Listening to the Voices in My Head

Before the "Great Disc Collapse", I was very much into astronomy. I would spray AeroGuard (bug repellent) on my legs and arms, then muscle my telescope with filters/tools, a small table and a laptop computer outside, and just study the stars, planets, comets, nebulae etc etc. I was just getting adept using the DSI when I landed in the ER due to disc collapse.

Well, although I am up and about, I can't get the telescope outside anymore. The motorized EQ5 mount is just too heavy for me to maneuver out the door. :(

So, I've been looking at telescope brocures. I've spotted two contenders. A Sky-Watcher 8 or 10inch Dobsonian, or a 6in Celectron Nextstar. They each have plus and minuses/.

The Dobs :
The Good: Easier to use, can be trundled around around as it's on a wheeled dolly. It's tall, so almost no stooping over to use the viewfinder.
The Bad: not too good for astrophotography, as long exposures mean with rotation of the earth, the 'scope can't track it. Yes, I know you can get a very expensive motorized dolly, but that negates the easy of use.

The Schmidt-Cassegrain:
The Good: Smaller barrel, easy dismantling, light weight construction, computerized tracking, so long exposures for stacking images will work. Can view deep space with more clarity
The Bad: more expensive, moving parts mean chances of breakdown, batteries needed.

I will be selling the telescope I can't use due to the weight of it. There's nothing wrong with it, other than it's too heavy for me since the back surgery. Barely used EQ5 Mount, all eyepieces. Would prefer to sell it locally, as shipping costs would be outrageous due to the weight!

( Telescope Pics )

Might even throw in the Webcam I converted to be a CCD camera. :)

Dragging the telescope out there. Not too sure, but I think I discovered aproblem with the R.A motor drive. 4x and 8x speeds are fine,but the 2x, which is supposed to 'make up' for the earths rotation doesn't seem to be working. I checked the Declination motor and it's working just fine (and visibly) at 2x.  Since unit is under warranty, I can send it back, but this is such a pisser. I still have the old R.A. Motor, just wondering if I can adapt it for temporary use.

And here I am, making like Rosie the maid, cleaning, vacuuming, mopping like a madwoman.  I find the differences between what I do when on 'vacation' and what aikidomayland and Alan do vastly different. On their vacations, they lounge around, get underfoot, play computer games, indulge in their various hobbies, and make the kitchen a messier than usual place. Me, on the other hand, mend costumes, attend meetings, have at least one performance a week, scrub, mop, cook, clean etc etc.

For such a modern man, aikidomayland still seems to have this subconscious thing that since I have ovaries, I must be more inclined to clean and therefore better at it. Methinks he needs a wee bit of re-education on this point.

I will be taking a snooze this afternoon, and then have some 'scope time tonight (weather permitting) I was too damned tired last night to do any and prettly much slipped into a sleep coma around 10pm-ish until almost 7:30 this morning.

*boingy boingy boingy* It's HERE!*boingy boingy boingy* *inhales the New smell of DSI Pro camera* *boingy boingy boingy* Ooo, lookit! A nifty surprise! (shows Tootsie Rolls)

Crossing fingers, toes and any other apendage for clear skies tonight!*boingy boingy boingy*

Meade DSI Pro is on its' way! (thank you shadoutcarver !). I will do some more practicing with the webcam. I will probably still use the webcam, as I see no reason to totally retire it.

Dance class tonight. :) Will be  working  on  smooth transitions and making sure one dance move is completed before starting another one. Eagerness tends to make for rushing.

Oh yes, I forgot. Here is our adopted bird. No name yet.



Male silver (variation of normal grey), pearled. About 4 to 6 months old. He will lose the rest of the pearled feathers as soon as he is finished with his first molt. Only the females retain the pearled feathers.