Did the class actually do any imaging Tuesday night? I woke up late, but it looked like a really deep, transparent sky, and should have been taken advantage of, first class or not.

I'm not familiar with the Astro Trek 6in RC telescope, but I have a feeling your disappointment with Saturn was the selection of a low power eyepiece. Thirty-four times magnification isn't much, and I'm sure the telescope could have delivered much better results with a higher power eyepiece.

Since Tom forgot his camera, I will provide a few pictures from a previous night two weeks ago.




The astrophotography class is being conducted in the Hunter Astrophoto Lab, adjacent to Conway Observatory...






...using this telescope.



The telescope and cameras are controlled remotely through a netbook computer in "E.T.'s Phonebooth," a small work station inside the Hunter A.L. (Tom, is the netbook installed yet? The night before your class, Chris was running the telescope, but appeared to be using his own laptop.)




Here Chris runs the telescope from his laptop to test the system.






"E.T.'s Phone Booth," the control area, as I was painting it May 7, 2011.


Tom, in the coming weeks I can try to come out to Conway for your class, and if you either arrive early or stay late, I can show you how to use the 16" telescope next door, and learn from you what the astrophotography telescope can do. And I'm looking forward to the rest of your reports!

What did you think of the complex? It's somewhat small, but I'm getting spoiled by the huge telescope, being able to adjust the height of the pier to an elevation that provides comfortable viewing, either standing or seated, Starry Night 6 available on the control room computer, wireless internet (well not yet for me; I don't know the password yet), and many other benefits. On the downside, though, I have to clean up after the birds trying to build a nest in the roof rails, the occasional mouse is seen scurrying through, and although they haven't been bad yet, the mosquitoes are bound to become a problem soon. Did you get to look around at all?




With a smaller building and lighter roof than next door at Conway, the Hunter Astrophoto Lab roof rolls off by hand.








The 16" LX200 at Conway Observatory.


Next Tuesday I might be able to meet you before the class, but I have to leave by 9:30 or so. I'll try to get Tuesday nights off after that when I can, so we can have an extended observation session.

Oh, I almost forgot! How was the sky??? Please tell me Chris had everybody take a good long look around all the stars!

No Paulie, we did not do any imaging. It wouldn't be until the third week that we will try focusing. Due to the class is design with people who might not have any knowledge of either astronomy or photography at all in mind. We start with little basic in astronomy and photography. Next we move on to setting up scopes and mounts, finding objects, computer control operation of camera, computer control of guiding the camera before we can take images for processing and then learn how to do it right from there. Such as stacking would need image calibration which need three different kinds of exposures, dark, flat and bias all before hand; using filters with CCD and DSLR . . . and may be (not in class syllabus) taking video for image stacking.



Yes, that's done, according to Chris. We also use the 16in to just not the 20in by Purdue side.




OK, it a deal.



Oh yeah, we have had a very thorough orientation tour.



Probably not, Paulie.

---

Lastly, it was the best sky that I have seen so far this year. I felt like I was in a dome theater such as the Adler only like a thousand time bigger. Every star that was suppose to be there was there.

tom:

I know the class is for beginners and those without much (or any) knowledge of astronomy, but the sky in Valpo looked very deep and transparent (Joe said the same about Chicago the same night), and I still think it should have been taken advantage of. Who knows? The next seven weeks could be completely clouded out, or very poor imaging conditions.

I've been in the Purdue observatory once, last year before it was operational. Professor Shawn Slavin was finishing up some of the work there, and was gracious enough to let astronomers and visitors at Conway come over to take a look. Our next CAS monthly meeting is at the astronomy center (Conway) instead of the usual Lake Central High School, and I think we're going to get a tour of the NIRO Observatory. It's a totally remote observatory, but I have seen the professors out there on occasion.

@patrick:

I'm curious about this class myself, but don't feel I'm ready for it yet. The cost is $100, and includes one year CAS membership. There will be more classes offered, but I don't know how frequently. I might wait a year (and maybe in the meantime somebody will find me worthy of training for free), but I will let you know when another session comes up again. It's 8 consecutive weeks, and it sounds like they cover a lot of ground per week, so you would have to be in town for two straight months to get your money's worth.

@partrick
I don't think you need all eight classes. Probably just the last six and if you must miss one it shouldn't matter. And I am pretty sure I can't fill you in too. We also get a handout every week so you won't miss any info or instructions.

@paulie
You may want to talk to the authority to see if they would have a special price for people who are already a member. The same (@ Pat) is true for you. I don't think you'll need the first 2 classes. More importantly, since you plan to arrange your day off to be Tuesdays and that you are going to be there. You might as well be taking the class. I think you are ready for it. It's just a matter of whether it fits your schedule and if CAS would give the membership credit.