed to be off. - Took a few images of dome. - got a call from Times to get some photos of the dome for the astronomy festival.
Date: 01-Sep-09 @ 9:00 - 11:30 Location: DSE Observatory Sky Conditions: good Description: - Alex and I took some video footage of the moon. variable polarizing filter is the perfect filter for the moon. - Webcam adapter is busted. going to order one from astromart.
Date: 28-Aug-09 @ 9:00 - 1:30 Location: New Indian Mountain site. Sky Conditions: hazy, moon out till midnight or so. Description: - Around a dozen people there. It was great to see everyone. Danielle from the museum was there for the first time. - Did some star trail imaging. Really coo.l
Date: 27-Aug-09 @ 10:00 - 12:30 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: hazy, moon getting bright Description: - Imaged moon, ring nebula
Date: 25-Aug-09 @ 10:00 - 12:00 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: hazy, moon getting bright Description: - found one problem with the dec axis, the gear was not attached tightly to the shaft. backlash fixed :) - Imaged lagoon nebula, very impressed with this camera.
Date: 16-Aug-09 @ 10:00 - 11:00 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: very hazy Description: - Tried tightening the dec axis a bit. still didn't work. going to try and make some more adjustments.
Date: 15-Aug-09 @ 10:00 - 1:45 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: hazy Description: - imaged a few targets, still having the tracking problem. I did not fix the jumps in tracking, but I did fix the small trailing. Seems the dec backlash is entensive. I'm going to take the dec axis apart again to tighten them. - targets: m52, m103, blue snowball.
Date: 14-Aug-09 @ 9:30 - 2:00am Location: DSE Sky Conditions: a bit of haze, cleared up nicely around 1:00am. Description: - Setup the C9.25 for imaging the bubble nebula. tried to increase the exposure time to 10min for the bubble nebula, but noticed a small jump in the mount at around 7min. I originally thought it was caused by the weights on my counterweight bar not fitting properly. I will have to do some investigation. - Did not see any meteors.
Date: 12-Aug-09 @ 10:00 - 12:00am Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Setup the Orion 80ED for imagaing. Tried 5min exposures of the bubble nebula.
Date: 09-Aug-09 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: hazy Description: - Tried to image the sun. not much activity on the sun these days.
Date: 23-jul-09 @ 6:00pm - 6:30pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Did a test with focal reducer, seems the celestron focal reducer introduces color artifacts.Date: 19-jul-09 @ 9:00 - 1:30am Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Used the Orion 80ed with celestron focal reducer to try and capture the veil nebula. - I have found that the focal reducer really throws a color cast and does not work very well. I had always throught it was my light box that caused problems. turns out i will need a better focal reducer.Date: 16-Jul-09 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged the whirpool galaxyDate: 13-Jul-09 10:00 - 1:30 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged the whirpool galaxy.Date: 10-Jul-09 10:00 - 12:30 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged the whirpool galaxy.Date: 09-Jul-09 10:00 - 12:30 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged the whirpool galaxy. having trouble tracking.Date: 08-Jul-09 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged the whirpool galaxy. having trouble tracking.Date: 07-Jul-09 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Imaged the whirpool galaxy. having trouble tracking.Date: 08-June-09 @ 9:30 - 12:30 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: partially cloudy, just past full moon Description: - Did another polar align, still having some troubles. The pin attached to the mounting plate is loose even with the teflon tape. I will have to get a bigger screw and retap it.Date: 01-June-09 Description: Had a talk with Tom Hadoulias. After some time I found a machining defect in my mount. Seems one of the holes in the RA block was not drilled properly and the block can never get close enough to the worm gear to function properly. For now I will leave out the affecting screw.Date 24-May-2009 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: n/a Took apart the mount to make readjustments and found some problems adjusting the mount in RA again. Not sure whyDate 22, May 2009 Figured out that I don't an adaptor for the flip mirror, just had to make an adjustment to the focuser and all is good.Date 19, May 2009 Tried to my programming cable working no luck I think a chip is burned out. Did a Polar Alignment with no luck I think the adaptor plate needs to be levelled. Tracking is way off and I'm going to regrease & readjust mount. Clouds came in early.Date 13, May 2009 Did alinenment Tried to find World Pool Galaxy took about .30 min s to find goto was not working could not get focus with focal reducer & flip mirror, need to buy a new adaptorDate: 12-May-2009 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear, cool Description: Lat: N 46deg 06.022 Long: W 64 49.609Date: 29-Apr-09 @ 9:30-11:00pm Location: Quinan, NS Sky Conditions: Cres Moon, clear, dewy Description: - Decided to try and image some constellations with my rebel - Too much dew. I need to build a dew heater for my lensDate: 24-Apr-09 @ 9:00pm - 3:30am Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - tried setting up my wireless controller with NexRemote but I can't seem to get it working using the hand controller. I tried my programming cable and it works fine, but I have broken wire i need to fix first. - Spent some time doing a polar alignment - Imaged the Loe Triplett with my new camera and Orion 80ed. - I havn't figured out why but PHD does not seem to be as accurate as GuideDog. - Tried to image the whirlpool, but guiding with the Orion 80ED with the camera on the C9.25 didn't work well. - I'm starting to wonder if I need to take a closer look at my mount gears again. - Had a small accident with my Vesta Pro Webcam, I broke the Mogg adapter nosepiece. Going to see if I can track another one down.Date: 20-Apr-09 @ Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - tried out QHY8, but drivers were not compatible with WIndows Vista 64. Downgraded to XPDate: 19-Apr-09 @ 8:00pm-9:00pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - tried out QHY8, but drivers were not compatible with WIndows Vista 64. Downgraded to XPDate: 17-Apr-09 @ 8:00pm-10:00pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - First quick test of the QHY8. Imaged the whirlpool galaxy, no guiding. 15min exposure was clean of any noise.Date: 29-Mar-09 8:00pm - 10:30pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: good, finally getting warmer Description: - Earth Hour and a nice pass of the ISS. - Did a small test to see if Earth hour helped the light pollution situtation. No noticable difference. Need more work here. - Had a peek at the Crab Nebula - tried to use sat tracker to get an image of the ISS. No go. Will try again another time.Date: 21-Mar-09 9:00 - 10:30pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: steady and clear Description: - Alex's birthday, had a sleepover with 5 friends, they all got a chance to see Saturn through the big scope. They were impressed. - Imaged SaturnDate: 19-Mar-09 10:00pm - 12:00am Location: DSE Sky Conditions: good, finally getting warmer Description: - Helped Bob locate comet Lulin - Went to Riverview to scout out a new siteDate: 27-Feb-09 6:30pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: N/A Description: - Comet Lulin photo displayed on ATV NewsDate: 25-Feb-09 9:00pm - 11:00pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: good, finally getting warmer Description: - Imaged comet Lulin -Date: 24-Feb-09 9:00pm - 11:00pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: good, finally getting warmer Description: - Imaged comet Lulin, too much sky glow. Took nearly an hour to locate it.Date: 18-Feb-09 8:00pm - 8:45pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: clear Description: - Images constellation Casseiopia for Emma, her new new is located in this constellation.Date: 06-Feb-09 5:30pm - 9:00pm Location: Chapters Moncton, NS Sky Conditions: clear Description: - IYA Kickoff at Chapters, had over 200 people show up to view Moon, Venus, plus other stuff - Alex came along with his telescope and showed people the moonDate: 22-Dec-08 5:00pm Location: Quinan, NS Sky Conditions: Clear Description: - My image of Double Cluster appeared in January 2009 issue of SkyNews! Yippi!Date: 18-Dec-08 7:00pm - 9:30pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: excellent Description: - Was atempting to take a photo of Andromeda again, but seems my guiding isn't working well. I think the WS2 grease is too stiff already. It almost feels like sand. I may revert back to the Canadian tire brand. - My camera's battery is nearing the end of it's likespan. I only get 30min out of it now. I ordered a new one from EBAY.Date: ??-Nov-08 8:00pm - 9:30pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: fair Description: - Did a drift align, clouds rolled in.Date: 24-Oct-08 7:00pm - 12:00am Location: Indian Mountain Sky Conditions: excellent Description: - This was the first test of my mount with the new WS2 process. So far it looks very good. I was able to take 1min exposures with no problem (without guiding) of the Andromeda galaxy. I was able to take 4min exposure with not visual drift. Unfortunatly I didn't have my long exposure cable with me to try see what the visuals would be like. - Also imaged Double cluster - Had a chance to look though a Ethos eyepiece, wow, but For the money it's really not that much better than the Meade searies 5000 24mm. - There was 10 of us, big croud. Very clear night.Date: 22-Oct-08 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: average, moon out. Description: - Did a quick drift alignDate: 11-Oct-08 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: poor, moon Description: - Fixed the PC control cable and found that I had to reverse the two USB->Serial adapters for it to work. Way too picky.Date: 10-Oct-08 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: poor, moon Description: - Went outside with Alex and had a look a the moon.Date: 08-Oct-08 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: poor, moon Description: - Fixed up the adapter plate a bit, but will probably need some machining. - Having some trouble testing guiding now, trouble with the home made cable.Date: 07-Oct-08 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: poor, moon Description: - Mount seem to work very well, no backlash anymore. - Tried to do a drift align, however my adapter plate is a bit messed up and not level.Date: 03-Oct-08 Location: DSE Sky Conditions: n/a Description: - Got back my mount now with WS2 process.Date: 22-Sep-08 @ 8:00pm-11:00pm Location: Indian Mountain Sky Conditions: above average, dewy Description: - Emma, Sebastien - Saw double satelites - Used EQ-1 mount and took 4 min exposure of milky way, and other widefield constellations.Date: 19-Sep-08 @ 8:00pm-11:30pm Location: Indian Mountain Sky Conditions: Average Description: - Went to Indian mountian to image some constellations, Big dipper, Auila, Sagitarius - Richard, Emma, Sebastien, Leopol - Saw a satelite that was pulsating, spinning out of control maybe? - Saw a fireball around 11:00. It looks like it hit the atmosphere at least twice.- Imaged widefield constellations using camera and tripod.Date: 11-Sep-08 Description: - send my gears to Astro Motion TechnologiesDate: 10-Sep-08 @ 8:00-10:00pm Location: DSE Sky Conditions: moon, poor Description: - Marcel came over and we had a look at the moon with my new variable polarizing filter. excellent filter for the moon - Went out for a bit and realized that my battery fuse holder was crushed. Must have happened while out at Nova East. - noticed a tick in my motor and decided to take it apart and send the gears to get it revamped by Tom Hadoulias's WS2 process. Should improve the tracking and let me add a bit more weight.Date: 27-Jul-08 @ 9:00-1:30pm Sky Conditions: average Site: DSE Description - Richard was kind enough to raise the height of my corrector plate by about 8-9 inches. This will work much better. He used larger lag bolts and put another 1/2inch aluminum plate. Now it's incredibly sturdy - Imaged Jupiter. - Tried to image M31. Computer crashed after 2 exposures. WARNING: Do not use a USB extension cable with a USB1.x controller.Date: 22-Jul-08 @ 9:00-10:00pm Sky Conditions: average Site: DSE Description - ImagedJupiter. - My neighbour Dave and his friend came to view JupiterDate: 21-Jul-08 @ 9:00-10:00pm Sky Conditions: average Site: DSE Description - Imaged Jupiter - Richard was kind enough to raise the height of my corrector plate by about 8-9 inches. This will work much better. He used larger lag bolts and put another 1/2inch aluminum plate. Now it's incredibly sturdyDate: 07-Jul-08 @ 10:00-1:00am Sky Conditions: above average Site: DSE Description: - Imaged the Crescent Nebula NGC6888Date: 06-Jul-08 @ 10:00pm - 1:00am Sky Conditions: above average Site: DSE Description: - did a few 3 star aligns to get it as good as i could - imaged veil west side with my Orion 80ED.Date: 05-Jul-08 @ 9:30-12:30am Sky Conditions: bugs were crazy. sky was great, till 12:30 clouds rolled in Site: Indian Mountain Description: - Went to Indian Mountain with Bob, Richard... - Used Richard's tripod.Date: 04-Jul-2008 @ 8:00pm - 12:30pm Location: Indian Mountain Site Sky Conditions: lots of bugs, a breezy, good conditions Description: - Went to Indian Mountain with Bob, Richard, Yvon & ??? - imaged with my camera and richard's tripod. Got a few constellationsDate: 05-Jun-2008 @ 10:30 - 11:30 Location: DSE Sky conditions: good Description: - goto was messed up. my fault. have to make sure i get the stars correct.Date: 28-May-2008 @ 9:30pm - Location: DSE Sky conditions: fair Description: - Trying M81 again with focal reducer 3minDate: 25-May-2008 @ 9:30pm - 12:00am Location: DSE Sky conditions: fair Description: - Imaged m81, tried to get more frames. - even at ISO 1600 for 3 min I still didn't get enough light - next time I will try a focal reducer.Date: 28-May-2008 @ 9:30pm - Location: DSE Sky conditions: fair Description: - Trying M81 again with focal reducer 3minDate: 19-May-2008 @ 9:30-11:45 Location: DSE Sky conditions: fair Description: - Had a look at M81, decided not to image it. - Imaged Bode's galaxy. Trying ISO 1600 for 3min exposures. Clouds came in 1/2 through the imaging session - next time use focal reducer. - clouds rolled in early, didn't get enough frames.Date: 15-May-2008 @ 8:30-12:00 Location: DSE Sky conditions: clear, moon out 3/4 Description: - Finished polar alignment - Imaged Cigar galaxy, decided to start using ISO 1600Date: 14-May-2008 @ 8:30-12:00 Location: DSE Sky conditions: fair Description: - Finally got my scope fixed. Had to replace the motor control board. - spend most of the night leveling, polar aligning, calibrating goto. - I froze up decided to go in earlyDATE: 13-Jan-08 @ 6:00pm - 9:00am LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear, temp -7C DESCRIPTION: - Alex came to for a quick look at the Pleides and the Moon in the Orion scope. - collimated my C9.25 - imaged Mars - Tried to image Horsehead again, some thin clouds cmae in and spoied the view.DATE: 12-Jan-08 @ 9:00pm - 12:00am LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear, temp -7C DESCRIPTION: - Imaged Horsehead for the first time.DATE: 10-Jan-08 @ 9:00pm - 12:00am LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear, temp -5C DESCRIPTION: - Imaged Pleiades for the first time with the Orion 80ED. - Tracking was superb.DATE: 10-Dec-07 @ 8:00pm - 10pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear, temp -11C -14C DESCRIPTION: - Tested my mount re-grease job, suprisingly smooth, dx/dy= -2.5 to 2.5, vs -+4 - Had a first look with the Orion 80ED, Pleides look great! - ordered a set of rings and rail from ScopeStuff today, hopfully it will be in by end of next week.DATE: 9-Dec-07 @ 6:00pm - 7pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Had our Christmas party. Met another guy who is interested in astronomy. I showed him my setup and he will most likely be back.DATE: 8-Dec-07 @ 8:30pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: cloudy DESCRIPTION: - Met a guy who was at the CNIB Christmas party who is intereted in building his own observatory near Indian Mountain. He uses left over insulated panels taken from steel doors once the window is cut out.DATE: 2-Dec-07 LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: cloudy DESCRIPTION: - Decided to try and fix the adapter plate by using a grinder on it, bad idea. Need to take the plate with me back to NS at Christmas to get it fixed.DATE: 29-Nov-07 LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: cloudy DESCRIPTION: - Bought a used Orion 80ED scope from John out west. Can't wait to get it!DATE: 21-Nov-07 LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: cloudy DESCRIPTION: - Decided to sell the Meade flip mirror. I need something a little lighter and lower profile.DATE: 20-Nov-07 LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: cloudy DESCRIPTION: - Started the re-grease job of the AS-GT, keeping really good notes, I'll change this into a project for the website as soon as I can.DATE: 18-Nov-07 @ 8:30pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear, -10C DESCRIPTION: - went out to polar align my scope, my mount is dragging and really stiff. It's about time to do that re-grease job. - Found out the adapter plate i have isn't level, adjusting the dec screws makes the mount unlevel.DATE: 2-Nov-07 @ 9:00pm - 10pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Holmes again. I now have a set of 7 shots taken one or two days apart.DATE: 31-Oct-07 @ 9:00pm - 10pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Holmes againDATE: 30-Oct-07 @ 9:00pm - 11pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Holmes is about half the size of my imaging sensor. I will probably have to use my focal reducer soon. - My mother in law had a lookDATE: 29-Oct-07 @ 7:00pm - 9pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clouding over DESCRIPTION: - Imaged Holmes again, the tail is expanding as suspected. - Seems the comet didn't break apart, it was in a starfield. Should have checked my charts first.DATE: 28-Oct-07 @ 7:00pm - 9pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Imaged Holmes again, the tail is expanding as suspected. - accidently broke the power cord to my mount. Was able to solder it back together no problem. - Bob, Marcel and our friends the Orourk's came to have a look. Looks like the comet broke apart, three distinct poins.DATE: 26-Oct-07 @ 9:00pm - 11pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Imaged Holmes again, the tail is expanding as suspected. - Had lots of people come over to have a look, the Hansen's,DATE: 25-Oct-07 @ 9:00pm - 11pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Comet Holmes 17/P had an outburst last night, quite impressive looking gem. I am going to try and image it as many times as the weather permits to see how it changes night after night. - My family thought it was awesome.DATE: 19-Oct-07 @ 9:00pm - 12am LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - After talking with Ted the day before I tried to image m15. There is a small planetary nebula in that cluster. Seems you need a narrow band filter to pick it up. I will try again another time.DATE: 04-Oct-07 @ 9pm-11pm LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Did a better collimation - Imaged dumbell nebulaDATE: 01-Oct-07 @ 9pm-12am LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Imaged NCG 457 (Owl / ET cluster)DATE: 30-Sep-07 @ 10am-11:30am LOCATION: DSE SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Mounted PST on my mount - Imaged the Sun with my webcamDATE: 20-Sep-07 @ 9:00pm - 11:00pm LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: -DATE: 19-Sep-07 @ 8:00pm - 9:00pm LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - too tired to do any observing, need to get up at 6:30am for work. - Processed my images of the veil, seems my light box doesn't work well with the focal reducer. - used the inside of the dome with the rope lights, but not sure that will work well.DATE: 18-Sep-07 @ 9:00pm - 1:30am LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Tried to image the veil nebula. - I decided to use the focal reducer. Doesn't work with the flip mirror, o well.DATE: 17-Sep-07 @ 9:00pm - 10:00pm LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - Setup my JMI Motofocus, works great! - Too tired to stay up any later.DATE: 16-Sep-07 @ 9:00pm - 12:30am LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: Incredibly good. DESCRIPTION: - Did a 3 star align, collimated and polar aligned. - Viewed the veil nebula, super clear with my Narrowband filter. - Took some test images of the veil.DATE: 14-Sep-07 @ 9:00pm - 12:30am LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: Nice till about midnight, clouds rolled in. DESCRIPTION: - Did a 3 star align, collimated and polar aligned. - looked at a few clusters - Alex saw the Double Cluster, but clouds came in. - I'm sure going to love not having to sack my equipment eveywhere.DATE: 13-Sep-07 @ 9:00pm - 12:30am LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: Excellent DESCRIPTION: - Did a 3 star align - added another weight on the scope. - viewed the veil nebula with narrow band filter. - Imaged the ring nebula.DATE: 07-Sep-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Setup my equipment for the first time. Need some more weight on the counter balance shaft. - Just about ready to take some photos, clouds rolled in, a bit of a drag, but not problem, take the laptop & camera shut off the power, close the dome, lock the door, done. :)DATE: 05-Sep-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Marcel and I tried to fit the metal pier on the concreate, one bolt didn't fit, we cracked the cement a bit, not big deal, few. - We drilled a bigger hole in the metal pier and it slid on no problem.DATE: 02-Sep-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Steven and I poured the concreate into the sono tube and placed the pier bolts in.DATE: 31-Aug-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Alex, Sam, Amanda and I had a camp out in the observatory, lots of fun!DATE: 30-Aug-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Moved the observatory into my backyard!!! WOW!!!! - Bob, Marcel and I levelled it with a jack and centered it over the pier hole in the floor.- Alex and I made the pier bolt platform.DATE: 29-Aug-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Tried to level the ground and put concrete blocks, then decided to use a couple of patio blocks with cement blocks on top. Later we can remove the cement blocks. Removed my fence.DATE: 28-Aug-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Darren and I rented a post digger and dug a 4 foot hole for my pier.DATE: 26-Aug-07 LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - My friend decided to move and made me a deal on his Explora-Dome 10x10 observatory. I just could not turn it down!DATE: 13-July-07 @ 11:00am LOCATION: Moncton DESCRIPTION: - Ordered SkyShed POD !DATE: 15-June-07 @ 9:00pm - 2:00am LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: very good DESCRIPTION: - Imaged M51, turned out great. Next time will increase exposure time and decrease ISO to 400.DATE: 14-June-07 @ 9:00pm - 1:30am LOCATION: Indian Mountain SKY CONDITIONS: very good, some mist occasionally DESCRIPTION: - Bob and I went to Indian Mountain. Wow, got some pretty amazing mist, not good for the equipment. - Tried to image M51, lost the image from the view and could not get it back, arg.. definatly time for a flip-mirrorDATE: 08-June-07 @ 9:00pm - 2:45am LOCATION: Indian Mountain SKY CONDITIONS: super clear, one of the best nights. DESCRIPTION: - Setup worked well, imaged M51 whirlpool galaxy, turned out blurry. I realized I forgot to refocus after removing the camera, my bad. - Focus was off after processing the next day. I tried imaging without using a barlow, maybe that is the problem. - Decided it's time for a flip mirror - Lots of poeple at the monthly observing session, Emma, Danny, Bob, Richard, Mathieu, - Got to look at Emma's 12 inch scope and Richard's new 16 inch scope, both Meade Lightbridge, incredible scopes.DATE: 21-May-07 @ 8:30pm - 1:30am LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: super clear, cold -3, moon out near 1/2 DESCRIPTION: - Setup worked well, imaged M64 Blackeye galaxy. - Gotos are much better now. - Also imaged Jupiter, very nice. - guiding in dec simply requires me to set backlash setting.DATE: 14-May-07 @ 8:30pm - 12:30am LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: clear, cold again, sky super clear DESCRIPTION: - Fixed the com port, looks like a bent pin - laptop screen is quite red, but i think it will be ok, changed the color scheme to be shades of grey. - Tried PHD guiding, not as good as guidedog in my opinion, has some issues with the camera - Gotos are much better now. - tracking was great in RA, but has some backlash in DEC, i may try to tighten the dec again.DATE: 10-May-07 @ 8:30pm - 11:30pm LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: clear, warm, it's about time. DESCRIPTION: - I think the laptop screen is too red - The laptop was acting funny, something wrong with the power, switched to AC. I think there is a problem with the voltage regulator - Now the com port is not working, so testing tracking is out of the question, not sure what is going on with it. - Tightening the mount helped, we'll see how the tracking goes.DATE: 27-May-07 @ LOCATION: Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: DESCRIPTION: - My friend Kevin works for a plastics company, he was able to get me a very nice piece of transparent red plastic the size of my laptop screen, also some white translucent plastic for my light box. THANKS ! - Decided to do some tightening of my mount, I think the backlash has gone beyond manageable. Took me a week to get it right, but looks ok, can't wait get under the stars again and test it ! This may solve my bad goto's and tracking problems.DATE: 21-Apr-07 @ 7:30pm-10:30pm LOCATION: Moncton, Boar Park SKY CONDITIONS: few little clouds, steady seeing, lots of light pollution DESCRIPTION: - Astronomy Day! Bob, Emmma, Colette, Paul, Yvon, Danny, Mathieu, went to Boar Park in downtown Moncton to have our first public sidewalk observing session. It went very well - Next time, we need to get the lights knocked out. There was bout 20 people who attended. They all asked if we would be there again next month. We should definatly do this again.DATE: 20-Apr-07 @ 8:00pm-12:00am LOCATION: Idian Mountain, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: Supposed to be super clear, only average DESCRIPTION: - Went with Emma, Daniel, James to Indian Mountain, she forgot part of her new telescope. Ooops. Decided to go home and setup in the backyard. - Got home and realized I had forgotten my counter weights.. Double ooops. - Did a decent collimation. - Something went wrong with my power cord for the laptop, blew a fuse, tripple oops.DATE: 11-Apr-07 @ 8:00pm-12:00am LOCATION: Riverview SKY CONDITIONS: Great sky, cold, didn't dress warm enough DESCRIPTION: - Tried imaging Venus, no good skies - Bob, Emma - Looked a several galaxies.DATE: 14-Mar-07 @ 8:00pm-11:30pm LOCATION: backyard SKY CONDITIONS: clear, near full moon DESCRIPTION: - tried again to get asteroid 2006 vv2, no luck again. - some strange things happening with the GPS alignment, it's way off.DATE: 14-Mar-07 @ 8:00pm-11:30pm LOCATION: backyard SKY CONDITIONS: clear, moon near full DESCRIPTION: - Had a look for asteriod 2006 VV2, no luckDATE: 03-Mar-07 @ 4:30pm-8:00pm LOCATION: Shediac River @ James Fouger SKY CONDITIONS: Bad skies, mostly cloudy DESCRIPTION: - Emma, Mandy and I went to James Fougere's new observatory. WOW! - Took a few shots of the lunar eclipse, wish the clouds didn't spoil our funDATE: 25-Feb-07 @ 8:00pm-10:00pm LOCATION: Backyard SKY CONDITIONS: -5C or so, no wind, moon past 1/2 DESCRIPTION: - Tried imaging Venus, but skies were terrible. - Took image of the moon. - Imaged Saturn, not very good sky for it.DATE: 11-Feb-07 @ 7:00pm-10:00pm LOCATION: New site in Riverview SKY CONDITIONS: cold -10C or so, no wind. DESCRIPTION: - Bob, Emma and I went to a new site in Riverview. Great southern sky and perfect for Orion's goodies :) - It was cold enought I knew I had to hurry, my laptop screen was freezing. - First time I looked at the Flame nebula through my scope. I could easily pick it out. - I wanted to try the horsehead but couldn't quite find it. Of course later I realized I was looking in the wrong spot, darn that mirror diagonal. - Got some short exposures of the Flame.DATE: 31-Jan-07 @ 5:30pm-7:00pm LOCATION: Collosium parking lot, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: cold -14C or so, no wind, lots of cars. DESCRIPTION: - Bob and I went to view Mercury and Venus, easily spotted. Bob had his 8" dob. - The view was rather blurry, I think mostly because of the traffic on Killham Dr. - Had a look at the orion nebula, the moon. - Compared the view of my 32mm 1.25inch plossil to his 32mm Orion Stratus. WOW nice eyepiece. - I purchased a 80mm Skywatcher telescope with tabletop tripod from Efston science. Not a bad travelling scopeDATE: 29-Jan-07 @ 6:00pm LOCATION: Collosium parking lot, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: cold. DESCRIPTION: - Bob, Alex and I went to scout out a place to see Mercury and Venus at the Collosium, good place.DATE: 22-Jan-07 @ 8:40pm SKY CONDITIONS: Cold, clouds rolling in LOCATION: UdeM observatory, Moncton, NB DESCRIPTION: - Bob and I wend to the university for the public observing session. Lots of people there. - Had a look at Saturn, not too good sky conditions. - Took a photo of the dome and the moon. - Tried out Bob's 4mm Stratus eyepiece in the UdeM's 14"SCT, got a good view for about 2 seconds.DATE: 18-Jan-07 @ 9:20pm - 9:30pm SKY CONDITIONS: Super Cold and windy, -36C with the wind chill LOCATION: Super cold and windy DESCRIPTION: - I was outside with only my camera and tripod to take some shots of Orion & Pleidies for the astronomy presentation I will be giving at our next astronomy meeting.DATE: 13-Jan-07 @ 4:00pm & 5:50pm & then at 8:52 SKY CONDITIONS: Cold, few clouds LOCATION: My driveway, Whitefield-Trites Rd, then Indian Mountain. DESCRIPTION: - Paul sent a message that comet McNaught was naked eye visible at 2:30pm in the daytime. We didn't get the message till around 3:30. - I called Bob, he came over and we had a peek, just able to see it for a brief moment, I tried with my Handycam, but couldn't get it. - Later we went to the Whitefield-Trites Rd to try and catch it, and we sure did ! WOW! I took some video footage of it. Excellent! - No luck, clouds again, now I'm starting to get ticked off. - Then went to our site @ Indian Mountain. A few people there, Richard, Emma, Bob, Daniel. - I didn't bring my scope, just cam, tripod and finderscope. Tried a manual guiding experiement. Will use in my first presentation next week.DATE: 11-Jan-07 @ 5:50pm SKY CONDITIONS: Cold, lots of clouds on the horizon LOCATION: Whitefield-Trites Rd DESCRIPTION: - Bob and I went to the Whitefield-Trites Rd to take some pictures of comet McNaught. - No luck again, darn clouds.DATE: 10-Jan-07 @ 5:45pm SKY CONDITIONS: Cold, lots of clouds on the horizon LOCATION: Whitefield-Trites Rd DESCRIPTION: - Bob and I went to the Whitefield-Trites Rd to take some pictures of comet McNaught. - Now luck, clouds blocked the view.DATE: 07-Jan-07 @ 6:00pm LOCATION: Whitefield-Trites Rd, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: crazy windy and cold. DESCRIPTION: - Bob and I took a ride to seek out comet McNaugh, found it! - took a few shots using my new tripod with 55mm lens, just got it behind a cloud. - This is going to be a bright comet indeed, can't wait till middle of the week ! WOW!DATE: 07-Jan-06 @ 6:00pmDATE: 24-Dec-06 @ 8:30pm LOCATION: Quinan SKY CONDITIONS: windy, cold, super dark DESCRIPTION: - got out of the car after church, sky was incredibly dark, - took a single shot at iso 1600, 30 sec, 55mm lens. incredible.DATE: 12-Dec-06 @ 7:30pm-11:30 LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: good, lots of light from the xmas lights DESCRIPTION: - tried out my new antares right angled finder scope $100 used, saves the neck that's for sure - did not bother with alignment, - Bob Crossman joined me, had lots of fun. - took some 30sec exposures of Orion nebula, no guiding, had my tripod up a foot, need to put mirror lockup to 2 sec - Bob Crossman was there, had lots of fun. DATE: 28-Nov-06 @ 10:00pm-11:30 LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: average, moon was out DESCRIPTION: - tried to capture the isodus sunray, no luckDATE: 10-Nov-06 @ 7:30pm LOCATION: back yard SKY CONDITIONS: warm, clear DESCRIPTION: - goto's were way off, did factory resetDATE: 03-Nov-06 @ 7:00pm - 11:00pm LOCATION: back yard SKY CONDITIONS: near full moon DESCRIPTION: - took image of comet SWANDATE: LOCATION: indian mountain SKY CONDITIONS: partially cloudy at first DESCRIPTION: - lots of folks there - tried to captureDATE: 27-Sep-06 @ 8:00pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: not bad - DESCRIPTION: - did last align, got close to swan, guidestar still in guidescope. cool. can't wait to have a permenant setup. - fog rolled in around 10:00pm DATE: 27-Sep-06 @ 8:00pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: not bad - DESCRIPTION: - did last align, got close to swan, guidestar still in guidescope. cool. can't wait to have a permenant setup. - fog rolled in around 10:00pm DATE: 25-Sep-06 @ 8:00pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: good - 18.61 @ 8:55 8C 18.90 @ 10:30 DESCRIPTION: - took some flat frames with and without focal reducer, 1.25inch and inch barells. - re-collimated, not the best night for it. - 3 star-align. - vega, altair, deneb - little trick, use the canon right angle finder on the finder scope so you don't break your neck - took 6x30 exposure of the swan, the camera only saved half of them, hmmm. somthing is up with DSLR focus? DATE: 25-Sep-06 @ 8:00pm - 11:20pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: good, 18.9 @ 10:00pm 5c DESCRIPTION: - 3 star align - arcturus, vega, deneb - captured swan nebula, 3 min exposure with and without IDAS LPR, this fiilter helps a lot - having some trouble with the shutter release cable again. arg. DATE: 22-Sep-06 @ 8:00pm LOCATION: Livingston Lake, Alma SKY CONDITIONS: excellen DESCRIPTION: - took half the day off to prepare for this adventure. Got to the site and forgot my camera bag.... DOH! Richard was kind enough to lend me his camera, Mathieu introduced me to a new inexpensive lens, Canon 50mm F/1.8 fixed lens. Took a great manually guided exposure of the North American nebula (12min exposure ISO 400). Quite impressive. One thing I learned about my camera, the F ratio is not automatically set to the widest setting, this explains why my shots of the mily way with the stock lens didn't turn out as good as I thought. DATE: 16-Sep-06 @ 8:30pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: very hazy, DESCRIPTION: - 3 star align, vega, dube, altair, gotos not good, coul not get anywhere near anything. did a 3-star to vega, way off. factory reset. - saw iridium 30 mag -7, alex had his first sleep over with Sam from his daycare, they though the flare was cool. Amanda was there too. - factory reset. 3-star vega, altair, mirach, goto andromeda, bang on, goto m13, not quite in the FOV of my 32mm eyepiece. - imaged the double cluster, mount wasn't tracking to good, wasn't balanced. DATE: 12-Sep-06 @ 8:30pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: SUPER DESCRIPTION: - 3 star align, arcturus, vega,deneb - did this three times goto's are better now - m102 spindle galaxy 6x5min + flat + dark DATE: 11-Sep-06 @ 8:30pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear, cold going to 2C tonight DESCRIPTION: Save11 Sep 21:45:23 -4 44? 88? (E ) 15.1 km (E) -8 Iridium 60 - gotos all messed up, factory reset, - amanda came to see the flare, got it on camer again DATE: 10-Sep-06 @ 8:30pm - 11:30pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear, cool DESCRIPTION: - took some flat light frames - re-collimated, excellent this time - 3 star align - arcturus, dubhe, mirfak - imaged iridium flare 9:51 with tripod and stock lens - 3 star align was way off, note to self: learn where mirfak is. Now I will have to re-align 3 or 4 times to get good goto's again. - looked at m81&82, not bad from the city, can't wait till the moon goes away. DATE: 07-Sep-06 @ 9:00pm-11:30pm LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear, full moon DESCRIPTION: - 3 star align, arcturus, vega, deneb. - was about to shoot M102, but noticed collimation was off a fair amount. - adjusted collimation with webcam. to focus the webcam, seems easier to use my 32mm eyepiece directly into the baffle tube almost all the way out. then put in the webcam after finding a star. - was all setup to capture m102, but of course the clouds rolled in :( - my long exposure cable release stopped working. probably the wire broke again. DATE: 31-Aug-06 @ 9:30pm-12:00am LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: clear, bit turbulant. DESCRIPTION: - dad came for peek in the scope, wasn't really ready for visual observing. - three star align - saw what i think was the ISS going from NW to SE around 10pm, very bright, mag -3 maybe. - didn't polar align, was just going to check collimation. - collimation wasn't off, must have cross threaded the t-adapter. - by the time i checked collimation, dew prevailed, really need the dew cap and dew heater. dew heater should be turned on about 10min before tkaing the cap off the lens - took a shot of the double cluster anyways, not the best, didn't bother keeping it. DATE: 26-Aug-06 @ 8:30pm-12:30am LOCATION: Indian mountain SKY CONDITIONS: about 25%-50% cloud cover until 11:30pm, clear sky clock way off. DESCRIPTION: - Emma, Mandy, Daniel, one guy saw a bear just as we arrived. There was a new guy from Ontario. Nice scope and GM-11 mount. - three star align, need to be carefull of mount hitting the phone splitter. - Imaged M101 with no focal reducer, actually works better than I'd expect. - seems my collimation is off, odd. - heavy mist spoilled the evening. temp dropped too fast and also we are in a valley location. DATE: 18-Aug-06 @ 9:00pm-2:00am LOCATION: Livingston Lake, Alma SKY CONDITIONS: Great until 2:00am moon rise and clouds DESCRIPTION: - lot's of people for the camp out - beautiful cottages, tipi's - three star align - took images of cat's eye nebula, don't need a focal reducer for this object, too small. - took image of ? - first night out using my new home made guidescope mount. much more sturdyDATE: 04-Aug-06 @ 8:00pm - 2:30am LOCATION: backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: very clear, moon was up till 1:30 DESCRIPTION: - three star align, arcturus, capella, vega - Very productive night, the new Canon Angle finder makes things soooooooo much easier, saves the neck if you will. - Marcel & Lisa stayed for an hour or so, their tennants came by and were impressed with the setup. - Imaged M15(Pegasus cluster), M29(Open cluster) and M72DATE: 30-Jul-06 @ 9:00pm - 2:00am LOCATION: Indian Mountain, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: 10% cloud cover. DESCRIPTION: - three star align, arcturus, capella, vega - Emma, Richard and few others. - was setup to take a photo of swan nebula, scope hit the meridian, talk about poor lack of planning.DATE: 27-Jul-06 @ 9:30pm - 1:30am LOCATION: Backyard, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: very clear. DESCRIPTION: - three star align, arcturus, capella, vega - Richard came down for a visit. - Imaged Dumbell nebula, 3 x 2 min exposures ISO 400. Had some trouble with the dec guiding. my balancing was not perfect. - Guess that stool I bought from wal-mart, wasn't worth it. While sitting on it, it broke. Ouch.DATE: 19-Jul-06 @ 9:30pm - 2:30am LOCATION: Indian Mountain, Moncton SKY CONDITIONS: very clear. DESCRIPTION: - three star align, arcturus, capella, vega - quite a few people there, Charles, Emma, Danny, visitor from RASC Manitoba - Was not able to get any real decent deep sky shots, guidescope mounting needs work. going to get my brother to make me an aluminum plate - took a nice shot of the moon at 2:00am on the horizon with some clouds in front of it.DATE: 22-Jun-06 @ 9:30pm - 3:30am LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: very clear, no bugs, no wind. DESCRIPTION: - three star align, arcturus, deneb, vega - goto's are doing well now with the GPS, - decided to try out the broken orion guidescope, not bad I guess considering there is crack in the lens. I'm not going to be guiding on stars, but rather comets :) Just have to figure out a better mounting system for it. Two screws in a piece of wood probably won't do it. The reticle eyepiece I bought is really nice. My flip mirror is slightly off. I'm using a 2x barlow on the webcam. - I took a picture of the pinwheel galaxy, 5 x 4 min exposures @ ISO 400, unfortunatly, i didn't take any dark frames so it will be a bit noisy. - one item which is almost a necessity, especially to save your neck, is a right angle finder for the digital rebel. I indend to get one off of ebey soon. - I noticed collimation is off, going to need to tweak it first thing next session.DATE: 16-Jun-06 @ 9:00pm - 12:30am LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: clear, insane amount of bugs, light wind. DESCRIPTION: - 3 star align - had a new member come visit, Richard, new member in the club, very interested in astrophotography, bought a new camera DRebel XT, nice camera. I think he will enjoy it. - photographed M13, turned out very good, 10x15sec exposures ISO 1600. Amazing how much noise you can remove with a few dark frames. - also took some footage of jupiter, not as good as I suspected, starting to get low on the horizon.DATE: 07-May-06 @ 9:30pm - 2:00am LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: clear, near full moon DESCRIPTION: - 3 star align - captured M51, 4 x 2min, - bought a used meade 12mm illuminated reticle eyepiece, don't know how i got along without one.DATE: 28-Apr-06 @ 7:30pm-2:00am LOCATION: Barachois SKY CONDITIONS: clear, dark, very good seeing DESCRIPTION: - three star align - sirius, capella, arcturus - a couple of new members, there was about 15 people or so. - bought 2 new 40AH AGM batteries, getting tired of having battery problems. - took a 30sec exposure of comet Schwassmann-Wachmann (73P) - wasn't able to find a guidestar in my finderscope due to the fact that my reticle eyepiece was messed up. Seems the flip mirror I'm using might also be a problem. Time for a new one. It's not worth buying cheap euipment when it comes to astrophotography. I've learned my lesson.DATE: 22-Apr-06 @ 8:30pm-12:30am LOCATION: Moncton, Indian Mountain SKY CONDITIONS: clear, very good seeing, warm temp 5C DESCRIPTION: - Emma, Mandi, Jim, Tim - 3 star align, sirius, capella, arctaurus - bought a 20AH sealed lead acid battery from Princess auto. Lasted only about 10min in my laptop. Time to invest in a good battery. - Captured several 30sec exposures of M51 - met new member Jim. Nice guy, well organized. He bought Bob's 8'' Dob that was drawn at the AGM last year.DATE: 21-Apr-06 @ 7:30pm-12:30am LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: clear, very good seeing DESCRIPTION: - 3 star align, sirius, capella, arctaurus - captured some more footage of saturn - tried to image M51, couldn't find suitable guidestar, getting quite cold, so packed it up.DATE: 11-Apr-06 LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: excellent, near full moon though DESCRIPTION: - auto align - arcturus, deneb,DATE: 28-mar-06 8:00pm-11:00pm LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: few clouds rolled in then wind changed direction, then clear, light wind DESCRIPTION: - did 3 star align, sirus actarus - not bad, did the alignment again and gotos were right on. - tried to photograph Orion nebulae, but spent too much time friggin with the guidescope, orion hid behind a telephone post. I don't think a 70mm is enough apeture even with a 2x barlow. I ordered a used Orion 80mm/F11.4 guidescope, used for $130. should be in next week. - getting tired of luggin out the equipment every night. This summer we will be building a new shed. Trying to decide how to setup my scope permenantly, or at least a way for it to stay outside. - had a peek at the whirlpool galaxy, pretty light polluted, I purchased a Hutech LPR 1.5inch filter a while ago. I think i will give that a try next.DATE: 28-mar-06 8:00pm-11:00pm LOCATION: Moncton, backyard SKY CONDITIONS: few clouds rolled in then wind changed direction, then clear, light wind DESCRIPTION: - did a 3-star align, sirus actarus deneb, didn't work too well. must be the gps adapter. - took some saturn footage, K3ccdtools3 didn't want to capture the images. going to have to have a talk with the author - got my new laptop HD installed with all my astro software.DATE: 02-mar-06 8:00pm-11:30pm LOCATION: Moncton, driveway SKY CONDITIONS: clear DESCRIPTION: - observed a large fireball at 7:36pm zipping from south to north almost directly overhead. - finally got my scope back and first time out. Celestron doesn't know how to use bob's knobs, they left them loose. had to re-collimate. - neighbourhood kids came by, gillian, terra, tony, mary - stardate gps adapter finally connectied, but the timezone was off, so i didn't bother doing a 3-star align. - observed Saturn, good after collimation, orion, sirius, autarus. - also got a chance to try my new laser pointer that I got for xmas. really cool.01-mar-06 - wow long time, just got my scope back. celestron had it for a total of 2 days, shipping time is insane,06-dec-05 - send my scope off to get fixedDate: 21-Nov-05 Location: driveway Description:Date: 19-Nov-05 Location: moncton university Description: won a Meade DSI Pro from the raffle draw at AGM... why me? no idea, but I got lucky that day, also won a $25 gift certificate from Lumicon. shame i didn't win on my lottery ticket.Date: 17-Nov-05 @ 8:30-10:30pm Location: driveway Skyconditions: good. Description: was able to take a decent shot of mars again, this time skies cleared for an hour or so, but I wasn't able to record before the turbulance came in.Date: 12-Nov-05 @ 9:30-11:30pm Location: driveway Skyconditions: average. Description: was able to take a good shot of mars again,Date: 11-Nov-05 @ 8:30-11:30pm Location: driveway Skyconditions: average. Description: checked collimation, looked good. used a 3x barlow to take video of mars. much better than previous attempts. going to re-check collimation again when sky permits. Had a bit of dew form on the corrector plate. I need to make sure to use the dew cap as well. also after plugging in the dew heater, i need to let it sit for 10min to warm up a tad.Date: 30-Oct-05 @ 8:30pm-11:00pm Location: driveway Skyconditions: poor, partially cloudy Description: tried to image mars again, not the greatest conditions, but got a image anyhow. marcel came by and we saw a huge fireball zipping in front of mars. first one I've seen since I was a child.Date: 29-Oct-05 @ 11:30-1:30am Location: driveway Skyconditions: poor, partially cloudy Description: After loosing $5 in a poker game, I decided to have a peek at mars, sky was very poor.Date: 30-SEP-05 @ 9:00-10:30pm Location: Memramcook Sky Conditions: poor Description: club observing session, Tim, Charles, Danny, Kurt (and wife), Emma, Bob sky conditions deteriorated, went home early :( goegraphical coordinates were off. did a 3 star align-arcturus, vega, capella goto's were a bit off. much better than the night before. looked through kurt's 6mm vixen eyepice, lathanum I think, nice view, had a dirt on the lens though. Mars is starting to get up there. Had a peek at M33 (Triangulum galaxy), very faint, skies were indeed terrible. didn't bother to image it.Date: 28-sept-05 @ 8:30 - 1:00am Location: Memramcook Sky Condiitions: good Description: - Did a 3 star align, way off, twice. not sure what's going on. I think it's the geographical coordinates. - Decided to try and image Neptune, but corrector dewed up, teach me for not plugging in my dew heater. - got home and while putting my equipment away, a nut fell off inside the scope, shit, not sure where it's from, but after Mars, it's going back to Celestron. :( :(Date: 24-sep-05 Location: Memramcook @ 8:00 - 12:30 Sky Conditions: good Description: - public observing for the Junvenile diabeties society. about 20 people showed up. - 3 star align, 3 times, no good. not sure what's the problem. - looked at M13 hercules cluster, mars.Date: 05-Sept-05 Location: back yard. Sky Conditions: windy Description: - got my guidescope working quite nicely now. backlash seems to have to be adjusted depending on how the scope is balanced.Date 03-Aug-05 @ 9:30-2:00am Location: Smiley's provincial park, Nova East Sky Conditions: clear, better than the night before, dewy. Description: DId 3 star align, scope didn't do so well, did it a second time and all was fine. I think the problem was that, the night before I turned the socpe off and during the day turned it on and did a 'last alignment' tried to slew to Saturn and was completely in the wrong part of the sky. I think I was supposed to do a 'goto home position' before turning off the scope. The public arrived after the door prize draws, I hooked up my laptop and starry night, people loved the fact that they could see the objects on the screen as the telescope moved to them. got some e-mails of people that wanted photos. Photographed 10x30sec of dumbell, pretty good tracking. Also one of the stars of the pleides, actually got a one minute exposure of it. This was very good considering I only was able do a quick polar alignment. I tried to use the satelite tracker program, couldn't figure out how it worked. Had a peek at mars with the orion lanthanum 5mm and ???? 5mm. ??? was a better deal, but still alotof chromatic abberation. Still not bad for an ultrawise. Also looked at mars with a 7mm nager, nice.Date: 07-Aug-05 @ 9:00 Location: backyard sky conditions: clear, bit windy Description: hooked up the guidescope, going to take some shots with the webcam too see how much my barlows 2x and 3x magnify.Date: 05-Aug-05 @ 9:00 Location: backyard sky conditions: clear, bit hazy after a while Description: met my new neighbour Matt and his 3 other friends. They were impressed and enjoyed the sky tour.Date 02-Aug-05 @ 9:30-1:00am Location: Smiley's provincial park, Nova East Sky Conditions: clear, dewy Description: 3 star align lots of dew, first night with homemade dew zapper. works incredibly well in conjunction with dew cap. was the worst night many had seen, dew formed on most scope within minutes. in fact i took the lens cap off, plugged in the heater and within 2 minutes dew was on the corrector. in 5 min it went away. NO MORE DEW PROBLEMS !!! Did some visual work, had a chance to look in some 16 inch scopes, the center of the veil nebula was incredible. Peeked at Mars, very bad due to sky turbulance as well as it being low on the horizon, but could see the polar cap.Date: August 25 @ 9:00-12:00 Location: Memramcook Sky Conditions: clear description: 3 star align, had to do it twice to get a good alignment. photographed - m13, andromeda, lagoon,Date: August 4 @ 11:00pm Location: PEI Sky conditions: clear description: second night was much better, still a few clouds, took a walk on the beach with Manda around 10:00pm, stars were awesome. did a 3 star align, acturus, altar, vega. goto was way off. I think I waited too long at each of the alingment stars. did factory reset, not much luck. going to try and get the coordinates of PEI see if that helps. dew however spoiled everything again. I forgot also to bring my parts for the dew heater. After next week I should not have another spoiled night.Date: August 3 @ 11:00pm Location: PEI Sky conditions: turbulance, few clouds description: our first observable night here in PEI, very dark sky. did a 3 star align, acturus, altar, vega. goto was fine. dew however spoiled everything. I forgot my dew cap.Date:July 30,2005 @10:00pm-11:15 Location: bakyard SKy conditions: clear Description: auto 3 star - ??? , antares, vega collimated scope, was way off did a goto on ring nebula, was in the FOV of webcam, awesome. looked at ring. Used starry night to look at lagoon (m20), but was way off. used the HC and all was fine. not sure why.Date: July 16 @ 8:00pm - 3:00am Location: Mactaquack, Fredericton Sky Conditions: excellent Description:Date: July 15 @ 8:00pm - 2:00am Location: Mactaquack,Fredericton Sky Conditions: very good Description: Went to the provincial park for a public observing session. There were about 15 telescopes including a 20inch dob! Got to see the dumbell and swan nebuale, incredible!!! We entertained the public, over one hundred showed up, great success the first night. Looked at the moon and Jupiter. Later after the moon set around 12:00am I imaged Hercules cluster (M13). Took a 5min exposure of the east side of the milky way. A hint of dew started to form on the lens of the scope. I think it's time for a dew heater.Date: July Location: Moncton, on my back deck Conditions: average Description: Attached my digital rebel for the first time. Took a photo of Jupiter at prime focus was able to see the bands. Also took a photo of the moon, turned out excellent, printed a 8.5x11 photo very nice.Date:July 3, 2005 Location:Quinan Coordinates: N43 55.079, W65 47.992 Sky condiont: excellent at least for a while. Description: Finally a good weather, 3rd time in quinan in one and half years, finally a clear sky. Alex,Amanda, Steve, Dad, Mom, Darrell, Austin, Doris were all eel fishing by the river while I setup my scope on the lawn 20yards away. Alex caught an eel, he was pretty excited. We all had smores on the camp fire. Time for the kids to go to bed, about 11:00 or so, they had a peek through the scope before retiring to the tent. I stayed up another hour before the low lying fog rolled in and super dewed everything. Time for adew heater I think. - tried 3 star align, way way off on the first star. - note to self: make sure when you find polaris, it's really polaris, too many stars !!! - Darrell and Austin, Alex, Travis had a peek at Jupiter - finally did 3 star align, M51 whirlpool was visible first try, - took a 2minISO1600 exposure of the milky way South East side, just before the fog and dew came in. Packed itup around 12:30am, retired to tent. very cold damp night.Date: July 13, 2005 @ 9:00 Location: Moncton, back deck Sky Conditions: clear Description: Took a nice photograph of the moon, could not get the moon in the entire field of view without using the Celestron F6.3 focal reducer. Took five images for stacking. Turned out awesome. printed a 8.5x11.Date: June 30, 2005 @ 9:30 Location: Moncton, back deck Sky Conditions: hazy, warm Description: Doctor gave me the ok, so I'm back in business. Finally got my Rebel attached to the scope. Took a shot of jupiter at prime focus, very small image, but could see the bands no problemDate: June 27,2005 @ 9:00 Location: Near Indian mountain Sky Conditions: clouds on the west side Description: Went with Charles to try and get an image of Conjunction of Venus, Mercury, Saturn. Saturn was hiding in the clouds, with the flies would have been hiding. Took a shot through his 15x75 binos and my Rebel cameraDate: May 13 Description: Looks like I'm going to be out of the loop for a while, detached retina in my left (bad) eye.Date: April 16, Location: Memramcook SKy Conditions: Description: - Picked up a DigitalRebel off of EBAY today for $700, can't wait till it arrives next week.Date: April 15, 8:45-11:30pm Location: driveway Sky conditions: excellent, moon 1/4 Description: - Had a bunch of people over, a dozen kids from the neighbourhood, bob crosman and a few of his friends. we had a great time, observed, moon, saturn, jupiter, - borrowed a 10mm celestron x-cel eyepiece. I'm still impressed with this eyepiece. I may get one later on. - did a 3 star align, was off by a bit, used the computer to re-sync on a galaxy. good to see Macholtz, M65, M13, M5, Orion. - had lots of visitors, some interested in our club.Date: April 14, 9:00-10:00pm Location: back deck Sky condiitions: good, temp 0C Description: - observed orion nebula, the view through my guidescope Efston Science 70mm refractor was pretty good. I'm hoping it's going to have a long enough focal length to guide. - didn't bother with motor drive, or cooldown.Date: April 10, 2005 afternoon Location: in the house Sky conditions: mostly cloudy (not in the house) Description: - setup to try the guidescope setup again, seems my balance in DEC was way off. Phew. Seems the motors are happy now.Date: April 9, 2005 9:30-11:00pm Location: Indian Mountain SKy Conditions: average, clouded over around 11:00, Clear Sky Clock showed 12:00am, not bad. Description: - first time out with the new guidescope and mount mechanism my brother and father made for me. Seems the motors are straining quite badDate: xx-feb-05 Location: backyard, moncton Sky COnditions: clear, moon 1/2 Description: - Photographed the follwoing with Pentax 35mm SLR piggybacked 1. comet 10min 2. comet 5min - first two ruined, lens was at macro mode 3. comet 5 min iso 16000DATE: 06-FEB-05 LOCATION: INDIAN MOUNTAIN SKY CONSITIONS: GOOD DES; - PHOTOGRAPHS 1. PLEIDES 2. Orion ConstellationDate: 05-feb-04 location: indian mountain sky conditions: moderate winds, desc: - first time trying upgraded mount tracking with guidedog, adjusted values for anti-backlash - first time trying piggyback photography with slr image 1 - orion - 7 min exposure image 2 - orion - 5 min exposure image 3 - pleides - 10 min exposure 200mm - camera film messed upDate: 02-feb-04 location: driveway sky conditions: average to poor desc: - took some pictues with webcam of saturn - stacked 540/1100 imagesDate: 01-feb-04 location: back deck sky conditions: average desc: - took pictures of saturn, forgot to use ir block filterDate: 31-jan-04 Location: back deck Sky conditions: bad desc: - trying to do a collimation, sky was too bad11/09/04Date: 09-oct-04 location: quinan sky conditions: clouds rolling in desc: - 4 days in Quinan, nights were spoiled by tripical storm Nicole. Was able to view andromeda for a 10 minutes before the clouds came in :(Date: 26-sep-04 location: moncton (backyard) sky conditions: moon was out desc: - got my new flip-mirror, but not able to reach focus. Might have to get a steve mogg focal reducer for the eyepiece. argh. - photographed ring nebula, m13, moonDate: 24-sep-04 location: moncton (backyard) sky conditions: moon is nearing full, bit windy desc: - tried out steve mogg adapter, focal reducer - figured would be able get get entire moon in FOV, need longer ext tube. - trying m13 12 secDate: 12-sep-04 location: moncton (backyard) sky conditions: bit breeze, lots'o' bugs description: m16 eagle nebula, visible with narrowbandDate: 07-sep-04 location: berchoi (original site) sky conditions: clear, dark description:Date: 22-aug-04 Location: berchoi (hunting cabin) Sky conditions: dark, clear description: - about 12 people that night. Amanda came with us for the first time. She was tired, gone to magic mountain that day. - viewing conditions were awesome - the most stunning view that night was the viel nebula through Charles' 12" celestron dob. really nice.Date: Nova eastDate: 10-aug-04 Location: Moncton (backyard) Sky Conditions: clear, about 18c description: - 3 star align, arctarus, antares, vega - m13, andromeda, m27 whirlpoolDate: 08-aug-04 Location: Moncton (backyard) Sky Conditions: clear, thunderstorm approching very clear night, 10c description: - 3 star align, arctarus, antares, vega - m13, andromeda, m27 whirlpoolDate: 02-aug-04 Location: Moncton (backyard) Sky Conditions: clear, thunderstorm approching description: - 3 star align,Date: 29-Jul-04 Location: Moncton (backyard) Sky conditions: clear, moon description: - 3 star align, arctarus, antares, vega - factory reset - 3 star align, artarus, vega, altair - ring nebula picturesDate: 25 solarDate: 22-Jul-04 Location: Moncton (backyard) Sky coditions: clear description:Date: 16-jul-04 10:00pm-11:45pm Location: Moncton (backyard) SKy Conditions: hazy Description: - 3 star align, arcturus, spica, vega - focussed with new focus mask. - wind was crazy, was able to see M13 for a second with vesta - figured out I had to change my parallel port mode from bi-directional to standard. long exposures now working.Date: 12-jul-04 9:30-11:00pm Location: Moncton (my backyard) Sky Coniditions: clear, hazy Description: - trying to figure out the new webcam, still no luckDate: 08-jul-04 8:00pm-9:00pm Location: Moncton (my portch) Sky Conditions: overcast Description: - got the new Vesta Pro SC1.5 webcam. - tried it out. could not figure out the long exposure mod.Date: 07-jul-04 10:00pm-02:00am Location: Moncton (Memramcook Sky Conditions: clear, good seeing Notes: - did a 3 star align, good goto's that night - Charles, Emma, Chris and Yvon were there. - laptop battery was dead, wasn't able to test out the new red screen (thanks Charles)Date: 30-jun-04 Location: Moncton (backyard) Sky Conditions: Clear, moon out near full Description: - did a quick polar align, 3 star align - hooked up the laptop, starry night was quite accurate - tried 'satelite tracker'didn't see any satelites though - Manda and I saw our first Iridium flare, mag -8 - Sammie was amazed at the moonDate: 28-May - 1-jun-04 Location: Bristol, NB Description: - 4 days in Bristol, had a couple of good viewing nights didn't bring my scope cause it was calling for rain. Neighbour there had a 4" newt dept store junk scope. Wow, I could not believe how bad the optics were. I can't beleive they actually make such low quality garbage.Date: 1-jun-04 - 6-jun-04 Location: Quinan, NS SKy conditions: :( Description: Was hoping for a good sky, but no such luckDate: 07-jun-04 5:00am-8:00-am Location: Moncton (Taillon observatory Sky Conditions: Fog, cloudy Description: - was hoping to see the venus transit, didn't happen. - we were all setup, but the weather was not working with us. The media was there, about a dozen from the astronomy group brought their telescopes (myself included). One guy drove 2200 miles from Oaklahoma. Oh well one more try in 8 years.
