Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Astronomy - any star lovers out there? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: SI Bob who wrote (146)	1/6/2005 7:22:51 PM
From: EL KABONG!!!	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 180

Hi Bob, Which manufacturer and model did you buy? I've got a couple of small telescopes myself. The original one is a Meade ETX-90AT and the new one is a Meade ETX-125AT with the Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC). The latter is the more expensive, and thusly better, of the two telescopes, but both are computer controlled, and capable of locating stars, planets, constellations, comets, etcetera on their own, once they're properly aligned. You can also purchase updates for the software from Meade as more stellar treats are found and catalogued. Both of these telescopes are designed for amateurs and are quite small (5.5" for the larger of the two, and 4" for the smaller one). Right now, there's a special treat in the skies for amateur astronomers. It's Comet Machholz, and it's really easy to locate. It's just a tad (and I mean a tad) south and west of the star cluster "The Pleiades". ("The Pleiades" looks like a really tiny dipper, and it's very high in the eastern skies shortly after dark, rising to near overhead by around 9:00pm.) Use a good pair of binoculars to find "The Pleiades", and the comet will be just out of view, slightly south and west of the cluster. Once you've located it in binoculars, you can then use your telescope to view it. The comet looks like a fuzzy white star through a telescope, not the typical picture of a comet as a bright "star" with a long tail. Tonight and tomorrow night, the comet will reach its peak brightness as seen from Earth. It's a really easy find for amateurs. If your skies are particularly dark, Comet Machholz can even be seen with the naked eye. EK!!!

To: SI Bob who wrote (146)	1/6/2005 9:29:04 PM
From: J.B.C.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 180

Bob, for leveling, I bought a $3 torpedo level (level and pointing North) from Ace hardware. It's all plastic but pretty good, and it doesn't scratch the scope body. I also have the Meade 125 AT (UHTC), great unit but not cheap either. Thinking of going out tonight, but baby it's cold out there. I've been watching Machholz for about a month, but no moon and best brightness (mag 4.1) this could be the night! Good luck, let us know if you need any guidance. Jim