Post by dewayne on Sept 4, 2004 6:35:40 GMT -6
What can I say but my new key to the Northmoor Observatory was burning a hole in my pocket.
I left the office to do some office work at home. I need to read two books so I can review them. But, reading wasn't what was on my mind.
Last night (9/3) when it got dark there weren't many clouds in the sky.
I headed to the observatory with my notes and my grandson Dylan (7) in hand.
I got to the door of the observatory and put the key in. It worked.
First hurdle passed.
I went upstairs and opened the dome.
I went through my notes.
Scope cover off.
Clock drive on.
Insert diagonal and adapter.
It dawned on me this telescope is much more high maintenance than Big Enis (a reflector).
This scope must be female. LOL
I also discovered this scope at (I think) 11 feet long is one heavy puppy.
Moving it with its big counterweight is no easy task.
But, it was worth the effort.
I checked out Mizar and Alcor.
We looked at Arcturus.
We scanned Cassiopia.
The stars were huge in the scope, compared to what I see in Big Enis.
I had as much fun realizing I could run this scope as I did looking through it.
Many more good times are ahead.
We have a solar filter for the big girl so I will get to do some solar observing. I'm looking forward to that.
All in all it was a great night.
But, it was cut short.
Clouds rolled in about an hour after dark. I didn't get to look at the Moon.
But, I am prepared now to run the scope when the public shows up tonite.
Uh, oh I'm beginning to feel that burning sensation in my pocket again.
I left the office to do some office work at home. I need to read two books so I can review them. But, reading wasn't what was on my mind.
Last night (9/3) when it got dark there weren't many clouds in the sky.
I headed to the observatory with my notes and my grandson Dylan (7) in hand.
I got to the door of the observatory and put the key in. It worked.
First hurdle passed.
I went upstairs and opened the dome.
I went through my notes.
Scope cover off.
Clock drive on.
Insert diagonal and adapter.
It dawned on me this telescope is much more high maintenance than Big Enis (a reflector).
This scope must be female. LOL
I also discovered this scope at (I think) 11 feet long is one heavy puppy.
Moving it with its big counterweight is no easy task.
But, it was worth the effort.
I checked out Mizar and Alcor.
We looked at Arcturus.
We scanned Cassiopia.
The stars were huge in the scope, compared to what I see in Big Enis.
I had as much fun realizing I could run this scope as I did looking through it.
Many more good times are ahead.
We have a solar filter for the big girl so I will get to do some solar observing. I'm looking forward to that.
All in all it was a great night.
But, it was cut short.
Clouds rolled in about an hour after dark. I didn't get to look at the Moon.
But, I am prepared now to run the scope when the public shows up tonite.
Uh, oh I'm beginning to feel that burning sensation in my pocket again.