http://www.bautforum.com/ Discuss telescopes, binoculars and anything you need to watch the skies. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:03:22 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.bautforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.bautforum.com/ http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96954-europa-annularly-transits-ganymede-nov-23-a.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:06:10 GMT I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Ganymede during the evening of 2009 NOV 23. This event will be visible from western North America, but not in the east where Jupiter will already have set. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable. Europa Annularly Transits Ganymede 2009 NOV 23 PST (UT-8) 20:39:30 PST Partial Transit Begins 20:41:50 PST Annular Transit Begins 20:42:37 PST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers 20:43:25 PST Annular Transit Ends 20:45:46 PST Partial Transit Ends Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Ganymede during the evening of 2009 NOV 23. This event will be visible from western North America, but not in the east where Jupiter will already have set. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable.

Europa Annularly Transits Ganymede
2009 NOV 23 PST (UT-8)

20:39:30 PST Partial Transit Begins
20:41:50 PST Annular Transit Begins
20:42:37 PST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers
20:43:25 PST Annular Transit Ends
20:45:46 PST Partial Transit Ends

Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories Centaur http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96954-europa-annularly-transits-ganymede-nov-23-a.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96755-europa-annularly-transits-io-nov-19-a.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:49:47 GMT I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Io during the evening of 2009 NOV 19. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable. Europa Annularly Transits Io 2009 NOV 19 CST (UT-6) 22:19:15 CST Partial Transit Begins 22:21:04 CST Annular Transit Begins 22:21:12 CST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers 22:21:21 CST Annular Transit Ends 22:23:11 CST Partial Transit Ends Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Io during the evening of 2009 NOV 19. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable.

Europa Annularly Transits Io
2009 NOV 19 CST (UT-6)

22:19:15 CST Partial Transit Begins
22:21:04 CST Annular Transit Begins
22:21:12 CST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers
22:21:21 CST Annular Transit Ends
22:23:11 CST Partial Transit Ends

Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories Centaur http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96755-europa-annularly-transits-io-nov-19-a.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96736-overnight-camera.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:55:56 GMT For the Leonids tonight, I'm thinking of trying to run my camera all night with a plastic bag protecting most of it. I hope the camera/battery charging will keep it warm enough to prevent dew. (Yeah, I'd rather stay awake and aim the camera but have a schedule conflict... at least I have a secure location.)

With the early sunset I can take some time to try to find a reasonable exposure and timer setting. Any suggestions for likely digital camera (Canon Rebel XTi) settings? I usually use a 70mm lens but also have a manual 40mm.

Any other suggestions for such lame astronomy? ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories Light Waving http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96736-overnight-camera.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96628-help-w-richter-telescope.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:53:32 GMT I'm trying to find out information on a Richter telescope that I think was made in Chicago. It was obtained in the earlier 1900's; possibly 1930's??? Anyway, can someone tell me where to goto to find out history and possibly what it might be worth? Thanks! ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories gnotter http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96628-help-w-richter-telescope.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96625-source-large-mirrors.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:53:35 GMT Looking to source various mirrors for a couple custom telescopes, ranging from 20" to to 48"+, possibly even 60", suitable for Cassegrain design.


If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

thanks,

djn ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories djnbig http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96625-source-large-mirrors.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96621-leonid-meteor-showers-november.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:05:22 GMT I know the shower will be widely visible in Central Asia and countries like India, Nepal and China have been mentioned. Well, i was just wondering if anyone knows whether people in pakistan can see it too...would be much obliged. have never seen a shooting star before. i guess lots of wishes will be coming true on november 17th I know the shower will be widely visible in Central Asia and countries like India, Nepal and China have been mentioned. Well, i was just wondering if anyone knows whether people in pakistan can see it too...would be much obliged. have never seen a shooting star before. i guess lots of wishes will be coming true on november 17th ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories technology log http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96621-leonid-meteor-showers-november.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96619-november-new-moon-spotting.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:20:46 GMT Who will be the first to spot the November New Moon with naked eyes after sunset? The Dark Moon will be in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2009 NOV 16 at 19:14 UT (13:14 CST).

We’re still in the period surrounding the autumnal equinox in which really young Moon spotting is quite a challenge for northern hemisphere observers. The first opportunity for those of us in the north could come during the early evening of November 17, although that may not be realistic. Many will have to wait until at least November 18.

I’ve created two graphics previewing the southwestern sky from Chicagoland shortly after sunset on November 17 & 18, although they should well serve most North American observers. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical

Photos and descriptions of the November New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!

Below is a photo I took from Arlington Heights, Illinois of the Moon aged 1.5 days beneath Mercury and Venus on 2008 DEC 28.

]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories Centaur http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96619-november-new-moon-spotting.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96570-europa-annularly-transits-ganymede-nov-16-a.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:25:22 GMT I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Ganymede during the evening of 2009 NOV 16. At the same time Callisto will be in transit across Jupiter. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable. Europa Annularly Transits Ganymede 2009 NOV 16 CST (UT-6) 19:19:28 CST Partial Transit Begins 19:21:48 CST Annular Transit Begins 19:22:32 CST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers 19:23:16 CST Annular Transit Ends 19:25:36 CST Partial Transit Ends Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Ganymede during the evening of 2009 NOV 16. At the same time Callisto will be in transit across Jupiter. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable.

Europa Annularly Transits Ganymede
2009 NOV 16 CST (UT-6)

19:19:28 CST Partial Transit Begins
19:21:48 CST Annular Transit Begins
19:22:32 CST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers
19:23:16 CST Annular Transit Ends
19:25:36 CST Partial Transit Ends

Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories Centaur http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96570-europa-annularly-transits-ganymede-nov-16-a.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96548-re-psu.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:19:23 GMT How is this about "Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories"? ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories aastrotech http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96548-re-psu.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96466-stone-circle.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:00:02 GMT My parents have a property 1/2 way up the side of an old volcano in NZ. They are looking at building a stone circle on it.

We were trying to think of cool things to mark out with it. Compass points, and sunrise/sets on the various solstices' sprang instantly to mind. Then more exotic and random suggestions came up.. things like trying to build a stone GPS Almanac. We figure we've only hit the tip of the sort of stuff that could be done with a stone circle so I come here asking all of you for your ideas and suggestions as to what we could mark out.

I've thrown a 3D model of Stonehenge onto the location we would be using in google earth if you want to take a look at where and what sort of scale. We aren’t aiming for as many stones as I have shown there, (budget and well... it's more physical work than we are aiming for :)).

So please post as many suggestions of things we could mark out/use a stone circle for as possible. The geekier the better :).

Qyiet ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories qyiet http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96466-stone-circle.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96461-conveniant-map-celestial-sphere.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:25:47 GMT I know it might be better too get some actual book on astronomy, but I figure there must be some things I can find on the net. I've managed to locate a few 2D maps with the constellations and stuff, but I'm wondering if any you guys have really good maps. Maybe 3D ones? Like, that run on Java or something.

If you could offer up some links and suggested maps I would be very appreciative. I've been trying to familiarize myself with astronomy lately and working without a good map is hard. ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories Philippe Lemay http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96461-conveniant-map-celestial-sphere.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96412-buying-reflector.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:51:27 GMT I've been observing with all kinds binoculars for some time now. I have a little spotting scope I also use, and another junk refractor. I have plenty of sights with my binoculars, but I need to move up; I want a reflector.

I'll be observing the usual deep sky objects, I imagine I'll fit my Canon to the scope and take some photos as well.

But with that said there is still a lot I don't know about scopes. Are digital scopes really worth it? I'm pretty familiar with the sky at least in the North and maps and software like Stellarium are my best tools yet. But then I'm used to a field of view 5deg across or so. I need something fairly portable.

I'm looking into some 8-10in dobs or newtonians-- Meades, Celstrons, Orions-- but I'm completely overwhelmed with options.

For my first real scope I'm hoping $500 or less. ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories blkqi http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96412-buying-reflector.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96402-help-processing-images.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:46:00 GMT im diko im a amateur stargazer i took sum imagers of jupiter 2wks ago using a celestron neximager but dont knw how to process the imagers i dont even knw how to send the imagers to all of u members please someone help me im diko im a amateur stargazer i took sum imagers of jupiter 2wks ago using a celestron neximager but dont knw how to process the imagers i dont even knw how to send the imagers to all of u members please someone help me ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories diko http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96402-help-processing-images.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96232-dew-zapping.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:53:37 GMT Hi all. I have long been fighting with dew. Can get a good hour or two then the dew comes to spoil the good times. I have done some research online and found the cost of most of the controllers and bands to be a bit on the high side. In addition, I have read a number of instructions on how to build a controller circuit with a 555 timer and the heating bands with resistors in parallel or series. I was wondering what others around here use to fight the dew. Any ideas and comments on what to use for my scope would be greatly appreciated. I have an Orion SkyQuest XT10i Computerized IntelliScope (http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=orion_dobsonians/~pcategory=orion_telescopes/~product_id=27184). I would like to have zapping potential on the finder scope, secondary mirror, and the eyepiece. Hi all.
I have long been fighting with dew. Can get a good hour or two then the dew comes to spoil the good times.
I have done some research online and found the cost of most of the controllers and bands to be a bit on the high side. In addition, I have read a number of instructions on how to build a controller circuit with a 555 timer and the heating bands with resistors in parallel or series.

I was wondering what others around here use to fight the dew.
Any ideas and comments on what to use for my scope would be greatly appreciated.

I have an Orion SkyQuest XT10i Computerized IntelliScope.
I would like to have zapping potential on the finder scope, secondary mirror, and the eyepiece. ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories stktos http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96232-dew-zapping.html http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96219-europa-annularly-transits-io-nov-12-a.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:14:44 GMT I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Io during the evening of 2009 NOV 12. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable. Europa Annularly Transits Io 2009 NOV 12 CST (UT-6) 20:03:41 CST Partial Transit Begins 20:05:29 CST Annular Transit Begins 20:05:36 CST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers 20:05:44 CST Annular Transit Ends 20:07:33 CST Partial Transit Ends Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. I predict that Jupiter’s Galilean satellite Europa will appear in annular transit across Io during the evening of 2009 NOV 12. I’ve created two diagrams. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole, and the second is a view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical . Below is my timetable.

Europa Annularly Transits Io
2009 NOV 12 CST (UT-6)

20:03:41 CST Partial Transit Begins
20:05:29 CST Annular Transit Begins
20:05:36 CST Minimum Separation between Satellite Centers
20:05:44 CST Annular Transit Ends
20:07:33 CST Partial Transit Ends

Photos, descriptions and timings of this event would be welcome additions to this thread. ]]> Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories Centaur http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/96219-europa-annularly-transits-io-nov-12-a.html