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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Star Party

Friday - 29 April 2011

Spring skies are very uncertain, but we are going to shoot for one this week.

The extended weather forecast calls for a warmer and clearer Friday - and it's been awhile since any Chicago Astronomer has had any scope time.

I'll make a confirmation determination by early Friday afternoon - and if a go - we will set up telescopes by 8:00 pm around the Adler grounds.

Saturn will be the highlight for the evening...with some other celestial objects for good measure.

Stop by if in the area and say hi.

*And according to my meteorological friend Erin, she says it's the best day out of the bunch to have one. So it is written, so let it be done.

[Paulie pchris00]

I have a prior committment, and will be observing (fingers crossed) elsewhere.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

UPDATE:

The Star Party is still a go.

Weather looks good and forecast calls for warmer weather and partly cloudy skies.

I'll take it.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Now listing Chicago Astronomer Activities at the "Chicago Parent"

Starting with the April 29th Session

[erikruud]

Cool! Get the word out!

Unfortunately, I have to much going on to make it tonight.

I will be out on my driveway tonight though. I am hoping to get both scopes set up and do some comparisons.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The clouds hampered our observation session, but we had a fun time regardless, testing out equipment and chatting.

It was obvious that the night would be clouded out before we even got started, but I had committed to set up and it would be nice to get out anyway.

It gave me a chance to test out this new carrier.

I saw this at a thrift store and I thought I could use it to lug around the C11. Originally a baby seat carrier, it is roomy and smart looking. What I have been using to lug around the C11 is this oversized Meade canvas bag...

It works, but it's bulky & floppy. And A Celestron in a Meade baggie is wrong in so many levels.

So since tonight won't have much astronomy going on, let's see if I can use this. The bottom formed foam padding fit's nicely and snuggly - and resting the C11 in, it looks like it might work.

But, the top padding was just too much...

I had to remove it to zip up the bag. Not good. This bag also has backpack straps...



I'm not comfortable with the set-up.

Without the second padding, I fear dings and damage. But, I can still use it to carry other accessories, like the eyepiece case, binoculars and other auxiliary items...(and there is a lot). With the backpack straps, it also frees up my hands and I can carry another case and pull the Astro cart about freely.

Friends and fans stopped by this evening, but with no open sky to observe, it was the trusty standby of Chicago's magnificent skyline...

This gloomy evening gave way to testing optics and hardware and that's a good thing.

First, I found that my Ci700 mount has become wobbly and needs a wrench. Considering I have been lugging it all around the city, it's expected. Also that a worm gear has slipped off it's mesh with the motordrive. The Corrector Plate is dirty on the outside and has a spider web on the inside... Sigh...more stuff to do...

But, it still delivered.

I also brought along the cheapo ebay future C11 90mm all-plastic guide scope to mess with - and really, it's not a bad scope. Sharp views for most of the field, with just a slight degradation near the edges. I really anticipate using it seriously whenever we get a clear evening.

And we tested some new eyepieces that Chicago Astronomer Steve recently got...

All 2" eyepieces, there is a 16mm, a 13mm and a 9mm - all Naglers and with great views...

Testing on the C11 and focusing on the 311 Wacker (Crown) building, I started out with my 40mm wide field to get a mental snapshot, with the assembled group all taking a peek, we punched it up. All three proved to be very good in clarity and sharpness. But, on a lark, I used them on the 90mm and really liked what they offered in this combo, especially with the 13mm...sharp, detailed and a very comfortable wide field.



Here is what Steve says about them:

On the left, an early smooth-side nagler 9mm, relatively compact.

Next is the very early, very massive 13mm nagler. Similar performance, but much heavier. The design couples a 30mm 6-element top (lots of glass needed for that) with a matched 2-element telenegative, for an effective f.l. of 13mm.
On the right is a 16mm nagler type 2.

All performed similarly (82 degree afov), and sharp out to the edge. You have to move your head around to see the whole field of view. All are 2"/1.25", which is typical of 2" eyepieces under 20mm. Together they make a great medium-power set. Can't wait to try them on some DSO's.

And soon the winds picked up, it got cold and we called an end to this testing session. Joining us this evening were newer Fellow Adler Telescope facilitators Devon, (& his wife), and Mike for the first time. Also cigar aficionado Tom, master ATMer Rick, (more on what he made me later...so very cool, no...really!) Commodore and Gerry, who took pics of us and will include when I receive them.

A good shake out session, before the heavy public sessions begins soon, but now..I will take apart the C11 beast for some very cool upgrades.

Full detailed narratives soon...

[erikruud]

Hey Joe,

I was at Lowes this morning and saw this thing . I wish they had better pictures.

Maybe something like that could work for the C11

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Erik,

That is cool, for so many applications.

And it got wheels.

[RobbW]

For the past week I have been looking at options for improved efficiency and storage capacity with regards to storing/transporting my scope gear. From a lot of the reviews I have read, the Task Force line of products are not well regarded. Apparently, they look real nice and all but start to fall apart with anything more than just light use. I am most likely going to get the Stanley FatMax 4-in-1 Mobile Workstation and the FatMax 50-gallon Mobile Tool Chest. Then I'll try to find a good deal on Pick n' Pluck foam somewhere to line and fit everything. It is going to be so nice to have everything fit into just two transport containers and be so portable.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

I'm digging that workstation bunches.

[patrickm]

Apr 30, 2011 1:03:08 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

Here is what Steve says about them:

On the left, an early smooth-side nagler 9mm, relatively compact.

Next is the very early, very massive 13mm nagler. Similar performance, but much heavier. The design couples a 30mm 6-element top (lots of glass needed for that) with a matched 2-element telenegative, for an effective f.l. of 13mm.
On the right is a 16mm nagler type 2.

All performed similarly (82 degree afov), and sharp out to the edge. You have to move your head around to see the whole field of view. All are 2"/1.25", which is typical of 2" eyepieces under 20mm. Together they make a great medium-power set. Can't wait to try them on some DSO's.

Mmmmmm....Naglers. They sure beat Jimmy Dean! Can't wait!

[Paulie pchris00]

Personally, I like the Meade bag. It looks like a hockey bag, and is about the same size.

Those Stanley mobile chest and tool station are pretty damn cool too!