Graham,
Very good point.
I have no idea what the transmission characteristics is for the standard Meade
IR filter. It might have poor to no transmission at 656nm.

Thanks
bob F.

---- Graham <graham@...> wrote:
> Hi all:
>
> For those interested..(just in case it's not common knowledge).
>
> CCD and CMOS imaging chip are much more sensitive in the IR end of the
> "light" spectrum. A Quantum Efficiency  (QE)  of  over 80% is not uncommon.
>
> Digital sensors, typically  have an IR filter in front of the imaging chip
> (removable in astro imagers and fixed in all commercial and consumer digital
> camera)  which attenuates infrared energy (BTW IR does not focus at the same
> point as visible light). With a standard IR filter in place it's OK for
> reflection nebulae and star clusters. Hydrogen-alpha energy  is the  glowing
> hydrogen that gives emission nebulae their characteristic red color.
>
> As the sensitivity is by default in the sensor the solution is to replace
> the IR filter with one that still blocks the longwave IR, but passes
> critical hydrogen-alpha light.
>
> Graham
>
> Ps I am in the process of removing the IR filter from a Canon 20D and
> replacing with a Ha filter.. Tricky but doable. I am going to compare the
> Canon to my Hale Research 1" square  (mega bucks camera to a $600 Canon..
>
>   _____
>
> From: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of barringtonri
> Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:09 PM
> To: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [skyscrapers_rias] Re: Hydrogen Alpha Filters
>
>
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> The H-alpha is new to me as I'm relatively new to digital imaging.
> From what I've been told the 13nm filters are a bit more forgiving,
> and since the Astronomik filters have a better reputation than the
> Orion filters in general (I do love my Orion Ultrablock) I plan on
> picking up the Astronomik at OPT
> http://www.optcorp.
> <http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633>
> com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633
>
> Here's M1 I shot on Monday night with an Ox3 filter
> http://www.peterson <http://www.peterson-web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg>
> -web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg
>
> Here's M1 my ASSNE buddy Steve LaFlamme shot with his Astronomik H-
> alpha:
> http://img187.
> <http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png>
> imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png
>
> Considering the radical differency in wavelength there doesn't seem
> to be a huge amount of difference in structure. But Steve's image
> does have more detail. Perhaps it's in the post processing - he's
> better at it than I am. But I believe that it's in the filter
>
> What was really cool was when it PhotoShopped his H-alpha into the
> red color slot of his older LRGB image and came up with this:
> http://img266.
> <http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png>
> imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png
>
> How can I resist buying my own H-alpha after seeing that?
>
> Clear skies,
>
> Pete Peterson
>
> --- In skyscrapers_ <mailto:skyscrapers_rias%40yahoogroups.com>
> rias@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Forgiel" <bforgiel@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Are there any members here that are imaging through an Ha filter?
> > If so, has red-shift from a distant object ever caused problems?
> > I remember reading a post where red-shift moved the Ha portion out
> of
> > the range of the 9nm filter on very distant objects. Did anyone
> ever
> > see this or is anyone using a 13nm.
> >
> > Orion is listing a Ha filter for 129 and Schuler has one for 200.
> > I ordered the Astrodon 9nm HA filter from Astronomics for 275 but
> it's
> > currently out of stock and has a several week lead time. I'm
> assuming
> > that it's a better filter than the above mentioned and worth the
> wait?
> >
> > PS: don't forget to volunteer for upcoming star parties ;-)
> >
> > Thanks
> > Bob Forgiel
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I should have added a heading to my message - using a "terrestrial" Digital
camera  - off the shelf Digital camera -  not designed for astronomy (see
http://www.astrosurf.com/~buil/filters/nikon.png ) (the only camera I know
that is designed for astronomy is the Canon 20Da - but it is out of
production - even this camera is not great in the Ha band).

Back to the subject:
Good point on the IR blocking filter.
While I have no first hand data - I have heard some newer Meade IR filters
have a sharp cutoff at 659 nm, with the H-alpha emission line of nebulas at
656 nm it would significantly attenuate the Ha wavelength.. (something like
70%). I wish all manufacturers produced freely available spectral
transmission charts. Historically I have always used Comar Instruments in
Cambridge UK for filters...


An Interesting web site for Astronomical Filters Spectral Transmission
http://tinyurl.com/2rs6zz and here http://www.astrosurf.com/~buil/filters/



-----Original Message-----
From: bforgiel@... [mailto:bforgiel@...]
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 11:03 AM
To: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
Cc: Graham
Subject: RE: [skyscrapers_rias] Re: Hydrogen Alpha Filters

Graham,
Very good point.
I have no idea what the transmission characteristics is for the standard
Meade IR filter. It might have poor to no transmission at 656nm.

Thanks
bob F.

---- Graham <graham@...> wrote:
> Hi all:
>
> For those interested..(just in case it's not common knowledge).
>
> CCD and CMOS imaging chip are much more sensitive in the IR end of the
> "light" spectrum. A Quantum Efficiency  (QE)  of  over 80% is not
uncommon.
>
> Digital sensors, typically  have an IR filter in front of the imaging chip
> (removable in astro imagers and fixed in all commercial and consumer
digital
> camera)  which attenuates infrared energy (BTW IR does not focus at the
same
> point as visible light). With a standard IR filter in place it's OK for
> reflection nebulae and star clusters. Hydrogen-alpha energy  is the
glowing
> hydrogen that gives emission nebulae their characteristic red color.
>
> As the sensitivity is by default in the sensor the solution is to replace
> the IR filter with one that still blocks the longwave IR, but passes
> critical hydrogen-alpha light.
>
> Graham
>
> Ps I am in the process of removing the IR filter from a Canon 20D and
> replacing with a Ha filter.. Tricky but doable. I am going to compare the
> Canon to my Hale Research 1" square  (mega bucks camera to a $600 Canon..
>
>   _____
>
> From: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of barringtonri
> Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:09 PM
> To: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [skyscrapers_rias] Re: Hydrogen Alpha Filters
>
>
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> The H-alpha is new to me as I'm relatively new to digital imaging.
> From what I've been told the 13nm filters are a bit more forgiving,
> and since the Astronomik filters have a better reputation than the
> Orion filters in general (I do love my Orion Ultrablock) I plan on
> picking up the Astronomik at OPT
> http://www.optcorp.
> <http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633>
> com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633
>
> Here's M1 I shot on Monday night with an Ox3 filter
> http://www.peterson <http://www.peterson-web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg>
> -web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg
>
> Here's M1 my ASSNE buddy Steve LaFlamme shot with his Astronomik H-
> alpha:
> http://img187.
> <http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png>
> imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png
>
> Considering the radical differency in wavelength there doesn't seem
> to be a huge amount of difference in structure. But Steve's image
> does have more detail. Perhaps it's in the post processing - he's
> better at it than I am. But I believe that it's in the filter
>
> What was really cool was when it PhotoShopped his H-alpha into the
> red color slot of his older LRGB image and came up with this:
> http://img266.
> <http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png>
> imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png
>
> How can I resist buying my own H-alpha after seeing that?
>
> Clear skies,
>
> Pete Peterson
>
> --- In skyscrapers_ <mailto:skyscrapers_rias%40yahoogroups.com>
> rias@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Forgiel" <bforgiel@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Are there any members here that are imaging through an Ha filter?
> > If so, has red-shift from a distant object ever caused problems?
> > I remember reading a post where red-shift moved the Ha portion out
> of
> > the range of the 9nm filter on very distant objects. Did anyone
> ever
> > see this or is anyone using a 13nm.
> >
> > Orion is listing a Ha filter for 129 and Schuler has one for 200.
> > I ordered the Astrodon 9nm HA filter from Astronomics for 275 but
> it's
> > currently out of stock and has a several week lead time. I'm
> assuming
> > that it's a better filter than the above mentioned and worth the
> wait?
> >
> > PS: don't forget to volunteer for upcoming star parties ;-)
> >
> > Thanks
> > Bob Forgiel
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I found the transmission characteristics for the Meade filters.
http://www.astrodon.com/oldsite/MeadePro.html
According to this, , , the transmission is just over 90 percent with the IR
cutoff  around 710nm.

The Astrodon IR has a higher transmittance and the cutoff appears to be fairly
close to the 656nm Ha region.

Thanks
Bob F.


---- Graham <graham@...> wrote:
> I should have added a heading to my message - using a "terrestrial" Digital
> camera  - off the shelf Digital camera -  not designed for astronomy (see
> http://www.astrosurf.com/~buil/filters/nikon.png ) (the only camera I know
> that is designed for astronomy is the Canon 20Da - but it is out of
> production - even this camera is not great in the Ha band).
>
> Back to the subject:
> Good point on the IR blocking filter.
> While I have no first hand data - I have heard some newer Meade IR filters
> have a sharp cutoff at 659 nm, with the H-alpha emission line of nebulas at
> 656 nm it would significantly attenuate the Ha wavelength.. (something like
> 70%). I wish all manufacturers produced freely available spectral
> transmission charts. Historically I have always used Comar Instruments in
> Cambridge UK for filters...
>
>
> An Interesting web site for Astronomical Filters Spectral Transmission
> http://tinyurl.com/2rs6zz and here http://www.astrosurf.com/~buil/filters/
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bforgiel@... [mailto:bforgiel@...]
> Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 11:03 AM
> To: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> Cc: Graham
> Subject: RE: [skyscrapers_rias] Re: Hydrogen Alpha Filters
>
> Graham,
> Very good point.
> I have no idea what the transmission characteristics is for the standard
> Meade IR filter. It might have poor to no transmission at 656nm.
>
> Thanks
> bob F.
>
> ---- Graham <graham@...> wrote:
> > Hi all:
> >
> > For those interested..(just in case it's not common knowledge).
> >
> > CCD and CMOS imaging chip are much more sensitive in the IR end of the
> > "light" spectrum. A Quantum Efficiency  (QE)  of  over 80% is not
> uncommon.
> >
> > Digital sensors, typically  have an IR filter in front of the imaging chip
> > (removable in astro imagers and fixed in all commercial and consumer
> digital
> > camera)  which attenuates infrared energy (BTW IR does not focus at the
> same
> > point as visible light). With a standard IR filter in place it's OK for
> > reflection nebulae and star clusters. Hydrogen-alpha energy  is the
> glowing
> > hydrogen that gives emission nebulae their characteristic red color.
> >
> > As the sensitivity is by default in the sensor the solution is to replace
> > the IR filter with one that still blocks the longwave IR, but passes
> > critical hydrogen-alpha light.
> >
> > Graham
> >
> > Ps I am in the process of removing the IR filter from a Canon 20D and
> > replacing with a Ha filter.. Tricky but doable. I am going to compare the
> > Canon to my Hale Research 1" square  (mega bucks camera to a $600 Canon..
> >
> >   _____
> >
> > From: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> > [mailto:skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of barringtonri
> > Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:09 PM
> > To: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [skyscrapers_rias] Re: Hydrogen Alpha Filters
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi Bob,
> >
> > The H-alpha is new to me as I'm relatively new to digital imaging.
> > From what I've been told the 13nm filters are a bit more forgiving,
> > and since the Astronomik filters have a better reputation than the
> > Orion filters in general (I do love my Orion Ultrablock) I plan on
> > picking up the Astronomik at OPT
> > http://www.optcorp.
> > <http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633>
> > com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633
> >
> > Here's M1 I shot on Monday night with an Ox3 filter
> > http://www.peterson <http://www.peterson-web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg>
> > -web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg
> >
> > Here's M1 my ASSNE buddy Steve LaFlamme shot with his Astronomik H-
> > alpha:
> > http://img187.
> > <http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png>
> > imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png
> >
> > Considering the radical differency in wavelength there doesn't seem
> > to be a huge amount of difference in structure. But Steve's image
> > does have more detail. Perhaps it's in the post processing - he's
> > better at it than I am. But I believe that it's in the filter
> >
> > What was really cool was when it PhotoShopped his H-alpha into the
> > red color slot of his older LRGB image and came up with this:
> > http://img266.
> > <http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png>
> > imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png
> >
> > How can I resist buying my own H-alpha after seeing that?
> >
> > Clear skies,
> >
> > Pete Peterson
> >
> > --- In skyscrapers_ <mailto:skyscrapers_rias%40yahoogroups.com>
> > rias@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Forgiel" <bforgiel@...>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Are there any members here that are imaging through an Ha filter?
> > > If so, has red-shift from a distant object ever caused problems?
> > > I remember reading a post where red-shift moved the Ha portion out
> > of
> > > the range of the 9nm filter on very distant objects. Did anyone
> > ever
> > > see this or is anyone using a 13nm.
> > >
> > > Orion is listing a Ha filter for 129 and Schuler has one for 200.
> > > I ordered the Astrodon 9nm HA filter from Astronomics for 275 but
> > it's
> > > currently out of stock and has a several week lead time. I'm
> > assuming
> > > that it's a better filter than the above mentioned and worth the
> > wait?
> > >
> > > PS: don't forget to volunteer for upcoming star parties ;-)
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Bob Forgiel
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Actually, in a reply to my own message,
I just noticed how much the Meade IR filter cuts into the green and blue
channels.  Almost half the green channel is at a transmittance of around 60
percent and a good chunk of the blue is also blocked. This clearly illustrates
why the blue and green channels are so weak.

The Astrodon IR filter has a better transmittance of the color channels and
appears to more consistent  in transmittance across the 3 Meade color filters.

Bob F.



Bob F.

---- bforgiel@... wrote:
> I found the transmission characteristics for the Meade filters.
> http://www.astrodon.com/oldsite/MeadePro.html
> According to this, , , the transmission is just over 90 percent with the IR
cutoff  around 710nm.
>
> The Astrodon IR has a higher transmittance and the cutoff appears to be fairly
close to the 656nm Ha region.
>
> Thanks
> Bob F.
>
>
> ---- Graham <graham@...> wrote:
> > I should have added a heading to my message - using a "terrestrial" Digital
> > camera  - off the shelf Digital camera -  not designed for astronomy (see
> > http://www.astrosurf.com/~buil/filters/nikon.png ) (the only camera I know
> > that is designed for astronomy is the Canon 20Da - but it is out of
> > production - even this camera is not great in the Ha band).
> >
> > Back to the subject:
> > Good point on the IR blocking filter.
> > While I have no first hand data - I have heard some newer Meade IR filters
> > have a sharp cutoff at 659 nm, with the H-alpha emission line of nebulas at
> > 656 nm it would significantly attenuate the Ha wavelength.. (something like
> > 70%). I wish all manufacturers produced freely available spectral
> > transmission charts. Historically I have always used Comar Instruments in
> > Cambridge UK for filters...
> >
> >
> > An Interesting web site for Astronomical Filters Spectral Transmission
> > http://tinyurl.com/2rs6zz and here http://www.astrosurf.com/~buil/filters/
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: bforgiel@... [mailto:bforgiel@...]
> > Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 11:03 AM
> > To: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> > Cc: Graham
> > Subject: RE: [skyscrapers_rias] Re: Hydrogen Alpha Filters
> >
> > Graham,
> > Very good point.
> > I have no idea what the transmission characteristics is for the standard
> > Meade IR filter. It might have poor to no transmission at 656nm.
> >
> > Thanks
> > bob F.
> >
> > ---- Graham <graham@...> wrote:
> > > Hi all:
> > >
> > > For those interested..(just in case it's not common knowledge).
> > >
> > > CCD and CMOS imaging chip are much more sensitive in the IR end of the
> > > "light" spectrum. A Quantum Efficiency  (QE)  of  over 80% is not
> > uncommon.
> > >
> > > Digital sensors, typically  have an IR filter in front of the imaging chip
> > > (removable in astro imagers and fixed in all commercial and consumer
> > digital
> > > camera)  which attenuates infrared energy (BTW IR does not focus at the
> > same
> > > point as visible light). With a standard IR filter in place it's OK for
> > > reflection nebulae and star clusters. Hydrogen-alpha energy  is the
> > glowing
> > > hydrogen that gives emission nebulae their characteristic red color.
> > >
> > > As the sensitivity is by default in the sensor the solution is to replace
> > > the IR filter with one that still blocks the longwave IR, but passes
> > > critical hydrogen-alpha light.
> > >
> > > Graham
> > >
> > > Ps I am in the process of removing the IR filter from a Canon 20D and
> > > replacing with a Ha filter.. Tricky but doable. I am going to compare the
> > > Canon to my Hale Research 1" square  (mega bucks camera to a $600 Canon..
> > >
> > >   _____
> > >
> > > From: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> > > [mailto:skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of barringtonri
> > > Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:09 PM
> > > To: skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com
> > > Subject: [skyscrapers_rias] Re: Hydrogen Alpha Filters
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi Bob,
> > >
> > > The H-alpha is new to me as I'm relatively new to digital imaging.
> > > From what I've been told the 13nm filters are a bit more forgiving,
> > > and since the Astronomik filters have a better reputation than the
> > > Orion filters in general (I do love my Orion Ultrablock) I plan on
> > > picking up the Astronomik at OPT
> > > http://www.optcorp.
> > > <http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633>
> > > com/product.aspx?pid=319-327-1157-861-2633
> > >
> > > Here's M1 I shot on Monday night with an Ox3 filter
> > > http://www.peterson <http://www.peterson-web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg>
> > > -web.com/images/M1inO3flip.jpg
> > >
> > > Here's M1 my ASSNE buddy Steve LaFlamme shot with his Astronomik H-
> > > alpha:
> > > http://img187.
> > > <http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png>
> > > imageshack.us/img187/2166/m1halphaaandswx8.png
> > >
> > > Considering the radical differency in wavelength there doesn't seem
> > > to be a huge amount of difference in structure. But Steve's image
> > > does have more detail. Perhaps it's in the post processing - he's
> > > better at it than I am. But I believe that it's in the filter
> > >
> > > What was really cool was when it PhotoShopped his H-alpha into the
> > > red color slot of his older LRGB image and came up with this:
> > > http://img266.
> > > <http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png>
> > > imageshack.us/img266/6531/crabnebula6copyhh4.png
> > >
> > > How can I resist buying my own H-alpha after seeing that?
> > >
> > > Clear skies,
> > >
> > > Pete Peterson
> > >
> > > --- In skyscrapers_ <mailto:skyscrapers_rias%40yahoogroups.com>
> > > rias@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Forgiel" <bforgiel@...>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Are there any members here that are imaging through an Ha filter?
> > > > If so, has red-shift from a distant object ever caused problems?
> > > > I remember reading a post where red-shift moved the Ha portion out
> > > of
> > > > the range of the 9nm filter on very distant objects. Did anyone
> > > ever
> > > > see this or is anyone using a 13nm.
> > > >
> > > > Orion is listing a Ha filter for 129 and Schuler has one for 200.
> > > > I ordered the Astrodon 9nm HA filter from Astronomics for 275 but
> > > it's
> > > > currently out of stock and has a several week lead time. I'm
> > > assuming
> > > > that it's a better filter than the above mentioned and worth the
> > > wait?
> > > >
> > > > PS: don't forget to volunteer for upcoming star parties ;-)
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > > Bob Forgiel
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >

We still need volunteers for the Portsmouth Middle School on February 12th. We
only have a few volunteers so we are falling way way  short of what we need.

The Christian Home Educators, the lunar eclipse, Cranston High School East and
yet another group of scouts is also in the works. This isn't counting the events
already scheduled for March 12 and 14th. ( Note: the scouts visit that was
scheduled for the 13th has been moved to the 14th. )

We have suddenly had a surge in public interest and numerous recent request.  It
would be a shame for the RIAS to decline or cancel events due to a lack of
Skyscraper participation. We have already suggested public nights to two smaller
groups.

Join us and help some of these youngsters view the night sky in a new way. 
Volunteer @ bforgiel@...



---- bforgiel@... wrote:
> We now have a potential of 3 different star parties on the burner.
> To volunteer for any of them please email me at bforgiel@...
>
> February 12th -
> We now have a solid confirmation for the Portsmouth Middle School on February
12th at 6:30PM. Any member with a scope is encouraged to volunteer and join us.
Over the past year we have had several new members and they are also strongly
encouraged to volunteer. It would be good to see more members become more
directly involved in the society.  Anytime we have an event at a school we
always need as many volunteers as possible. Any members that don't yet have a
scope are still welcome to join us and see what these events are all about.
>
> March 12th @ 7:30 we have close to 40 cub scouts and parents visiting us at
Seagraves. We need volunteers to cover all the societies scopes. A few
additional members scopes would also be helpful.
>
> March 13th @ 7:30 is a potential group of 35 boy scouts and parents that might
be visiting us at Seagraves. We are waiting for a solid confirmation on the date
but I'll toss this out now to give everyone an early notice that there might be
two events back-to-back in March.
>
> Thanks
> Bob Forgiel

For anyone interested, I just received a call pertaining to the
Astrodon 6nm Ha filter. It appears that Astrodon is tightening the
bandwidth of their Ha filter from 6nm to 5nm. Astronomics is calling
their customers that have a back order on the 6nm Ha filter. I guess
the 6nm is no longer available from Astrodon.

Bob Forgiel

Hi Bob,

ASSNE has done a lot of public outreach on Aquidnick Island and we'd
be glad to help out - except that this is the second Saturday of the
month, and thus an ASSNE meeting night.

Some of these outreach events have become huge and I'm hoping to see
some joint Skyscraper/ASSNE events in the near future.  Two that come
to mind are Waterfire and our May 3rd Astronomy Day.  We had 20
scopes in the field at last year's Astronomy Day on the Barrington
Town Hall lawn, and were almost overwhelmed by 1000 attendees.

Clear skies,

Pete Peterson

--- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, <bforgiel@...> wrote:
>
> We still need volunteers for the Portsmouth Middle School on
February 12th. We only have a few volunteers so we are falling way
way  short of what we need.
>
> The Christian Home Educators, the lunar eclipse, Cranston High
School East and yet another group of scouts is also in the works.
This isn't counting the events already scheduled for March 12 and
14th. ( Note: the scouts visit that was scheduled for the 13th has
been moved to the 14th. )
>
> We have suddenly had a surge in public interest and numerous recent
request.  It would be a shame for the RIAS to decline or cancel
events due to a lack of Skyscraper participation. We have already
suggested public nights to two smaller groups.
>
> Join us and help some of these youngsters view the night sky in a
new way.  Volunteer @ bforgiel@...
>
>
>
> ---- bforgiel@... wrote:
> > We now have a potential of 3 different star parties on the burner.
> > To volunteer for any of them please email me at bforgiel@...
> >
> > February 12th -
> > We now have a solid confirmation for the Portsmouth Middle School
on February 12th at 6:30PM. Any member with a scope is encouraged to
volunteer and join us. Over the past year we have had several new
members and they are also strongly encouraged to volunteer. It would
be good to see more members become more directly involved in the
society.  Anytime we have an event at a school we always need as many
volunteers as possible. Any members that don't yet have a scope are
still welcome to join us and see what these events are all about.
> >
> > March 12th @ 7:30 we have close to 40 cub scouts and parents
visiting us at Seagraves. We need volunteers to cover all the
societies scopes. A few additional members scopes would also be
helpful.
> >
> > March 13th @ 7:30 is a potential group of 35 boy scouts and
parents that might be visiting us at Seagraves. We are waiting for a
solid confirmation on the date but I'll toss this out now to give
everyone an early notice that there might be two events back-to-back
in March.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Bob Forgiel
>

Hello to All,

   I was checking out some of the Venus/Jupiter pairing photos on
spaceweather.com and saw one taken by Bill Gucfa.  Very nice photo
Bill!

   If weather permits will check it out again Saturday morning.  I
had previously viewed the pairing Thursday morning while heading to
work.  Also if the weather is not to bad this evening, I hope to be
at the meeting.

Clear skies to all,

Dave Rose
Higganum, Ct.
david.rose@...

Hello, everyone.

I have a Vixen GP DX equatorial mount for sale. I thought I would offer it to
our club
members before I sell it on Astromart.

It is a like new condition GP DX with an HAL 110 tripod, illuminated polar
alignment scope,
dual MT-1 motors, and DD-1 controller.

I have had this mount for a few years and it performs flawlessly. I have
upgraded all the
knobs and, when the mount was new, replaced the Japanese "glue" grease with a
high
quality lithium grease. Very smooth operation at any temperature. This is a
highly
regarded mount by any standard.

Asking $750.00 US.

Reason for sale: I upgraded to a Vixen SXD Sphinx mount.

Anthony Tripodi     401-573-0659 or e-mail. I'm in Warwick, RI, and, for those
who don't
know me, I'm a member of the Skyscrapers.

Thanks, and good seeing!

Tony

Tony,
You might want to mention it at the next Skyscrapers meeting.
There are still many Skyscrapers that have not yet joined us in the Yahoo group.

Bob Forgiel


---- atripodi2000 <daedalus1@...> wrote:
> Hello, everyone.
>
> I have a Vixen GP DX equatorial mount for sale. I thought I would offer it to
our club
> members before I sell it on Astromart.
>
> It is a like new condition GP DX with an HAL 110 tripod, illuminated polar
alignment scope,
> dual MT-1 motors, and DD-1 controller.
>
> I have had this mount for a few years and it performs flawlessly. I have
upgraded all the
> knobs and, when the mount was new, replaced the Japanese "glue" grease with a
high
> quality lithium grease. Very smooth operation at any temperature. This is a
highly
> regarded mount by any standard.
>
> Asking $750.00 US.
>
> Reason for sale: I upgraded to a Vixen SXD Sphinx mount.
>
> Anthony Tripodi     401-573-0659 or e-mail. I'm in Warwick, RI, and, for those
who don't
> know me, I'm a member of the Skyscrapers.
>
> Thanks, and good seeing!
>
> Tony
>
>
>
>

Weather kept me away from last Friday (Feb 1 meeting).

I assume it took place?

Graham Pattison



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

Despite the rainy weather the meeting went normally and Prof. Collins
talk on the Saturanian moons was excellent.

   Bob N.


--- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "Graham" <graham@...> wrote:
>
> Weather kept me away from last Friday (Feb 1 meeting).
>
> I assume it took place?
>
> Graham Pattison
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

A friend of mine that is a scout leader is interested in bringing some
cub scouts to Seagrave on Wednesday, March 5th at 6:30pm.

Bob, is the schedule free for this night? I am willing to volunteer for
that night. Is anyone else available?

-Bob Horton

I am available March 5th @ 6:30

ALSO:  anyone interested or willing to teach a "Sky Search" merit
badge to 10 nine yr old girls scouts?

The requirments are 6 of the following 9

1) Maping the Skies     Learn how to use a star map
2) Constellations       Learn to identify 5
3) Direction            Learn about the North Star
4) Planets              Learn the planets that are visible to the
naked eye
5) Connect the Dots     Learn 2 stories of ancient cultures, that
were used to explain the stars
6) Tools or the Trade   Learn parts & Magnifications of a telescope
7) Time for the Moon    Phases, age, features
8) The Sky is Falling   Learn about meteors & comets
9) Mission: Space       Learn about current space missions


Glenn
>

Then March 5th it is, I'll add it to the list.

March 13th with the Christian Home Educators is also now officially scheduled.
That will now be 3 events in a row (12th,13th,& 14th) followed by a public night
on the 15th. Stock up on hand warmers..

Portsmouth appears to be clouded out that whole week. I'll verify if they want
another date.

Cranston appears to be a go (eclipse on the 20th) but I still did not receive a
location yet. We won't have much notice for this one. Any volunteers should
speak up and I'll add you to the list and keep you updated.

Bob Forgiel

---- gsj2034 <glenn.jackson@...> wrote:
> I am available March 5th @ 6:30
>
> ALSO:  anyone interested or willing to teach a "Sky Search" merit
> badge to 10 nine yr old girls scouts?
>
> The requirments are 6 of the following 9
>
> 1) Maping the Skies     Learn how to use a star map
> 2) Constellations       Learn to identify 5
> 3) Direction            Learn about the North Star
> 4) Planets              Learn the planets that are visible to the
> naked eye
> 5) Connect the Dots     Learn 2 stories of ancient cultures, that
> were used to explain the stars
> 6) Tools or the Trade   Learn parts & Magnifications of a telescope
> 7) Time for the Moon    Phases, age, features
> 8) The Sky is Falling   Learn about meteors & comets
> 9) Mission: Space       Learn about current space missions
>
>
> Glenn
> >
>
>

If the weather does not cooperate - at least here's an animation of the
total lunar Eclipse.

http://shadowandsubstance.com/






CRANSTON STAR PARTY IS CANCELED!

NEXT STAR PARTY .......HELP!

Wednesday February 27th         7PM @ Portsmouth Middle School 150+
We need you and your telescope!   Contact Bob Forgiel  bforgiel@...

   _____

More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail
<http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/text.htm?ncid=ao
lcmp00050000000003> !



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

There are three images of QUASARS in the Photos section, under
SCITUATE OBSERVATORY folder, taken with a an SBIG ST9 EX CCD camera
and a Meade 14" at f/6.
They are identified by the annotation on the individual
images and their descriptions.

Quasar 0405-123, z=0.57 corresponds to a distance of 5.5 Billion
(6.9) light years
Quasar 0957+561, z=1.31 corresponds to a distance of 9.1 Billion
(13.8) light years
Quasar 1306+301, z=03.16 corresponds to a distance of 11.6 Billion
(21.6) light years

The first distance number represent the light travel time (age of the
photons in Billions of years) that formed these digital images.

The figures in parenthesis are the "co-moving" distances as they
are "now" and accounting for the expansion of the universe since the
Big Bang time of about 14 Billion years ago.

QSO 0957+561 A and B (Quasi-Stellar Object or QSO) is a double image
of one QSO. The double star like images, separated by 6 arc-seconds
in the image, is really a gravitational lens effect as predicted by
Einstein's General Relativity Theory, hence the A and B image
designations of a very distant galaxy nucleus in the earlier universe.

QSO 1306+301, is not imaged very clearly. It was taken through a
slight cloud cover. It's redshift distance is z=3.16 or 11.6 Billion
light years and a co-moving distance of 21.6 Billion light years.

Bob Napier

Bob,

Those images are great.  I've just done some quick reading on
0957+561 and fine it amazing that this type of object(s) is within
the reach of the amatuer astronomer.

Thanks for sharing your work.

Lloyd Merrill

--- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "starman361"
<bob_napier@...> wrote:
>
> There are three images of QUASARS in the Photos section, under
> SCITUATE OBSERVATORY folder, taken with a an SBIG ST9 EX CCD camera
> and a Meade 14" at f/6.
> They are identified by the annotation on the individual
> images and their descriptions.
>
> Quasar 0405-123, z=0.57 corresponds to a distance of 5.5 Billion
> (6.9) light years
> Quasar 0957+561, z=1.31 corresponds to a distance of 9.1 Billion
> (13.8) light years
> Quasar 1306+301, z=03.16 corresponds to a distance of 11.6 Billion
> (21.6) light years
>
> The first distance number represent the light travel time (age of
the
> photons in Billions of years) that formed these digital images.
>
> The figures in parenthesis are the "co-moving" distances as they
> are "now" and accounting for the expansion of the universe since the
> Big Bang time of about 14 Billion years ago.
>
> QSO 0957+561 A and B (Quasi-Stellar Object or QSO) is a double image
> of one QSO. The double star like images, separated by 6 arc-seconds
> in the image, is really a gravitational lens effect as predicted by
> Einstein's General Relativity Theory, hence the A and B image
> designations of a very distant galaxy nucleus in the earlier
universe.
>
> QSO 1306+301, is not imaged very clearly. It was taken through a
> slight cloud cover. It's redshift distance is z=3.16 or 11.6 Billion
> light years and a co-moving distance of 21.6 Billion light years.
>
> Bob Napier
>

--- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "starman361" <bob_napier@...>
wrote:
>
> There are three images of QUASARS in the Photos section, under
> SCITUATE OBSERVATORY folder, taken with a an SBIG ST9 EX CCD camera
> and a Meade 14" at f/6.
> They are identified by the annotation on the individual
> images and their descriptions.
>
> Quasar 0405-123, z=0.57 corresponds to a distance of 5.5 Billion
> (6.9) light years
> Quasar 0957+561, z=1.31 corresponds to a distance of 9.1 Billion
> (13.8) light years
> Quasar 1306+301, z=03.16 corresponds to a distance of 11.6 Billion
> (21.6) light years
>
> The first distance number represent the light travel time (age of the
> photons in Billions of years) that formed these digital images.
>
> The figures in parenthesis are the "co-moving" distances as they
> are "now" and accounting for the expansion of the universe since the
> Big Bang time of about 14 Billion years ago.
>
> QSO 0957+561 A and B (Quasi-Stellar Object or QSO) is a double image
> of one QSO. The double star like images, separated by 6 arc-seconds
> in the image, is really a gravitational lens effect as predicted by
> Einstein's General Relativity Theory, hence the A and B image
> designations of a very distant galaxy nucleus in the earlier universe.
>
> QSO 1306+301, is not imaged very clearly. It was taken through a
> slight cloud cover. It's redshift distance is z=3.16 or 11.6 Billion
> light years and a co-moving distance of 21.6 Billion light years.
>
> Bob Napier
>

Very nice Bob.  What are the visual magnitudes of these QSOs?

If you have a larger resolution image I can put in next month's
newsletter.  Thanks!

Hello All, great images Bob N. and Bob F.
I am thinking about purchasing this book;

Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing (HAIP)
and its integral
AIP for Windows 2.0 image processing software (AIP4Win2.0)
http://www.willbell.com/aip/index.htm

I was wondering if anyone has this book or software and could tell me
if it is worth the $99.00 they are asking for it?

Clear Skies

Tracey

I have the original edition and I think the most recent version is well
worth the $99.  The book alone has very detailed  and helpful
descriptions of image processing techniques used in the software that
comes with the book.  The book contains many mathematical formulas and
algorithms but can be bypassed if not mathematically inclined.

  Bob Napier

--- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "T Haley" <thaley1968@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello All, great images Bob N. and Bob F.
> I am thinking about purchasing this book;
>
> Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing (HAIP)
> and its integral
> AIP for Windows 2.0 image processing software (AIP4Win2.0)
> http://www.willbell.com/aip/index.htm
>
> I was wondering if anyone has this book or software and could tell me
> if it is worth the $99.00 they are asking for it?
>
> Clear Skies
>
> Tracey
>

>
> What are the visual magnitudes of these QSOs?
>

Quasar 0405-123 is about red magnitude 14.8
Quasar 0957+561 is about red magnitude 16.7
Quasar 1306+301 is about red magnitude 18.1

The magnitudes may be a couple tenths of magnitude fainter in visual
wavelengths.

>
> ..... larger resolution image ....
>

A larger resolution image of QSO 0957+561(A&B) gravitationally lensed
quasar is in the Photos folder under Scituate Observatory.

   Bob Napier


--- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Hendrickson" <jim@...>
wrote:
>
> --- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "starman361" <bob_napier@>
> wrote:
> >
> > There are three images of QUASARS in the Photos section, under
> > SCITUATE OBSERVATORY folder, taken with a an SBIG ST9 EX CCD
camera
> > and a Meade 14" at f/6.
> > They are identified by the annotation on the individual
> > images and their descriptions.
> >
> > Quasar 0405-123, z=0.57 corresponds to a distance of 5.5 Billion
> > (6.9) light years
> > Quasar 0957+561, z=1.31 corresponds to a distance of 9.1 Billion
> > (13.8) light years
> > Quasar 1306+301, z=03.16 corresponds to a distance of 11.6 Billion
> > (21.6) light years
> >
> > The first distance number represent the light travel time (age of
the
> > photons in Billions of years) that formed these digital images.
> >
> > The figures in parenthesis are the "co-moving" distances as they
> > are "now" and accounting for the expansion of the universe since
the
> > Big Bang time of about 14 Billion years ago.
> >
> > QSO 0957+561 A and B (Quasi-Stellar Object or QSO) is a double
image
> > of one QSO. The double star like images, separated by 6 arc-
seconds
> > in the image, is really a gravitational lens effect as predicted
by
> > Einstein's General Relativity Theory, hence the A and B image
> > designations of a very distant galaxy nucleus in the earlier
universe.
> >
> > QSO 1306+301, is not imaged very clearly. It was taken through a
> > slight cloud cover. It's redshift distance is z=3.16 or 11.6
Billion
> > light years and a co-moving distance of 21.6 Billion light years.
> >
> > Bob Napier
> >
>
> Very nice Bob.  What are the visual magnitudes of these QSOs?
>
> If you have a larger resolution image I can put in next month's
> newsletter.  Thanks!
>

Thanks Bob, I appreciate the reply. I have been looking at this book
and software for some time now, and have just been trying to talk
myself into spending the money. I have read many books that have not
been well written on the subject or don't cover the information I am
looking for. This book seems to cover all that I am looking for and I
have enjoyed other books writen by Berry. Thanks for your help, I
value your opinion!

Clear Skies

Tracey


--- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "starman361"
<bob_napier@...> wrote:
>
> I have the original edition and I think the most recent version is
well
> worth the $99.  The book alone has very detailed  and helpful
> descriptions of image processing techniques used in the software
that
> comes with the book.  The book contains many mathematical formulas
and
> algorithms but can be bypassed if not mathematically inclined.
>
>  Bob Napier
>
> --- In skyscrapers_rias@yahoogroups.com, "T Haley" <thaley1968@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello All, great images Bob N. and Bob F.
> > I am thinking about purchasing this book;
> >
> > Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing (HAIP)
> > and its integral
> > AIP for Windows 2.0 image processing software (AIP4Win2.0)
> > http://www.willbell.com/aip/index.htm
> >
> > I was wondering if anyone has this book or software and could
tell me
> > if it is worth the $99.00 they are asking for it?
> >
> > Clear Skies
> >
> > Tracey
> >
>

"hi old friends, this is David Kasper... a previous skyscraper member
now living in the rocky mountains of Colorado,where the milky way is
like paint.

hey glenn, could you please post this to the group? thanks...

wondering if anyone back in RI knows anyone in the Colorado area...
any in Colorado involved in that whole abstract idea of staring
upward at strange distant lights that we cannot visit or truly
understand...

I was recently teaching astronomy at the MOSI planetarium and mars
visit simulation in Tampa. anyone ever visit?

just saying hello, looking forward to seeing everyone again, when I
returnto RI.

cheers,David kasper"

Moderator PS - David has been added to our discussion group if anyone
wishes to reply to him via this group.

Hello David


              I am familiar with a few people involved in astronomy in the
Colorado area.  First are the Bisque Brothers (especially Tom) of  Software
Bisque in Golden,

and Randy and Judy Cunningham of AstroSystems in Lasalle (formally of
Evergreen).  I am certain that they would give you plenty of leads in helping
you to find

kindred skywatchers, no matter in what area of Colorado you are located.  I hope
this helps.



Sincerely

Roger Forsythe

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

This is a really cool "Group Photo"  of all of us together!

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/MRO/multimedia/mro20080303earth.html


--
Regards & Clear Skies
Allen T. Hall

Sr Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer
JDSUniphase
45 Griffin Rd South
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860)243-6625

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

The Clear Sky Clock is calling for clear skies this evening, and we
have a group of cub scouts visiting the observatory tonight. I will be
at Seagrave by 6pm. The scouts are due to arrive around 6:30pm.

We need to be careful concerning where people park their cars. After
the heavy rain that fell last night and early this morning, our parking
lot is likely to be pretty muddy. If you are helping out tonight,
please try to be at the observatory by 6pm so that we can direct people
to park away from the center of the lot where water tends to pool. We
should try to have most, if not all, of the cars park behind one
another on the driveway, up to the inner wall.

I'll see you tonight.

Bob Horton

Not wanting to waste a clear night, given how lousy the weather has
been lately, I packed up the Pronto and headed to the observatory last
night with Pennington's Messier Marathon Field Guide.

When I arrived at 2030 I set up in the parking lot to get a quick view
of the crescent moon through the WNW sky now made available by the
removal of the trees to the south of the clubhouse.  This was also my
first field test of a recently acquired TMB 9mm Supermonocentric.  The
eyepiece framed the moon in the 480mm scope almost perfectly, with
little sky visible around the edge.  Earthshine was very prominent and
I was able to make out the maria and other major features on the dark
side of the moon.  There was also one lone sunlit peak just off the
south limb of the crescent.

My original thought was to try to get M33 and M31 early on, but having
spent about a half hour on the moon, these objects had sunk pretty low
and by this time the transparency was worsening, so it was on to some
of the star clusters.  For the observations I used the 13mm Ethos as a
lower power "finder" and except for larger objects, the 9mm TMB as my
primary observation eyepiece.

M45, M36, M37, M1
First grab was M45.  The Pleiades are always worth a look whenever
they're up.  Then over to the cluster in Auriga.  M36 and M37 are
often overlooked, but they reside in a spectacularly rich star field
in the Milky Way and provide great views even in a small scope.  M1,
the Crab Nebula is a surprisingly easy target in the 70mm scope and
spending a few minutes looking at it reminded me of the 2006 New
Mexico trip, from looking at it in a 24 inch scope at GNTO to hiking
out to Supernova Petroglyph the next day.

Before moving on I wanted to try the TMB 9mm on a couple of double
stars.  One of my old favorites, Mizar provided a nice view, with both
Mizar and Alcor being visible in the field, and the wide double was
easily split.  Next was gamma Leonis, a much tighter split that
deserved a high power look.  I then looked at Saturn for a bit.

M42, M43, M78
It was time to move the scope into the courtyard to look at a
different section of sky.  Orion was getting a bit low in the trees so
I wanted view some of its Messiers before losing them.  Like the
Pleiades, M42 & M43 are also an "every time they're out" object to
view.  M78, a small patch of nebulosity between Betelguese and ALnitak
was easily picked up at low power.

At this time I planned to go back into Perseus to grab the Messiers
there before they sunk too low.  Unfortunately by this time haze was
beginning to fill much of the sky to the north, and I knew that I
wouldn't be able to spot much through it.  The scope was then moved
to the back lot for viewing of Canis Major.

M51, M93, M46, M7, M50
With Sirius still well placed, it was time to grab all of the Messier
clusters in the vicinity.  M46 and M47 have been perennial favorites,
but I hadn't looked at the other clusters probably since my last
sincere attempt at a Messier Marathon 13 years ago.

M38, M35, M48, M44
Back northward, I had skipped a cluster in Auriga that I wanted to
pick up before it was too late.  Then moving back into Gemini I
noticed Mars was fairly close to where M35 is.  Using low power I
zeroed right in on M35 and spend a few minutes studying it at low
power.  After a little while I figured I pick up Mars since I was in
the area.  Knowing that Mars is rather far away now that even high
power wouldn't reveal any detail, I turned the declination knob until
Mars was in view.  I was instantly in awe at what I was looking at,
and knew right away that this was the highlight of the entire session.
  With M35 still gracing the view on one half of the Ethos 100-degree
field of view, Mars blazed prominently on the other side.  It has been
said by many observers that M35 contains an asterism that appears as
an arrowhead, and it is one of those asterisms that doesn't take a
stretch of the imagination to see.  But here, the spectacle was that
the arrowhead was pointing directly at Mars.

Continuing southward, I picked up M44 (which was the last of the 3
naked eye Messiers I observed), then on to yet another overlooked, but
otherwise worthwhile cluster M48.

M81, M82, M97, M51, M40, M101
At the point, the Big Dipper was riding high overhead and I knew my
session would end soon as the temperature was dropping quite a bit and
I didn't come prepared for a lengthy stay (had this been a weekend I
would have planned for a longer session).

M81 and M82 were right about at transit, so what better time to view
them.  I had forgotten how difficult it is to move a GEM around this
close to the pole.  Within a couple of minutes I spotted the
spectacular galaxy pair, which is another perennial favorite.  These
were also the first galaxies of the night, and even though M81 and M82
are a bright pair, I was moving into the more difficult realm of the
Messiers, at least when it comes to using small aperture with a fair
amount of light pollution.

Next was M97, one of only 4 planetary nebulae on the Messier list and
the only one I would view tonight.  Nearby M108 was the only Messier I
attempted, but couldn't not locate.  I recall this being a difficult
object, but I know I've seen it in the Pronto before.  Perhaps putting
in the 9mm Nagler would have brought it out, but I wanted to continue
on with the list as I knew I would be ending the session soon.

M40 is the only double star in the Messier list, and rather
conspicuous even at low power.  This was followed by M101 and M51.

M67, M65, M66, M105, M95, M96
I missed the cluster M67 in Cancer on my first pass through the region
so went back to get it before proceeding with the galaxies in Leo.
Looking for galaxies, especially in this part of the sky where the
light pollution is a bit more of an obstacle, I went to the 9mm Nagler
for finding, since the higher magnification provides better contrast.
  M65 and M66 in the lion's hindquarters were an easy pick, as was
M105, but the visibility of a few NGC galaxies in the area made M95
and M96 a little difficult to identify.

Closing out the Messier hunt I moved again to Saturn.  The ringed
planet was now near transit and provided a nice view at high power.
Finally I wanted to get one last look at Mars and M35.

I wrapped it up at about 2355 and bagged a total of 28 Messiers (25%).
  I know I could have seen many more, even withouht staying later.  I
could have seen at least a half-dozen more during the early part, and
I hadn't exhausted the visible part of the sky during the last part of
my session, as I hadn't looked at any objects in Coma Bereneces,
Draco, or Virgo.  Even the globular cluster M3 had just broken through
the trees at this point, but I was getting cold and not being a
weekend I hadn't planned on staying too late.

This past Saturday, family visited the Clay Center in Brookline, MA. It
is a top-notch facility. The reason for our visit was their "Town Hall
Meeting on Space Travel," put on by the Planetary Society, and hosted
by Bill Nye "The Science Guy."
It was a good talk on the future of space travel, and the funding of it.
There were many good questions asked and answered.
I found the obseratory to be very impressive, and thought I would soon
return to do some observing there. I have posted a few photos of my
visit for all to see!

Here is their website

http://www.dexter-southfield.org/podium/default.aspx?t=11328

Clear Skies

Tracey