Presenting at RASC meeting this Friday night about possible meteor outburst on May 31!
Hello all,
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I'll be doing a presentation at this Friday night's RASC Ottawa meeting (on the Zoom platform) about the upcoming Tau Herculids meteor shower on the night of May 30/31, 2022. ?This meteor shower that you might have never heard about might be spectacular, and the circumstances are ideal for visibility from Ottawa (if the sky is clear). ?For details and registration, see below. ?The meetings are open to members and the public too!
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https://ottawa.rasc.ca
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https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5416489423714/WN_VFha84J3SKKXC_CRe3R8LA
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Clear skies!
Pierre
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Re: Inexpensive solar filter
Thank you for this idea. Brilliantly simple. I have a second filter
to build for a kid who got a small telescope (definitely lower end)
for Christmas so I will probably redo mine at the same time.
On 2022-04-11 5:41 p.m., Ingrid wrote:
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I
got my hands on some leftover stiff pink insulating
foam. I cut some rough chunks to be manageable, and
stacked them on top of each other to be able to make a
matched set. I taped them together with painters tape so
they’d stay together while I cut them. ?I had access to
a hot wire cutter, and cut two concentric circles in the
double layer. The inner circle matched the outer
diameter of my scope, and the outer one was an extra 2”
on the radius to make a rigid doughnut (4” total extra
diameter). Hint: cut the outer circle first, so you can
use the same center reference for both circles.
I
sandwiched the film between the two foam circles, and
glued it in place. And then I coloured the whole thing
black with a marker, so it wouldn’t look so obvious. I
put black hockey tape around the outside edge to reduce
any chance of the layers coming apart. Bonus: it hides
some of the imperfections. Works like a charm, and fits
snugly.
One
thing I would change: I glued it on a table top. Turns
out my bottom-of-the-line scope tube isn’t quite round,
so the filter is perfectly flat… until I put it on the
scope. I’d suggest anyone doing this glue it together
while the ring is on the scope, and mark which way needs
to be up.
?
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Re: New to the group, need a telescope
Hey Tris! Sorry how it all worked out, but glad you landed on your feet as an electrician apprentice! Steady work…. As for myself, I have been retired for almost ten years! Unfortunately I lost my wife in December 2019. This was followed by Covid-19, so a general shit show! Looking forward to getting back to sidewalk outreach soon, and excited to attend Starfest in August!
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On Apr 12, 2022, at 8:50 PM, Tristan Young <tryoung@...> wrote:
? Hi Richard!
How are you?
The store moving to Merivale Rd wasn't something Kent had any say in, he was put in a long-term care home.? His wife took over mid-2019.? In 2020, she really wanted out of the old location.? Not before long, a lease was signed for the Merivale location.
It was a nice location, big open space.? Black walls, new flooring.? Only 15 minutes drive from my house, and almost a stone's throw from Diffraction Limited Inc.? The limited storage, and loud furnace/central air were the biggest points against it.? Unfortunately the location was more expensive to lease, and there were additional expenses, such as natural gas.? But we could have made it work, if only we were provided with the means to do so.? Supply chain woes was helpful, but not the reason for the downfall.
I'll tell you about it sometime.? The employees and I are absolutely shocked and depressed about it.
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Re: New to the group, need a telescope
Hi Richard!
How are you?
The store moving to Merivale Rd wasn't something Kent had any say in, he was put in a long-term care home.? His wife took over mid-2019.? In 2020, she really wanted out of the old location.? Not before long, a lease was signed for the Merivale location.
It was a nice location, big open space.? Black walls, new flooring.? Only 15 minutes drive from my house, and almost a stone's throw from Diffraction Limited Inc.? The limited storage, and loud furnace/central air were the biggest points against it.? Unfortunately the location was more expensive to lease, and there were additional expenses, such as natural gas.? But we could have made it work, if only we were provided with the means to do so.? Supply chain woes was helpful, but not the reason for the downfall.
I'll tell you about it sometime.? The employees and I are absolutely shocked and depressed about it.
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Re: Inexpensive solar filter
I got my hands on some leftover stiff pink insulating foam. I cut some rough chunks to be manageable, and stacked them on top of each other to be able to make a matched set. I taped them together with painters tape so they’d stay together while I cut them. ?I had access to a hot wire cutter, and cut two concentric circles in the double layer. The inner circle matched the outer diameter of my scope, and the outer one was an extra 2” on the radius to make a rigid doughnut (4” total extra diameter). Hint: cut the outer circle first, so you can use the same center reference for both circles. I sandwiched the film between the two foam circles, and glued it in place. And then I coloured the whole thing black with a marker, so it wouldn’t look so obvious. I put black hockey tape around the outside edge to reduce any chance of the layers coming apart. Bonus: it hides some of the imperfections. Works like a charm, and fits snugly. One thing I would change: I glued it on a table top. Turns out my bottom-of-the-line scope tube isn’t quite round, so the filter is perfectly flat… until I put it on the scope. I’d suggest anyone doing this glue it together while the ring is on the scope, and mark which way needs to be up. ?
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From: OAFs@groups.io [mailto:OAFs@groups.io] On Behalf Of InQ
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2022 19:38
To: OAFs@groups.io
Subject: [OAFs] Inexpensive solar filter? It was about $40 for a square foot of Thousand Oaks solar film, and the embroidery hoop was $5. I used a 9" circle of film in an 8" hoop. It sits nicely inside the lip of my 8" sct. All it needs is a wedge opposite the screw. I intend to straighten the film out and use heavier cardboard for the flange. Even though this is proof of concept it is usable as it sits. Of course no clear skies of any kind soon :)
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Re: New to the group, need a telescope
Tristan, Nice to hear from you.? Glad you landed on your feet.?
cheers, Albert.
On Sun, Apr 10, 2022 at 10:06 PM Tristan Young < tryoung@...> wrote: Hi Atilla and friends!
Thank you for your concern.? I super-appreciate the kind words.
I was out of work for 3 months, but then got hired on December 24 2021 as an apprentice electrician.? I began work January 4 2022.
Lots of hard work, but it's right up my alley.? I've been working numerous commercial projects, and service requests. Whole-floor refits with the latest lighting, switching and BAS technology (building automation and management), installation of new downwards-firing lighting, and so much more.? Even got to help stabilize an apartment's electrical after a kitchen fire (melted wires).? It's been pretty exciting, and lots of opportunity to both learn, and put my existing knowledge to good use.
I certainly miss Focus Scientific, and all the great people I met over the last 28 years. I am trying to stay in touch with many of the people I met, but there's literally thousands of people from all over Canada and some in the US.
I can't really talk about what happened at Focus Scientific with respect to Kent at this time.? I visit Kent at the long-term care home; I'm one of his two designated caregivers.? I owe Kent so much, he provided me with a great career, friendship, and trust.? He's doing well.? Now that it's getting warmer out, I hope to take him for walks around the outside of the long-term care home.? I wish I could take him out on field trips, but that's not up to me.? I managed to acquire a bookshelf stereo for him, so he cal fill his days with music and news.? My dad, some of my friends and some of his friends donated various music CD's and cassettes for him, including The Rolling Stones which he loves.? I loaned him my Nikon compact binocular so he can look at the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and anything else he finds interesting.? Unfortunately his room faces North and he doesn't get a view of The Moon.
I really don't know what else to say.? Tariq, Glenn, Nathan and I are all pretty depressed over what happened, and wished things could have played out differently.
I am using facebook again.? Feel free to friend me.??
I'll try to come out to some of the up-coming star parties.? I was contemplating visiting the gang at Chapters in the east end on International Astronomy Day.? Now that I have Saturdays off, I can actually come out and talk with everyone.? So many people I miss talking with.
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Re: New to the group, need a telescope
Good to hear an update! Hope to see you at some star parties! :)
Paul
On Sun, 10 Apr 2022 at 22:06, Tristan Young < tryoung@...> wrote: Hi Atilla and friends!
Thank you for your concern.? I super-appreciate the kind words.
I was out of work for 3 months, but then got hired on December 24 2021 as an apprentice electrician.? I began work January 4 2022.
Lots of hard work, but it's right up my alley.? I've been working numerous commercial projects, and service requests. Whole-floor refits with the latest lighting, switching and BAS technology (building automation and management), installation of new downwards-firing lighting, and so much more.? Even got to help stabilize an apartment's electrical after a kitchen fire (melted wires).? It's been pretty exciting, and lots of opportunity to both learn, and put my existing knowledge to good use.
I certainly miss Focus Scientific, and all the great people I met over the last 28 years. I am trying to stay in touch with many of the people I met, but there's literally thousands of people from all over Canada and some in the US.
I can't really talk about what happened at Focus Scientific with respect to Kent at this time.? I visit Kent at the long-term care home; I'm one of his two designated caregivers.? I owe Kent so much, he provided me with a great career, friendship, and trust.? He's doing well.? Now that it's getting warmer out, I hope to take him for walks around the outside of the long-term care home.? I wish I could take him out on field trips, but that's not up to me.? I managed to acquire a bookshelf stereo for him, so he cal fill his days with music and news.? My dad, some of my friends and some of his friends donated various music CD's and cassettes for him, including The Rolling Stones which he loves.? I loaned him my Nikon compact binocular so he can look at the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and anything else he finds interesting.? Unfortunately his room faces North and he doesn't get a view of The Moon.
I really don't know what else to say.? Tariq, Glenn, Nathan and I are all pretty depressed over what happened, and wished things could have played out differently.
I am using facebook again.? Feel free to friend me.??
I'll try to come out to some of the up-coming star parties.? I was contemplating visiting the gang at Chapters in the east end on International Astronomy Day.? Now that I have Saturdays off, I can actually come out and talk with everyone.? So many people I miss talking with.
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Re: New to the group, need a telescope
Hi Atilla and friends!
Thank you for your concern.? I super-appreciate the kind words.
I was out of work for 3 months, but then got hired on December 24 2021 as an apprentice electrician.? I began work January 4 2022.
Lots of hard work, but it's right up my alley.? I've been working numerous commercial projects, and service requests. Whole-floor refits with the latest lighting, switching and BAS technology (building automation and management), installation of new downwards-firing lighting, and so much more.? Even got to help stabilize an apartment's electrical after a kitchen fire (melted wires).? It's been pretty exciting, and lots of opportunity to both learn, and put my existing knowledge to good use.
I certainly miss Focus Scientific, and all the great people I met over the last 28 years. I am trying to stay in touch with many of the people I met, but there's literally thousands of people from all over Canada and some in the US.
I can't really talk about what happened at Focus Scientific with respect to Kent at this time.? I visit Kent at the long-term care home; I'm one of his two designated caregivers.? I owe Kent so much, he provided me with a great career, friendship, and trust.? He's doing well.? Now that it's getting warmer out, I hope to take him for walks around the outside of the long-term care home.? I wish I could take him out on field trips, but that's not up to me.? I managed to acquire a bookshelf stereo for him, so he cal fill his days with music and news.? My dad, some of my friends and some of his friends donated various music CD's and cassettes for him, including The Rolling Stones which he loves.? I loaned him my Nikon compact binocular so he can look at the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and anything else he finds interesting.? Unfortunately his room faces North and he doesn't get a view of The Moon.
I really don't know what else to say.? Tariq, Glenn, Nathan and I are all pretty depressed over what happened, and wished things could have played out differently.
I am using facebook again.? Feel free to friend me.??
I'll try to come out to some of the up-coming star parties.? I was contemplating visiting the gang at Chapters in the east end on International Astronomy Day.? Now that I have Saturdays off, I can actually come out and talk with everyone.? So many people I miss talking with.
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That’s great news...something to be learned for everyone!!
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On Apr 10, 2022, at 2:48 PM, gregz12@... wrote:
?Problem solved!? The bloated stars were related to pixel size and the central obstruction on the C8.? The pixels on the ASI462 are 2.9um and with 2x2 binning they are still very small causing over sampling.? I tested with a ASI174 mini and the guide stars focused well with FWHM around 3 to 4.? The improvement in FWHM allows PHD2 to make a proper centroid estimate. Guiding improved from 1.0 to 1.3arc seconds to 0.5 to 0.6 arc seconds. Thank you all for the help. Greg
<Guiding Update.png>
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Problem solved!? The bloated stars were related to pixel size and the central obstruction on the C8.? The pixels on the ASI462 are 2.9um and with 2x2 binning they are still very small causing over sampling.? I tested with a ASI174 mini and the guide stars focused well with FWHM around 3 to 4.? The improvement in FWHM allows PHD2 to make a proper centroid estimate. Guiding improved from 1.0 to 1.3arc seconds to 0.5 to 0.6 arc seconds.
Thank you all for the help.
Greg
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Re: Inexpensive solar filter
Great design. At some point this year, I'll be buying a 3D printer. When I do, I'd be happy to print a custom sized hoop/ flange if you want something more exact.
Envirolaser does custom printing too but they're obviously more expensive to cover their time.?
On Thu, Apr 7, 2022 at 7:38 PM InQ < inq@...> wrote:
It was about $40 for a square foot of Thousand Oaks solar film, and
the embroidery hoop was $5. I used a 9" circle of film in an 8"
hoop. It sits nicely inside the lip of my 8" sct. All it needs is a
wedge opposite the screw. I intend to straighten the film out and
use heavier cardboard for the flange. Even though this is proof of
concept it is usable as it sits. Of course no clear skies of any
kind soon :)
|
It was about $40 for a square foot of Thousand Oaks solar film, and
the embroidery hoop was $5. I used a 9" circle of film in an 8"
hoop. It sits nicely inside the lip of my 8" sct. All it needs is a
wedge opposite the screw. I intend to straighten the film out and
use heavier cardboard for the flange. Even though this is proof of
concept it is usable as it sits. Of course no clear skies of any
kind soon :)
|
I received this email today from NYAA Starfest. -ad
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update from Team Starfest
March 30, 2022
Greetings Attilla:
ITS PARTY TIME!!!!!! STAR PARTY TIME, that is!!!!!
Dust off your telescope. Break out your camping gear. Join us and
your friends as we celebrate the revival of STARFEST and 40 years
since the first STARFEST was held in 1982.
Mark August 25 - 28, 2022 on your calendar and plan to attend STARFEST 2022.
Please share this information with your family and friends.
We are still working on the details.
The program for 2022 will be announced, and registration should open
in mid-May.
We look forward to seeing you in August.
Until then, we wish you all the best and great observing wherever you are!
If you have had a change of mailing and/or email address, please let
us know by replying to this message and we will update our records.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's hope those 190nm wide parasites leave us alone long enough to attend.
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Re: Slow, Sometimes Beautiful Film
A group of us from the Kingston Centre all went to see it in the
theatre a few years ago.? Definitely slow, not really an astronomy
movie but it? did have some lovely night sky imagery.? I believe
(some of?) it is shot in San Pedro de Atacama near where the
Quebec guy has his astro B&B (someone Maury?) to which a
number of our fellow members and friends have been.
Rick
On 2022-04-02 01:46, Michael W wrote:
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Some beautiful photos of the night sky
from the Atacama desert in Chile.? Trailer is here:
?
The entire film can be watched free if
you have a library card here:?
?
I found it a bit slow in many places,
but some amazing images.
?
Best – Michael
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Slow, Sometimes Beautiful Film
Some beautiful photos of the night sky from the Atacama desert in Chile.? Trailer is here:
?
The entire film can be watched free if you have a library card here:?
?
I found it a bit slow in many places, but some amazing images.
?
Best – Michael
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Messier Marathon 2022 (this weekend!)
Hello all, Here’s some important information for doing the Messier Marathon this year. The two toughest evening objects (M74, M77) will not likely be visible in the twilight this year due to the Marathon taking place a bit later than usual. But the morning objects should be a little easier :) At the moment, this Friday night shows possibilities! The weather models are not consistent however at this point. The GFS and ecmwf show clearing at 9pm Friday. The CSC shows clearing not until 4am Saturday morning, while the NAM shows it to clear as early as 8pm on Friday. We will have to wait until late today and perhaps tomorrow at noon to see what will happen. Information about Messier Marathon 2022 at Pit Road (lots of useful information): /g/oaog/files/Messier%20Marathon/Messier_Marathon_2022.pdfPrintable objects log check-list in the optimized order, and times, that they should be seen: /g/oaog/files/Messier%20Marathon/MARATHON-2022-list.pdfThose interested, please do tell to get an idea who is coming at Pit Road (south of Cobden, about 2 hours drive west of the city). Clear skies! :) Pierre
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Venus Saturn and Mars rise together. Theyre within a 6 degree circle. Could be fun sight for people capable of waking up that early (not me).
For the especially masochistic, comet 22P/Kopf (mag 9.5) is in the same 6 degree circle.
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Re: observing at frontenac
there is no more snow in any of the open areas
The driveway and lot should always be clear of snow because the site is used by the air ambulance
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Re: observing at frontenac
The driveway and lot should always be clear of snow because the site is used by the air ambulance
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Re: observing at frontenac
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On Mon., Mar. 28, 2022, 4:34 p.m. Attilla Danko, < danko@...> wrote: I have a friend who wants to observe at the Frontenac Dark-Sky preserve (aka 'frontenac platform') tomorrow night. Anyone know if the driveway/parking lot is accessible? I.e no berm of ice/show across the driveway.
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Richard Harding
Chris T
yeldahtron
Randy Legault