Dear friends

Tomorrow will be an important meeting of The Amateur Astronomers Association
Delhi

As there is a  very important matter to be discussed


  This time for the 15 January Annular Eclipse,  AAAD will be present at three
places


- Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu (on the center line )
- Varkala,Kerala   (on the edge)
-New Delhi (for public watch)


All topics regarding the mentioned places will be discussed, Most importantly
Delhi observation, as it was ignored during the total eclipse on July 22nd

All are invited

Venue:
The Nehru planetarium
Teen Murti House
New Delhi-11

Time : 13:30  (1:30 pm)

Be there!!


Raghu


       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HI Samarth,
I would like to introduce you to Amateur Astronomers Association of Delhi or
popularly known as AAAD. Its a very active group with its base at Nehru
Planetarium.Usually there is a meeting on every sunday. AAAD holds regular
skywatch sessions at planetarium along with an overnight observation near every
new moon. Also AAAD members interact with public during any public outreach
program or on any celestial event. We also use planetarium sky theatre sometime
to explain the sky to the new comers....
You can come to planetarium on any sunday around 1.00-1.30 pm and can meet the
amateurs there....

Sneh Kesari




________________________________
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 10 December, 2009 4:06:46 PM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Thank you everybody. Well, the Canon 1000D is quite affordable as compared to
other DSLRs; thanks for that tip. It seems that I forgot to mention I'm 12, so
maybe you all suggested quite large telescopes for my age. And the 6" telescope
suggested by Mr. Devgun will surely burn a hole in my father's pocket. So, I
think I'll be able to buy only a 4" or 5" telescope. Also, as I am about to
finish SPACE club module 2, can anybody suggest some other astronomy group
(other than e-groups!), so that I can remain in touch with other amateur
astronomers?

Clear skies!


Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

________________________________





________________________________
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, 6 December, 2009 11:30:44 AM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

 
Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy a
camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if I get
bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR as a normal
camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

____________ _________ _________ __

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@ yahoo.com>
To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hello Samarth,

If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check out for
how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open for about 15
to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In short go fully manual
and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar with the workings of your
camera. You will need a tripod to go with your camera. Next look for a dark
location and also keep a lookout for events in the sky like the upcoming
Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.

If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital SLR.
Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other more
expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.

Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
better aperture than compact cameras
larger sensor size
remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
focusing is easier and better
SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution than
Jpeg
In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera than a
compact camera

In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the magnification
is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like Moon, Planets,
Bright stars, Sun.

More questions are welcome.

Ajay Talwar

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hi everybody.
I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable one?
I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So please can
someone guide me?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E..

____________ _________ _________ __

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo. com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------ --------- --------- ------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo. com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





      The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links




       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thank you everybody. Well, the Canon 1000D is quite affordable as compared to
other DSLRs; thanks for that tip. It seems that I forgot to mention I'm 12, so
maybe you all suggested quite large telescopes for my age. And the 6" telescope
suggested by Mr. Devgun will surely burn a hole in my father's pocket. So, I
think I'll be able to buy only a 4" or 5" telescope. Also, as I am about to
finish SPACE club module 2, can anybody suggest some other astronomy group
(other than e-groups!), so that I can remain in touch with other amateur
astronomers?

Clear skies!


Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

________________________________





________________________________
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, 6 December, 2009 11:30:44 AM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope


Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy a
camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if I get
bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR as a normal
camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

____________ _________ _________ __

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@ yahoo.com>
To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hello Samarth,

If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check out for
how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open for about 15
to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In short go fully manual
and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar with the workings of your
camera. You will need a tripod to go with your camera. Next look for a dark
location and also keep a lookout for events in the sky like the upcoming
Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.

If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital SLR.
Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other more
expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.

Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
better aperture than compact cameras
larger sensor size
remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
focusing is easier and better
SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution than
Jpeg
In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera than a
compact camera

In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the magnification
is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like Moon, Planets,
Bright stars, Sun.

More questions are welcome.

Ajay Talwar

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hi everybody.
I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable one?
I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So please can
someone guide me?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E..

____________ _________ _________ __

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo. com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------ --------- --------- ------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo. com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Samarth

Most of the people solved you problem related to astrophotography and most
of them are SPACE Members as you are of SPACE Family. Welcome to the club.

I would like to answer your following question

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
please can someone guide me?

Dear Samarth.

AS CB guided you to start with atleast 6" telescope you can go for 6" or
bigger OTA with a German Equitorial Motorised MOunt where you can go for
both the sutffs Visual Photography and also AstroPhotography. Also other
affordable options are available if you opt for non motorised mounts but
your astrophotography will be limited to planets and moon with the help of
AFOCAL Equipment. All these things are available at "Gnomon AStrotech" a
branch of SPACE . Please visit www.gnomonastrotech.in or you can go directly
there and get help for yourself.

thanks

Pankaj
Member
SPACE


On Sat, Nov 28, 2009 at 12:39 PM, Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>wrote:

>
>
> Hi everybody.
> I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
> really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I
> need an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can
> anybody suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
> I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
> one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
> please can someone guide me?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ________________________________
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Thanks

Pankaj Bahmba
Director
Gnomon Astrotech Pvt. Ltd.
WZ-19, Asalat Pur, Janak Puri,
New Delhi-110058
Ph:+91-9350509494; +91-11-25522193
FAX: +91-11-25532193

- - -
CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally
privileged information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the
original intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message,
please delete it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient
acknowledges that SCIENCE POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND
EDUCATORS (S.P.A.C.E Group), is unable to exercise control or ensure or
guarantee the integrity of/over the contents of the information contained in
e-mail transmissions and further acknowledges that any views expressed in
this message are those of the individual sender and no binding nature of the
message shall be implied or assumed unless the sender does so expressly with
due authority of SPACE. Before opening any attachments please check them for
viruses and defects."


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Samarth,

How big a telescope you want is purely determined by what you want to view.
If all you want to view is planets and some bright Deep-Sky Objects (DSOs)
even a small 5 inch telescope will do you good (and not burn a hole in your
pocket).

But what do you want to view? That is a tough question knowing the fact that
you probably haven't viewed both planets and DSOs through a telescope
before. Also, you probably don't know just yet how deep you want to go into
amateur astronomy/astrophotography. So it is my humble suggestion, that you
start with a small telescope, and since you won't be doing any worthwhile
DSO astrophotography with it, a cheap dobsonian mount. Also, surprising as
it may sound, all you need to start on astrophotography is a cheap of-the
shelf webcam (I use a logitech quickcam worth Rs. 400 and that does the job
for me). Webcams are extremely good when it comes to planetary
astrophotography. I can show it to you if you're interested. See the link
below to view some of my pics (all taken either from a webcam or a Sony
digicam (not a DSLR)).

http://picasaweb.google.com/anishmangal2002

I say this since I sense that may spend 30k on a big scope, another 30k on a
DSLR and end up not having the time, skill or patience to do serious
astrophotography.

On the other hand, if you're completely sure that you are indeed (or want to
be) an 'astronut', then dive right in! You may even consider making a
telescope instead of buying one (This are is aptly called Amateur Telescope
Making). There are excellent resources on the internet and you'll be
surprised how easy it is to MAKE a telescope. Besides, it would be extremely
rewarding  and satisfying a experience.

Hope that I have made things are a little clearer instead of more confused
now ;)

And, owning a DSLR is probably a good decision anyday, astronut or not. I
plan to buy one soon too ;)

Regards,
Anish

Btw, this is the start of what we call as "Aperture Fever"

On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 7:43 PM, sneh kesari <cool_sneh13@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hey Samarth, let me try and solve some of ur questions with the little
> experience I have...
> Anything you like and u do it, u will never get bored...as far as
> astrophotography is concerned Its a rewarding experience for me. When I plan
> something and get it in my memory card, I am relaxed and happy too, but if
> things go wrong, its not a failure but a learning experience.
> After seeing Ajay and lerning from him for over 4 years, I recently
> purchased a DSLR from Canon (500D for 47K) and use it every now and then. I
> use it as a normal camera d other day if nothing grt to click in the sky. So
> my camera is on work almost daily.
> If u can try new gears for ur cam or scope and varying ur style of work,
> there is nothing u'll get bored of...Also if u are a good learner...u will
> never regeret...
> I would suggest you to start slow and first join us for some observation
> and see how things work, the great images are not that grt initially so
> having experience is always recommended...thats how I started...
> BTW Canon 1000D is a grt cam and is for 27K approx....I have seen Himanshu
> taking some very nice images with that. Also there are plenty of objects in
> the sky to shoot, so u may get bored of one object but not of shooting for
> sure....
> I dont own a scope so cant suggest u on that...
> Hope I am of some help to you...
>
> Sneh Kesari
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@... <sam_astronomia%40yahoo.in>>
> To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com<amateur_astronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sun, 6 December, 2009 11:30:44 AM
>
> Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
> Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
> But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
> affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
> astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy
> a camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if
> I get bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR
> as a normal camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ________________________________
>
> ________________________________
> From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@... <ajaytalwar80%40yahoo.com>>
> To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com<amateur_astronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
>
> Hello Samarth,
>
> If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check
> out for how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open
> for about 15 to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In
> short go fully manual and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar
> with the workings of your camera. You will need a tripod to go with your
> camera. Next look for a dark location and also keep a lookout for events in
> the sky like the upcoming Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.
>
> If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital
> SLR. Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other
> more expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.
>
> Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
> can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
> better aperture than compact cameras
> larger sensor size
> remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
> focusing is easier and better
> SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution
> than Jpeg
> In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera
> than a compact camera
>
> In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
> attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
> With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
> telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the
> magnification is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like
> Moon, Planets, Bright stars, Sun.
>
> More questions are welcome.
>
> Ajay Talwar
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
> To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
> Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
> Hi everybody.
> I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
> really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I
> need an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can
> anybody suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
> I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
> one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
> please can someone guide me?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo. com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ------
>
> " wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
> " wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey Samarth, let me try and solve some of ur questions with the little
experience I have...
Anything you like and u do it, u will never get bored...as far as
astrophotography is concerned Its a rewarding experience for me. When I plan
something and get it in my memory card, I am relaxed and happy too, but if
things go wrong, its not a failure but a learning experience.
After seeing Ajay and lerning from him for over 4 years, I recently purchased a
DSLR from Canon (500D for 47K) and use it every now and then. I use it as a
normal camera d other day if nothing grt to click in the sky. So my camera is on
work almost daily.
If u can try new gears for ur cam or scope and varying ur style of work, there
is nothing u'll get bored of...Also if u are a good learner...u will never
regeret...
I would suggest you to start slow and first join us for some observation and see
how things work, the great images are not that grt initially so having
experience is always recommended...thats how I started...
BTW Canon 1000D is a grt cam and is for 27K approx....I have seen Himanshu
taking some very nice images with that. Also there are plenty of objects in the
sky to shoot, so u may get bored of one object but not of shooting for sure....
I dont own a scope so cant suggest u on that...
Hope I am of some help to you...

Sneh Kesari


________________________________
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, 6 December, 2009 11:30:44 AM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy a
camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if I get
bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR as a normal
camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

________________________________





________________________________
From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

 
Hello Samarth,

If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check out for
how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open for about 15
to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In short go fully manual
and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar with the workings of your
camera. You will need a tripod to go with your camera. Next look for a dark
location and also keep a lookout for events in the sky like the upcoming
Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.

If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital SLR.
Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other more
expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.

Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
better aperture than compact cameras
larger sensor size
remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
focusing is easier and better
SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution than
Jpeg
In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera than a
compact camera

In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the magnification
is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like Moon, Planets,
Bright stars, Sun.

More questions are welcome.

Ajay Talwar

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hi everybody.
I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable one?
I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So please can
someone guide me?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

____________ _________ _________ __

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo. com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------ --------- --------- ------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





      The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links




       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Samarth,

Astrophotography has been quite rewarding, satisfying activity for me. I have
also seen many a people around me get fascinated by astrophotography, from then
on they are constantly thinking about getting different types of sky pictures
and getting better.

You can use a DSLR for all purposes, you can use it as a normal camera too.
Normally you are not going to modify anything inside the DSLR to make it
unsuitable for normal daylight photography. (only some astronuts like me think
of modifying a DSLR).

I can't think of a situation where I can get bored with photographing the skies,
but that's just me. Also I don't go photographing the skies every other day!
only bigger astronuts than me do that king of thing. I AM planning to upgrade
myself to that stage, and want to install a telescope on my terrace, so I can
photograph planets as an everyday 30-40 minute activity from the comfort of my
study.

In short, I'd like to say that you will not regret buying a DSLR camera at all.

Maybe Himanshu, Sneh, Atish, Raghu and other DSLR owners can mail their
experiences.

Ajay Talwar




________________________________
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, December 6, 2009 11:30:44 AM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy a
camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if I get
bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR as a normal
camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

________________________________





________________________________
From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope


Hello Samarth,

If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check out for
how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open for about 15
to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In short go fully manual
and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar with the workings of your
camera. You will need a tripod to go with your camera. Next look for a dark
location and also keep a lookout for events in the sky like the upcoming
Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.

If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital SLR.
Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other more
expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.

Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
better aperture than compact cameras
larger sensor size
remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
focusing is easier and better
SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution than
Jpeg
In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera than a
compact camera

In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the magnification
is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like Moon, Planets,
Bright stars, Sun.

More questions are welcome.

Ajay Talwar

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hi everybody.
I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable one?
I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So please can
someone guide me?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

____________ _________ _________ __

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo. com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------ --------- --------- ------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Samarth,
you want to have a telescope for planetary viewing or DSO (Deep Sky
Objects), that will decide which one to go for. For a start you can go for a
150mm reflector mounted on an equatorial mount which will be just perfect
for planetary as well as DSO viewing and you can also attached your camera
to it to take photographs. If you don't want to go for astrophotography with
a telescope ten you can opt for a dobsonian which is user friendly in
observations as its very easy to handle. You can search the site of
www.gnomonastrotech.in for various option available.
You can get a good DSLR in range of 30k and remember that a DSLR is not just
a cam for astrophptography, its a camera made to take normal photographs but
we astronomers and astrophotographers can make it take the astrophotos. So
you don't have to worry as whether that camera will be useful for normal
photography or not. It will be. Have a look at the various terrestrial and
astrophotos I as SPACE team member took with diffrent DSLRs at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devgun/ and the simple ones with no hifi things
attached to it at
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/chander.devgun/AstrophotographyWithTripod






--
Regards
C B Devgun
President
Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators
National Coordinator, India, World Space Week
chander.devgun@...
09810226297, 09250901015

CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged
information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the original
intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message, please delete
it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient acknowledges that SCIENCE
POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND EDUCATORS (S.P.A.C.E Group), is
unable to exercise control or ensure or guarantee the integrity of/over the
contents of the information contained in e-mail transmissions and further
acknowledges that any views expressed in this message are those of the
individual sender and no binding nature of the message shall be implied or
assumed unless the sender does so expressly with due authority of SPACE. Before
opening any attachments please check them for viruses and defects."


On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 11:30 AM, Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
  wrote:

>
>
> Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
> But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
> affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
> astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy
> a camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if
> I get bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR
> as a normal camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ________________________________
>
> ________________________________
> From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@... <ajaytalwar80%40yahoo.com>>
>
> To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com<amateur_astronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
>
> Hello Samarth,
>
> If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check
> out for how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open
> for about 15 to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In
> short go fully manual and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar
> with the workings of your camera. You will need a tripod to go with your
> camera. Next look for a dark location and also keep a lookout for events in
> the sky like the upcoming Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.
>
> If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital
> SLR. Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other
> more expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.
>
> Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
> can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
> better aperture than compact cameras
> larger sensor size
> remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
> focusing is easier and better
> SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution
> than Jpeg
> In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera
> than a compact camera
>
> In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
> attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
> With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
> telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the
> magnification is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like
> Moon, Planets, Bright stars, Sun.
>
> More questions are welcome.
>
> Ajay Talwar
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
> To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
> Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
> Hi everybody.
> I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
> really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I
> need an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can
> anybody suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
> I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
> one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
> please can someone guide me?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo. com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ------
>
> " wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Regards
C B Devgun
President
Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators
National Coordinator, India, World Space Week
chander.devgun@...
09810226297, 09250901015

CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally
privileged information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the
original intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message,
please delete it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient
acknowledges that SCIENCE POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND
EDUCATORS (S.P.A.C.E Group), is unable to exercise control or ensure or
guarantee the integrity of/over the contents of the information contained in
e-mail transmissions and further acknowledges that any views expressed in
this message are those of the individual sender and no binding nature of the
message shall be implied or assumed unless the sender does so expressly with
due authority of SPACE. Before opening any attachments please check them for
viruses and defects."

On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 11:30 AM, Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
  wrote:

>
>
> Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
> But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
> affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
> astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy
> a camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if
> I get bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR
> as a normal camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ________________________________
>
> ________________________________
> From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@... <ajaytalwar80%40yahoo.com>>
>
> To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com<amateur_astronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
>
> Hello Samarth,
>
> If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check
> out for how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open
> for about 15 to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In
> short go fully manual and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar
> with the workings of your camera. You will need a tripod to go with your
> camera. Next look for a dark location and also keep a lookout for events in
> the sky like the upcoming Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.
>
> If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital
> SLR. Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other
> more expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.
>
> Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
> can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
> better aperture than compact cameras
> larger sensor size
> remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
> focusing is easier and better
> SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution
> than Jpeg
> In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera
> than a compact camera
>
> In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
> attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
> With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
> telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the
> magnification is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like
> Moon, Planets, Bright stars, Sun.
>
> More questions are welcome.
>
> Ajay Talwar
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
> To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
> Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
> Hi everybody.
> I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
> really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I
> need an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can
> anybody suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
> I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
> one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
> please can someone guide me?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo. com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ------
>
> " wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Regards
C B Devgun
President
Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators
National Coordinator, India, World Space Week
chander.devgun@...
09810226297, 09250901015

CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally
privileged information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the
original intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message,
please delete it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient
acknowledges that SCIENCE POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND
EDUCATORS (S.P.A.C.E Group), is unable to exercise control or ensure or
guarantee the integrity of/over the contents of the information contained in
e-mail transmissions and further acknowledges that any views expressed in
this message are those of the individual sender and no binding nature of the
message shall be implied or assumed unless the sender does so expressly with
due authority of SPACE. Before opening any attachments please check them for
viruses and defects."


On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 11:30 AM, Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
  wrote:

>
>
> Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
> But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
> affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
> astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy
> a camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if
> I get bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR
> as a normal camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ________________________________
>
> ________________________________
> From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@... <ajaytalwar80%40yahoo.com>>
>
> To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com<amateur_astronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
>
> Hello Samarth,
>
> If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check
> out for how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open
> for about 15 to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In
> short go fully manual and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar
> with the workings of your camera. You will need a tripod to go with your
> camera. Next look for a dark location and also keep a lookout for events in
> the sky like the upcoming Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.
>
> If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital
> SLR. Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other
> more expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.
>
> Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
> can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
> better aperture than compact cameras
> larger sensor size
> remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
> focusing is easier and better
> SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution
> than Jpeg
> In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera
> than a compact camera
>
> In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
> attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
> With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
> telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the
> magnification is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like
> Moon, Planets, Bright stars, Sun.
>
> More questions are welcome.
>
> Ajay Talwar
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
> To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
> Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
> Hi everybody.
> I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
> really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I
> need an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can
> anybody suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
> I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
> one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
> please can someone guide me?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo. com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ------
>
> " wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Regards
C B Devgun
President
Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators
National Coordinator, India, World Space Week
chander.devgun@...
09810226297, 09250901015

CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally
privileged information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the
original intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message,
please delete it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient
acknowledges that SCIENCE POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND
EDUCATORS (S.P.A.C.E Group), is unable to exercise control or ensure or
guarantee the integrity of/over the contents of the information contained in
e-mail transmissions and further acknowledges that any views expressed in
this message are those of the individual sender and no binding nature of the
message shall be implied or assumed unless the sender does so expressly with
due authority of SPACE. Before opening any attachments please check them for
viruses and defects."

On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 11:30 AM, Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>wrote:

>
>
> Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
> But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
> affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
> astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy
> a camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if
> I get bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR
> as a normal camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ________________________________
>
> ________________________________
> From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@... <ajaytalwar80%40yahoo.com>>
>
> To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com<amateur_astronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
>
> Hello Samarth,
>
> If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check
> out for how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open
> for about 15 to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In
> short go fully manual and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar
> with the workings of your camera. You will need a tripod to go with your
> camera. Next look for a dark location and also keep a lookout for events in
> the sky like the upcoming Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.
>
> If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital
> SLR. Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other
> more expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.
>
> Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
> can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
> better aperture than compact cameras
> larger sensor size
> remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
> focusing is easier and better
> SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution
> than Jpeg
> In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera
> than a compact camera
>
> In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
> attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
> With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
> telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the
> magnification is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like
> Moon, Planets, Bright stars, Sun.
>
> More questions are welcome.
>
> Ajay Talwar
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
> From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
> To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
> Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
> Hi everybody.
> I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
> really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I
> need an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can
> anybody suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
> I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
> one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
> please can someone guide me?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo. com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ------
>
> " wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Regards
C B Devgun
President
Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators
National Coordinator, India, World Space Week
chander.devgun@...
09810226297, 09250901015

CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally
privileged information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the
original intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message,
please delete it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient
acknowledges that SCIENCE POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND
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viruses and defects."


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thank you for your help, Mr Talwar. Much appreciated.
But some of my questions still remain unanswered. I want to buy a good and
affordable telescope. Can you please guide me? I also want to know whether
astrophotography will be a rewarding experience. Will it be fruitful to buy a
camera worth INR30,000 and using it only on rare occasions? By chance, if I get
bored with photographing the skies every other day, can I use a DSLR as a normal
camera? Or will I have to use it only on celestial events?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

________________________________





________________________________
From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 7:46:16 PM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope


Hello Samarth,

If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check out for
how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open for about 15
to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In short go fully manual
and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar with the workings of your
camera. You will need a tripod to go with your camera. Next look for a dark
location and also keep a lookout for events in the sky like the upcoming
Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.

If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital SLR.
Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other more
expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.

Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
better aperture than compact cameras
larger sensor size
remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
focusing is easier and better
SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution than
Jpeg
In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera than a
compact camera

In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the magnification
is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like Moon, Planets,
Bright stars, Sun.

More questions are welcome.

Ajay Talwar

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@ yahoo.in>
To: amateur_astronomy@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hi everybody.
I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable one?
I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So please can
someone guide me?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

____________ _________ _________ __

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo. com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------ --------- --------- ------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Anish,

I know only of Mr Suresh Mohan of Chennai who has a modified Canon 350D, it was
modified by Hap Griffin in USA.

There
are several tutorials as well as videos available on the internet for
making the modification. I have contemplated several times to modify my
camera but have resisted it till now. There is simply too much stuff in
the sky to photograph reasonably well without the modification. Also I
did manage to photograph the Rosette nebula nicely with my unmodified
Canon 450D, a nebula which is considered reserved for modified cameras
only.

Canon did make an astrophotography friendly camera called
the 20Da, which did not have this filter in front. They made only
limited quantities, I heard about 1000 pieces. The model is now
discontinued. (As an aside I do wonder if 20Da had live view enabled, I
would consider live view to be a very important consideration in
astrophotography, by experience, I've wasted many a hours focusing my
Nikon D70, which is without live view)

There
is a discussion going on in Digital_Astro about the same thing,
apparently Canon produced the 20Da, because some one very high up in
Canon corporate is an amateur astronomer! but otherwise there are not
many takers for Canon to consider this modification service.

Anish, if you do want to modify your camera, I can help you with the resources
that I have. Where are you located?

Ajay Talwar



________________________________
From: Anish Mangal <anishmangal2002@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Cc: ajaytalwar80@...
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 1:19:10 AM
Subject: Re: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hi,

As you might know, DSLR's (or for that matter even normal digicams or webcams)
have an IR-cut filter in front of the imaging sensor. This filter effectively
allows only 1/4th of the light of wavelengths corresponding to the O-III and H
lines, i.e. the nebulous glow of celestial objects. So for example, when taking
a long exposure shot of the milky way, the shutter will need to be open for 4x
the amount of time with a normal DSLR when compared to one with its IR cut
filter removed.

Clearly, having the IR-cut filter removed gives astrophotographers a definite
edge. So my question to all AAAD members is :

1. Has anyone tried to remove the filter from the front of the DSLR (and
succeeded)
2. Has anyone contacted canon/nikon to replace the IR filter with a clear glass
plate of equivalent thickness in front of the imaging sensor. Perhaps, if we as
a group decide to buy a quantity of canon DSLR's, we might succeed in persuading
canon to make this modification (which must be relatively simple for them)

FYI, This type of modification of canon cameras is done professionally by third
party people at a price abroad.

Regards,
Anish



On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 7:46 PM, Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@...> wrote:

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  >
>
>>
>
>>
>
>Hello Samarth,
>
>>If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check out
for how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open for about
15 to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In short go fully
manual and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar with the workings
of your camera. You will need a tripod to go with your camera. Next look for a
dark location and also keep a lookout for events in the sky like the upcoming
Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.
>
>>If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital SLR.
Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other more
expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.
>
>>Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
>>can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
>>better aperture than compact cameras
>>larger sensor size
>>remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
>>focusing is easier and better
>>SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution than
Jpeg
>> In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera
than a compact camera
>
>>In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
>>With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the magnification
is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like Moon, Planets,
Bright stars, Sun.
>
>>More questions are welcome.
>
>>Ajay Talwar
>
>>________________________________
>>From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
>>To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
>>Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
>>Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
>
>>Hi everybody.
>>I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
>>I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
please can someone guide me?
>
>>Regards,
>>Samarth Chawla,
>>Amateur Astronomer,
>>S.P.A.C.E. Club,
>>Birla Vidya Niketan,
>>New Delhi,
>>28° 31' 37.977"N,
>>77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
>>________________________________
>
>>The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/
>
>>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>>" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

As you might know, DSLR's (or for that matter even normal digicams or
webcams) have an IR-cut filter in front of the imaging sensor. This filter
effectively allows only 1/4th of the light of wavelengths corresponding to
the O-III and H lines, i.e. the nebulous glow of celestial objects. So for
example, when taking a long exposure shot of the milky way, the shutter will
need to be open for 4x the amount of time with a normal DSLR when compared
to one with its IR cut filter removed.

Clearly, having the IR-cut filter removed gives astrophotographers a
definite edge. So my question to all AAAD members is :

1. Has anyone tried to remove the filter from the front of the DSLR (and
succeeded)
2. Has anyone contacted canon/nikon to replace the IR filter with a clear
glass plate of equivalent thickness in front of the imaging sensor. Perhaps,
if we as a group decide to buy a quantity of canon DSLR's, we might succeed
in persuading canon to make this modification (which must be relatively
simple for them)

FYI, This type of modification of canon cameras is done professionally by
third party people at a price abroad.

Regards,
Anish


On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 7:46 PM, Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hello Samarth,
>
> If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check
> out for how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open
> for about 15 to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In
> short go fully manual and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar
> with the workings of your camera. You will need a tripod to go with your
> camera. Next look for a dark location and also keep a lookout for events in
> the sky like the upcoming Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.
>
> If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital
> SLR. Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other
> more expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.
>
> Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
> can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
> better aperture than compact cameras
> larger sensor size
> remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
> focusing is easier and better
> SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution
> than Jpeg
> In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera
> than a compact camera
>
> In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
> attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
> With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
> telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the
> magnification is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like
> Moon, Planets, Bright stars, Sun.
>
> More questions are welcome.
>
> Ajay Talwar
>
> ________________________________
> From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@... <sam_astronomia%40yahoo.in>>
> To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com<amateur_astronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
> Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope
>
>
> Hi everybody.
> I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
> really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I
> need an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can
> anybody suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.
>
> I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable
> one? I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So
> please can someone guide me?
>
> Regards,
> Samarth Chawla,
> Amateur Astronomer,
> S.P.A.C.E. Club,
> Birla Vidya Niketan,
> New Delhi,
> 28° 31' 37.977"N,
> 77° 13' 47.9706"E.
>
> ________________________________
>
> The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
> http://in.yahoo.com/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> " wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Samarth,

If you already have a camera, start using it for astrophotography. Check out for
how long it can expose. Generally compact cameras can be kept open for about 15
to 30 seconds. Try different ISO and aperture settings. In short go fully manual
and try each setting. In no time you will be familiar with the workings of your
camera. You will need a tripod to go with your camera. Next look for a dark
location and also keep a lookout for events in the sky like the upcoming
Geminids, Lunar eclipse etc.

If you are looking to buy a new camera, my advise is to go for a Digital SLR.
Canon 1000D is a good starter DSLR. In fact it is better than other more
expensive Canon models because it is a newer model.

Benefits of SLR in astrophotography
can expose for long duration, a wide range of exposures settings
better aperture than compact cameras
larger sensor size
remote control, can be controlled with computer for automated clicking
focusing is easier and better
SLR camera can capture in RAW format, which is better and high resolution than
Jpeg
  In short you can have far greater control of each setting in a SLR camera than
a compact camera

In SLR cameras you can remove the lens and change it at will, you can even
attach it to a telescope, prime focus method which gives brighter images
With compact cameras you cannot remove the lens and can be coupled to a
telescope only in Afocal method, which gives fainter images as the magnification
is more, consequently you can only image brighter objects like Moon, Planets,
Bright stars, Sun.

More questions are welcome.

Ajay Talwar






________________________________
From: Samarth Chawla <sam_astronomia@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sat, November 28, 2009 12:39:08 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] SLR camera and telescope

Hi everybody.
I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable one?
I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So please can
someone guide me?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

________________________________


       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Please see the following:

http://nehruplanetarium.org/taarewiki/pmwiki.php?n=Site.GalileoAFilmByLilianaCav\
ani

Tomorrow evening is the finale of the Indo Italian Astronomy Fortnight.

It is going to be an interesting mix of Galileo, the Moon and the Pleiades
tomorrow evening - starting at 6 PM in the auditorium of Nehru Memorial Museum
and Library.

There is the screening of a recently restored version of a 1969 film on Galileo
by Liliana Cavani - the film will be with English subtitles.

As it happens, there is the Lunar occultation of Atlas (one of the Pleiades)
happening at the same time!

Ajay and Vikrant are working towards a possible live feed from a small telescope
- to be placed inside the auditorium - for simultaneous viewing of the
occultation along with the film.

It will be an interesting mix, as observations of the Moon and the Pleiades -
both have IYA significance and all in all such an evening - with Galileo, the
Moon and the Pleiades seems a very IYA thing to do :-)

Rathnasree, Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi

The celebrations of the International Year of Astronomy are going to be followed
immediately by countrywide activities related to the centenary celebrations of
Nobel Laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who was born on the 19th of October
1910.

For interested Delhiites in this week, a common meeting point of these two
celebrations will be at the Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Memorial Museum and
Library.

As a part of the ongoing Indo Italian Astronomy Fortnight celebrations, there
will be discussions and a screening of two films on Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
at the Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, in collaboration
with the Italian Embassy, Italian Cultural Center, Delhi University and the
Akshara Theatre.

The films are : "Two and Two" by Gopal Sarman, which features live interviews of
Chandrasekhar, and "Chandra – the Journey of a Star" an Italian film in English,
written by Guiseppe Mussarab and directed by Enrico Agapito

The screening of the films will begin at 11:30 AM, on the 29th of November, and
will be followed by discussions and question answer sessions on the works of
Chandrasekhar, co-ordinated by Prof. Patrick Das Gupta and Professor Amitabh
Mukherjee, Department of Physics and Astrophysics, Delhi University.

The other highlight of the ongoing Indo Italian Fortnight, ahead, is the
screening of the film on Galileo made by Liliana Cavani, at 6 PM on the 1st of
December 2009, at the Auditorium of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.

The Indo-Italian Fortnight being celebrated at the Nehru Planetarium, is also a
part of the 120th birth centenary celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Nehru
Imprint at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. An exhilarating Dhanak Din Bal
mela will be enticing children to the Teen Murti Campus of the Nehru Memorial
Museum and Library, on the 28th and 29th of November, as a part of the Nehru
Imprint celebrations.


Rathnasree, Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi

Hi group,
Its about 45 days left for the annular solar eclipse and AAAD has not yet
planned for it. I would like to ask all the AAAD members interested in observing
this eclipse to come to planetarium tomorow at 1:30 pm and share their plan for
the eclipse.

Sneh Kesari
+919560338860


       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi everybody.
I want to learn about an slr camera's advantage in astrophotography. Is it
really needed? I mean, to take pictures of the moon and the planets, do I need
an slr? Also, I need one which is affordable, useful and efficient. Can anybody
suggest one good enough for me? It'll be a great help.

I also want to buy a good telescope. Can anybody suggest a good, affordable one?
I fear that if I observe the same things everyday, I'll get bored. So please can
someone guide me?

Regards,
Samarth Chawla,
Amateur Astronomer,
S.P.A.C.E. Club,
Birla Vidya Niketan,
New Delhi,
28° 31' 37.977"N,
77° 13' 47.9706"E.

________________________________


       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Astronomads,

We had a fantastic Leonids observation from Tiger Den hotel, Sariska, Rajasthan
on the night of 17th-18th november. The observation organised by space consisted
of SPACEians, Astronomicans, Astronomds (a new unofficial gang of amitabh) and
some old AAAD friends, in total there we were 20 people on the site including 4
foregners from US. In addition to this we were also joined by Arvind and Ravi
from Vigyan Prasar and Sandeep Nigam from Star News with his crew who covered
the event.

After a careful delibration over the weather situation and considering several
alternate sites such as dumdama, jim corbet and even Hatu peak in himachal (the
most tempting option), we zeroed in on Sariska (thanks to our weatherman, CB).
Surely the decision was well taken and we were treated to cloud free skies,
except that the it was a little hazy, but we still had a limiting magnitude > 5
and we could see the milky way.


The show began with an extremely bright leonid fireball at around 12:30 AM just
few minutes before the radiant rose up above our horizon. I did not see this
fireball, but i am being told that it was about -5 or -6 mag in brightness and
left a smoke trail which could be seen for well well over 5 minutes.

While CB, Atish and Rohini attempted photographing the event (I think CB
captured few of them) Amitabh, Shotmita and I set out for visual observations
for the IMO report. I must thank Bhavneet for the great support during the
timekeeping and logging in my over 3 hour long patrol and also for helping me
compile the elaborate report along with Rohini for IMO right after from the dawn
sacrificing her sleep.

Here is a report of my observing session early morning of 18th November:

Limiting Magnitude : varied between 5.01 and 5.20
Centre of field : Castor and Pollox
Obstruction of field : None
Cloud cover : None
Total Observation Time : 3 Hours 5 Minutes
Total number of Leonids observed : 78
Total Sporadics observed : 24
Brightest Leonids Observed : 2 of -2.5 Mag.
Average brightness of Leonids observed : Between 0 and 1
Number of Bolides seen : 1
Interval Breakup :
1:45 AM to 2:45 AM IST : 15 Leonids, 9 Sporadic
2:45 AM to 3:50 AM IST : 42 Leonids, 7 Sporadic.
4:05 AM to 5:05 AM IST : 21 Leonids, 8 Sporadic

A more detailed report of the data I submitted to IMO can be accessed at:
<http://umdb.urania.be/v2/obsview/view.php?id=5754>. The data suggests that the
activity certainly was high between 2:45 and 3:45 AM, particularly a 10 minute
interval between 2:45 and 2:55 AM showed a spike in meteor rates as I saw 12
meteors during this 10 minute time, that means a leonid meteor streaked the sky
every 50 seconds or so on average.

It seems that the prediction of "as many as 200-300 meteors per hour" during
21:00 and 22:00 UT (2:30 and 3:30 IST) did not turn out to be exactly so (though
seems to be a definite spike during / around this time), the observations
submitted at IMO so far are suggesting peak ZHRs of about 133. (have a look at:
http://www.imo.net/live/leonids2009/#peak)

---
Fortune Cookie:

Q:    Know what the difference between your latest project and putting wings on
an elephant is?
A:    Who knows?  The elephant *might* fly, heh, heh...
---

Happy Meteor Observing!!!

-----------------------------------
Vikrant Narang

Scientific Officer, SPACE
www.space-india.org

Mobile: (+91)9312286904
E-mail: vikrant@..., vikrant@...

CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged
information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the original
intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message,please delete
it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient acknowledges that SCIENCE
POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND EDUCATORS (S.P.A.C.E Group), is
unable to exercise control or ensure or guarantee the integrity of/over the
contents of the information contained in e-mail transmissions and further
acknowledges that any views expressed in this message are those of the
individual sender and no binding nature of the message shall be implied or
assumed unless the sender does so expressly with due authority of SPACE. Before
opening any attachments please check them for viruses and defects."



       The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage.
http://in.yahoo.com/

Tomorrow (Saturday) at 5 PM, there is a public lecture at the Planetarium, under
the Godhooli Public lecture series - titled "Journey through the Galaxy".

This is a part of the Indo Italian Astronomy Fortnight.

If AAAD members wish, tomorrow could be held as the monthly AAAD skywatch
following the public lecture.

I hope all interested amateur astronomers and students will come for the public
lecture.

Some details are here

http://nehruplanetarium.org/taarewiki/pmwiki.php?n=Site.JourneyThoughTheGalaxy

And details of the rest of the fortnight, are here:

http://nehruplanetarium.org/taarewiki/pmwiki.php?n=Site.IndoItalianAstronomyFort\
night

Rathnasree, Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi

Tomorrow (16th November) evening, at 6PM will be the inauguration of the Indo
Italian Astronomy Fortnight at the Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi. Everyone from
Delhi, please do try and come, it is going to be a very very beautiful program,
resonating with the spirit of IYA!

I have been working really hard, co-ordinating a lot of things for this and have
not been able to post here about the program - I was waiting for the wbepages
here

http://nehruplanetarium.org/taarewiki/pmwiki.php?n=Site.IndoItalianAstronomyFort\
\
night

about the program to be finalised.

THe following are some quick details:


(Inauguration on the 16th November, at 6 PM at the Nehru Planetarium, by the
Italian Ambassador H.E. Roberto Toscano)

( The inaugural program (as all the other prgrams too) promises to be an
exhilirating multidisciplinary celebration of Astronomy!)

To celebrate the International Year of Astronomy and the Italian "Year of
Galileo", an Indo Italian Astronomy Fortnight titled "From Galileo to Modern
Frontiers" is being organised at Delhi from the 16th of November to the 1st of
December 2009. The fortnight is being organised through the collaboration
between the Italian Embassy, the Italian Cultural Center, Nehru Memorial Museum
and Library, Nehru Planetarium, University of Delhi, Vigyan Prasar (Department
of Science and Technology), Fondazione Centro Sperimentale di
Cinematografia-Cineteca Nazionale, La Fenice Theatre (Venice), The Anad
Foundation, the Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and
Educators (S.P.A.C.E., an NGO), the Amateur Astronomers Association, Delhi, and
Prof. Toni Hildebrandt.

A number of exhilirating and creative activities are a part of the Indo Italian
Astronomy Fortnight. The fortnight will be inaugurated with an interdisciplinary
celebration of Astronomy : An evening with Music, Art and Astronomy, to be
inaugurated by the Italian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Roberto Toscano, in the presence
of Prof. Mridula Mukherjee, Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, on the
16th of November at 6 PM at the sky theatre of the Nehru Planetarium.

This program under the stars of the planetarum sky theatre, has many interesting
creative elements : listening to sounds from celestial objects like pulsars,
Jupiter and the Sun, and viewing of celestial images reminiscent of nature
imitating van Gogh's art.
There will be the inauguration of a photo exhibition showing many examples from
classical and modern Italian art which have influences from Astronomy.

And finally, the inaugural session will have the very interesting musical
evening under the planetarium stars, presenting a Concert titled "The Time of a
Star" by Sara Michieletto and Bhai Baldeep Singh, with an interesting jugalbandi
of celestial sounds with Italian and Indian music.

This multidisciplinary celebration of Astronomy will be followed by a scientific
Indo Italian workshop at the Delhi University on the Physics and Astrophysics in
the vicinity of compact objects, organised by Prof. Patrick Das Gupta,
Department of Physics and Astrophysics. Prof. Tomaso Belloni from the National
Institute of Astrophysics, Astronomical Observatory of Brera, Italy, will speak
about the Galactic Compact Objects as Laboratories for the Physics of the
Extreme, during this workshop. The workshop will be held on the 18th of November
from 2 PM to 5:30 PM at the department of Physics and Astrophysics.

The fortnight also has a very interesting country wide video conferencing
workshop on assembling and using Galileoscopes. Utilising the Vigyan Prasar
Edusat network, the fortnight includes sessions dealing with assembling simple
telescopes and discussions on their usage to enable children to view the
inspiring views that had been seen for the first time by Galileo - the craters
on the Moon, moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus and the rings of Saturn.
From the International Galileoscope project, through the Tech Museum of
Innovation, San Jose, USA, 20 international quality Galileoscopes have been
received by the planetarium, 10 of which have been distributed to groups
affiliated to the edusat centres around the country. The video conference is an
exhilirating opportunity of sharing the nitty gritties involved in assembing and
using these telescopes.

An exciting event to look forward to, is the screening of Bertold Brecht's play
on Galileo, at the Akshara Theatre, on the 27th of November, at 7 PM. The play
will be performed by the artistic ensemble of the Akshara Theare comprising of
celebreties like Jalabala Vaidya, Gopal Sharman, Sunit Tandon, Rajiv Chandran
and Geeta Chandran.

There will be screening of films Subrahmanyam Chandrasekhar, a film directed by
Gopal Sharman, and an Italina film in English, directed by Enrico Agapito, and
discussions for students on the works of Chandrasekhar at the Nehru Planetarium,
at 11:30 AM on the 29th November. The discussions will be co-ordinated by Prof.
Patrick Das Gupta and Prof. Amitabh Mukherjee, of Delhi University.

The conclusion of the fortnight will be a screening of an Italian film (with
English subtitles) on Galileo, made by Liliana Cavani, at the auditorium of
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, at 6 PM on the 1st of December.

Rathnasree, Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi

Hi
As many of you might remember the world will remember Dr. Carl Sagan on his 75th
birthday on November 9th. He was an American astronomer, astrochemist, author,
and highly successful popularizer of astronomy, astrophysics and other natural
sciences. He pioneered exobiology and promoted the Search for Extra-Terrestrial
Intelligence (SETI).
He is world-famous for writing popular science books and for co-writing and
presenting the award-winning 1980 television series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,
which has been seen by more than 500 million people in over 60 countries. A book
to accompany the program was also published. He also wrote the novel Contact,
the basis for the 1997 film of the same name. One of the last books he wrote was
Pale Blue Dot. During his lifetime, Sagan published more than 600 scientific
papers and popular articles and was author, co-author, or editor of more than 20
books. In his works, he frequently advocated skeptical inquiry, secular
humanism, and the scientific method.


Remembering him The Amateur Astronomers Association Delhi will celebrate Sagan
Day on Sunday, 8th November 2009 , where at 12:30 there will be a special
screening of the movie 'Contact' starring Jodie Foster.


Next there will be a special lecture on Leonid Meteor Shower by astronomer Ajay
Talwar. The skywatchers at Caltech predict a great Leonid storm this year. The
Leonids are supposed to show a rate of 500 to 1000 per hour. That my friends is
nothing short of a shower-storm, and if the predictions are correct this
opportunity is not to be missed!


I invite you all to please be there to remember Dr. Sagan and have  Leonid talk
with us at the AAAD room in the Nehru Planetarium, Teen Murti Bhawan , New
Delhi-11 at 12:30 afternoon.

Be there!!

Raghu Kalra


       Yahoo! India has a new look. Take a sneak peek http://in.yahoo.com/trynew

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks a lot Ajay.

Regards,
Sandeep.

--- In amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com, Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@...> wrote:
>
> 17th Night, 18th Morning
>
> Ajay Talwar
>
>

17th Night, 18th Morning

Ajay Talwar




________________________________
From: pageyin <pagey@...>
To: amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, November 6, 2009 2:03:13 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] Re: Leonids - this sunday at plani.

Do we have to watch on 16th night or 17th night?

Regards,
Sandeep.

--- In amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com, sneh kesari <cool_sneh13@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Group,
> This year predictions for Leonids are very high with 500+ meteors at peak.
Every astronomer weather professional or amateur is looking forward to it.
> This sunday at planetarium we will have a discussion about Leonids. Ajay will
be sharing his knowledge and past experiences about Leonids and will also give
an overview on Imaging meteor showers and other important info about it.
> The talk will start at 1:30 pm in the AAAD room. All are welcome.
>
> Clear Skies
>
> Sneh Kesari
>
>
>
>       Add whatever you love to the Yahoo! India homepage. Try now!
http://in.yahoo.com/trynew
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




------------------------------------

" wish u clear & dark skies"Yahoo! Groups Links






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Do we have to watch on 16th night or 17th night?

Regards,
Sandeep.

--- In amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com, sneh kesari <cool_sneh13@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Group,
> This year predictions for Leonids are very high with 500+ meteors at peak.
Every astronomer weather professional or amateur is looking forward to it.
> This sunday at planetarium we will have a discussion about Leonids. Ajay will
be sharing his knowledge and past experiences about Leonids and will also give
an overview on Imaging meteor showers and other important info about it.
> The talk will start at 1:30 pm in the AAAD room. All are welcome.
>
> Clear Skies
>
> Sneh Kesari
>
>
>
>       Add whatever you love to the Yahoo! India homepage. Try now!
http://in.yahoo.com/trynew
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hi Group,
This year predictions for Leonids are very high with 500+ meteors at peak. Every
astronomer weather professional or amateur is looking forward to it.
This sunday at planetarium we will have a discussion about Leonids. Ajay will be
sharing his knowledge and past experiences about Leonids and will also give an
overview on Imaging meteor showers and other important info about it.
The talk will start at 1:30 pm in the AAAD room. All are welcome.

Clear Skies

Sneh Kesari



       Add whatever you love to the Yahoo! India homepage. Try now!
http://in.yahoo.com/trynew

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

As most of you know SPACE organises overnight observations and evening
observations for the school students from Delhi, NCR and Hyderabad. Every year,
thousands of students get an opportunity to see the night sky for the very first
time because of this effort. These overnight and evening observations are part
of the Space Astronomy Club that run in various schools of Delhi/NCR and other
cities.

We are looking for amateur astronomers (or anyone who is interested) who would
join us part time for these efforts and help us conduct evening and night
observations in Delhi/NCR. The volunteers will be trained in conducting these
sessions over a two day training period. Most night observations are organised
over the weekends when the Moon phase is favourable. Evening observations may be
organised on any evening of the week (again after looking at the moon phase).
Prospective volunteers need to specify if there are particular days and
particular times that suit them for such observations.

The venue for an evening observation is the respective school while we will be
taking students to a dark observation site (ahead of Faridabad) for the night
observation.

Volunteers will receive Rs 500/- for an evening observation and Rs 750/- for a
night observation as an honorarium. A cab pick up and drop facility will be
provided. Food at the venue (for night observations only) will also be provided.
All equipment needed for an observation will be provided and a junior educator
from SPACE will accompany you at all times.

Interested volunteers are requested to send me a mail directly at
nikhil@... . (Please avoid replying to the group).
Also mention what times and days suit you best. Feel free to contact me if you
have any questions.

The observation season has started. Looking forward to quick response.

Thanks and Regards
Nikhil Pawar
Scientific Officer
SPACE
+91-9953074277
nikhil@...





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Nice framing!!!! But the mars is lost in the glow of Moon. You can also go for
noise removal to make this pic more nice!!!!

Moon over Sagittarius also looks quite good. Thanks for sharing.




--
Regards
C B Devgun
President
Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators
National Coordinator, India, World Space Week
chander.devgun@...
09810226297, 09250901015

CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
"This e-mail message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged
information. It should not be accessed by anyone who is not the original
intended recipient. If you have erroneously received this message, please delete
it immediately and notify the sender. The recipient acknowledges that SCIENCE
POPULARISATION ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATORS AND EDUCATORS (S.P.A.C.E Group), is
unable to exercise control or ensure or guarantee the integrity of/over the
contents of the information contained in e-mail transmissions and further
acknowledges that any views expressed in this message are those of the
individual sender and no binding nature of the message shall be implied or
assumed unless the sender does so expressly with due authority of SPACE. Before
opening any attachments please check them for viruses and defects."
--- In amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com, "astroamanj" <astroamanj@...> wrote:
>
> Captured a photo of mars and moon close together in gemini in the early
morning on 12.
> to view it
> open
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/43828196@N06/4031838735/
> also a photo of moon along with saggitarius
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/43828196@N06/4032593028/
> hope you like it.
>

Captured a photo of mars and moon close together in gemini in the early morning
on 12.
to view it
open
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43828196@N06/4031838735/
also a photo of moon along with saggitarius
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43828196@N06/4032593028/
hope you like it.

Dear members
We are extremely sorry to inform you that we will have to change our Galilean
nights observation site from cannaught place because there is an on going
renovation happening there these days and the place we had chosen for
observation has been dug up.

So therefore we will have to change our location of observation to India gate
lawns right next to the India Gate monument (facing Rashtrapati Bhawan/
President's house)itself we will start the observation by 7:30 pm IST

we are extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused
Raghu
+91-9990224091

________________________________
From: RAGHU KALRA <kalraraghu@...>
To: Astronomy_Activities_2009@yahoogroups.com;
amateur_astronomy@yahoogroups.com; amateurs_ciaa@yahoogroups.com;
astronomicans@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 21 October, 2009 12:09:51 AM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] Galilean Nights


On 22-24 October 2009, the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Cornerstone
Project, Galilean Nights, will see amateur and professional astronomers,
enthusiasts and the public taking to the streets all around the globe, pointing
their telescopes to the wonders that Italian astronomer Galileo observed 400
years ago.
Spread over three nights, astronomers will share their knowledge and enthusiasm
for space by encouraging as many people as possible to look through a telescope
at our planetary neighbours. The focus for Galilean Nights is the objects that
Galileo observed, including Jupiter and the Moon, which will be well-positioned
in the night sky for observing.
The Amateur Astronomers Association, New Delhi (AAAD) will be at The connaught
place celebrating on 24th October, Saturday
1900 hrs onwards in front of the inner circle Mc Donalds look out for people
with telescopes
We also require volunteers and telescopes if any body is willing to help please
contact us at +91-9990224091
Other Galilean Nights activities in Delhi:
SPACE, will be organizing a public watch at INDIA GATE
(junction of Rajghat and Mansingh Road) on 22nd October 2009.(contact
Shikha:9212669953 for this event)
Amitabh Pandey on his red mountain bike will carry a 3" reflector going all over
Delhi till October 30th contact him on +91-9810685030 to know when he is coming
to your area
If any body else has any more events planned please let us know we will publish
it on our website www.aaadelhi. org
you may register your event at http://www.galilean nights.org/ register_
event.html
Raghu Kalra
raghukalra@gmail. com
+91-9990224091

Add whatever you love to the Yahoo! India homepage. Try now! http://in.yahoo.
com/trynew

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





       Keep up with people you care about with Yahoo! India Mail. Learn how.
http://in.overview.mail.yahoo.com/connectmore

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On 22-24 October 2009, the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Cornerstone
Project, Galilean Nights, will see amateur and professional astronomers,
enthusiasts and the public taking to the streets all around the globe, pointing
their telescopes to the wonders that Italian astronomer Galileo observed 400
years ago.
Spread over three nights, astronomers will share their knowledge and enthusiasm
for space by encouraging as many people as possible to look through a telescope
at our planetary neighbours. The focus for Galilean Nights is the objects that
Galileo observed, including Jupiter and the Moon, which will be well-positioned
in the night sky for observing.
The Amateur Astronomers Association, New Delhi (AAAD) will be at The connaught
place celebrating on 24th October, Saturday
1900 hrs onwards in front of the inner circle Mc Donalds look out for people
with telescopes
We also require volunteers and telescopes if any body is willing to help please
contact us at +91-9990224091
Other Galilean Nights activities in Delhi:
SPACE, will be organizing a public watch at INDIA GATE
(junction of Rajghat and Mansingh Road) on 22nd October 2009.(contact
Shikha:9212669953 for this event)
Amitabh Pandey on his red mountain bike will carry a 3" reflector going all over
Delhi till October 30th contact him on +91-9810685030 to know when he is coming
to your area
If any body else has any more events planned please let us know we will publish
it on our website www.aaadelhi.org
you may register your event at http://www.galileannights.org/register_event.html
Raghu Kalra
raghukalra@...
+91-9990224091


       Add whatever you love to the Yahoo! India homepage. Try now!
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

OH MY GAWWWDDD!!
This is awsome!! =D

Quick Question - Would light painting with a flashlight help in this sort of
situation?
And if you've tried it, how do you manage to get even illumination?

  Avnish

29* 33' 06.14" N
77* 14" 29.94 E
New Delhi, India

Johnny finding life a bore,
drank some H2SO4,
Then his father, an MD
Gave him CaCO3
Now he's neutralized, its true
But he's still full ofCO2.






________________________________
From: Ajay Talwar <ajaytalwar80@...>
To: ajaytalwar80@...
Sent: Sat, 17 October, 2009 4:12:01 PM
Subject: [AAAD " tHe bOhEmIaNs"] Way to Via Lactea


Hello Fellow Astronuts,

It has been a month since Me & Pankaj Sharma went to latitude 31°.243 &
longitude 77°.501. So many photons gathered amidst the dark skies during the
hectic 4 nights at Hatu. Most of the photons are processed, but some still to be
changed into eye catching photographs.

Normally in hill stations you get a lot of trees and the sky gets covered with
the trees and the hill side. Its lucky that Hatu peak has all round visibility
till the horizon, and I think even below horizon! astronomical horizon that is.
The four evenings that we spent at Hatu waiting for the Sun to go down were
memorable. As twilight began, the clouds would just dissipate, vanish into thin
air. Even before the civil twilight began, Akash Ganga, Milky Way or Via Lactea
would make its appearance already. Can't seem to forget the orange of the sunset
in the west would be merging with the Milky Way clouds of Sagittarius in the
south. Beautiful.

Here is one simple photo taken with camera & tripod. Exposure 2 minutes, at 9pm.
The photo is titled 'Way to Via Lactea'. Way is of course the road the Hatu
peak, and Via Lactea is the Milky Path in the sky. Hope you like the photo.

http://picasaweb. google.com/ ajaytalwar80/ TripodCamera# 5393508579423357 250

Wishing you all a very happy Diwali.

Ajay Talwar
Head of Instrumentation & Observation,
SPACE

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





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