Mark:
That scope is a bargain for what you get. I¡¯m looking forward to viewing through Leslie¡¯s slightly smaller version of that scope up at Conn. I have for years said that TAAS is only one of my Powerball tickets away from a 1M scope and observatory, along with a radio telescope and solar scope.
George
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Mark. Thanks for the video! This looks like an ideal place for you, I, and the girls to visit for a month, maybe more.? Their mountain trail map isn't so hot, but nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the best ski mountain I've experienced - you'll love it - and we can spend the nights at Snow King observatory. Ski by day, 1 meter Planewave by night - whatcha think?
?
Jerry
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CDK 1000.
Note what scope they¡¯re actually viewing through. (Or is it some sort of viewing interface?)
How much is in the treasury again?
Mark
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TAAS Members are invited to the ASGH Monthly Meeting with Zoom Link! - Wednesday, February 19, 2025
This month's speaker is also offering to speak for other clubs I invite to the ASGH meeting. The details and Zoom Link follow.
The speaker for the Wednesday meeting of the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford or ASGH, is Cristina Andrade, & can be contacted at grandma.knc@.... To learn more about the Kilonova Catcher, Grandma & Citizen Science you can do prior to the program talk, see more at this link: http://kilonovacatcher.in2p3.fr/
Our Wednesday meeting is over Zoom & also in person at the Rocky Hill Community Center on the 19th of this month at 7:30 PM. John Sillasen? Secretary, ASGH?
Reminder: ASGH Monthly Meeting with Zoom Link!
When:
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
7:30pm to 9:30pm
(UTC-05:00) America/New York
Where:
Online and in person at the Rocky Hill Community Center Room 1C
Organizer:
John A. Sillasen
jasillasen@...
View Event
Description:
ASGH February Meeting. Speaker Cristina Andrade?
Research Professional
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Title:?"Kilonova Catcher: Kilonovas, Gravitational Waves, and You!"
?
Description:?This presentation explores the exciting field of multi-messenger astronomy, which combines different cosmic "messengers" such as gravitational waves, light, neutrinos, and gamma rays to study astrophysical phenomena. You'll learn about kilonova?-- explosions caused by the collision of neutron stars that produce heavy elements like gold -- and how these events are linked to gravitational waves and short gamma-ray bursts. The talk highlights the GRANDMA collaboration and its citizen science arm,?Kilonova Catcher (KNC), which brings together professional and amateur astronomers to detect and study fast transients. Through shared resources, educational tools, and coordinated observations, KNC bridges community participation and cutting-edge science, enabling discoveries that deepen our understanding of the universe.
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Personal Bio:?Cristina Andrade is a post-baccalaureate research professional at the University of Minnesota's Institute for Astrophysics, specializing in multi-messenger astronomy. Her work focuses on enhancing kilonova detection capabilities using ground-based observatories like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the GRANDMA professional telescope network. As a core team member of the GRANDMA collaboration and its citizen science initiative, Kilonova Catcher (KNC), she collaborates with amateur astronomers worldwide to advance gravitational wave research. She is passionate about fostering community engagement through education and outreach.
?
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To learn more about the Kilonova Catcher, Grandma & Citizen Science you can do prior to the program talk, see more at this link:
?
_______________________________________________________
Zoom Link or in person
John Sillasen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: ASGH FEBRUARY MEETING
Time: Feb 19, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
?
?
Meeting ID: 871 0844 3022
Passcode: 993428
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If you trouble with the link, open a web browser tab and enter:
?
at the top right side of the page click on?Join
Enter the Meeting ID
871 0844 3022 Click Join
Enter the Passcode
993428 Click Join Meeting
All participants are muted upon entry by default.? When you need to speak or ask a question when given the opportunity, click on the microphone in the lower left of your screen to enable the microphone so everyone may hear you.? Click it back off when you are finished so background noises (eating, TV, road traffic, people in the household having conversations with someone or gaming etc.? You know the drill!? Give the speaker the attention they deserve.?
?
Please use the Zoom chat to ask questions to all or be selective and only 'chat' with a specific member.
?
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,87108443022#,,,,*993428# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,87108443022#,,,,*993428# US
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kd9HHNZw9y
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_._,_._,_
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Re: Reading for removal of the primary and secondary from the CC 20inch RC
Fantastic, I can¡¯t wait to hear about the adventure. We¡¯ll be back in town next week and I¡¯ll get in touch with you then. Jay
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Re: Reading for removal of the primary and secondary from the CC 20inch RC
Hi Jay,? We pulled both mirrors today. They are boxed and ready?to go whenever you have time to?pick them up. Or, if easier, I can bring them to you. The mirrors are fine where they are for the near?future, so there us no rush about transferring them.
The re.ivals went very smoothly today, far faster than expected, and much easier than I had hoped for. Pictures will be posted to TAAS tomorrow- some are up on my Facebook account now.
Thank so much for all your help with this.?
Leslie
Awesome Leslie, sounds like a great plan, and I shoulda known that you would have all the little details taken into consideration! Thanks, Jay
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Re: All systems look to be go...
I have just found a parking spot!
On Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 10:02 AM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io <jasillasen@...> wrote: Back on the road again. On Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 9:39 AM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io <jasillasen@...> wrote: I am on the road, which means I'm late again.? Worse I already need to hit the restroom too...
John
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 10:47 PM, Scott Leming via groups.io <scotsail@...> wrote: Looking forward to seeing everyone - Scott Hi All,
I am just confirming who is coming to Conn tomorrow, 2/10, between 10:30 and 11a.m. to help with removal of the primary and secondary mirror from the 20-inch. The people who I believe are showing up are George B., John S. and Scott L. Am I missing anyone? I would like to get an accurate? head count so that I can get donuts for the work crew in the morning before I come to campus. After we assemble and decide the best plan of action, I'll work on getting lunch from Mr G's for all us workers.
Parking on campus. Because of the snow last night, parking may be more problematic than usual, especially since folks in the work party will be arriving during the day when classes are in session. Any spots that say Visitor parking should be fine to grab if any are open. If you are force to part in the visitors' lot on the South end of campus, and you don't feel like walking up the hill, especially if you have a lot to carry, give me a call and I will come pick you up. 860 961 3577
Thanks, Leslie
Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D. Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College New London, CT USA
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Re: All systems look to be go...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 9:39 AM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io <jasillasen@...> wrote: I am on the road, which means I'm late again.? Worse I already need to hit the restroom too...
John
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 10:47 PM, Scott Leming via groups.io <scotsail@...> wrote: Looking forward to seeing everyone - Scott Hi All,
I am just confirming who is coming to Conn tomorrow, 2/10, between 10:30 and 11a.m. to help with removal of the primary and secondary mirror from the 20-inch. The people who I believe are showing up are George B., John S. and Scott L. Am I missing anyone? I would like to get an accurate? head count so that I can get donuts for the work crew in the morning before I come to campus. After we assemble and decide the best plan of action, I'll work on getting lunch from Mr G's for all us workers.
Parking on campus. Because of the snow last night, parking may be more problematic than usual, especially since folks in the work party will be arriving during the day when classes are in session. Any spots that say Visitor parking should be fine to grab if any are open. If you are force to part in the visitors' lot on the South end of campus, and you don't feel like walking up the hill, especially if you have a lot to carry, give me a call and I will come pick you up. 860 961 3577
Thanks, Leslie
Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D. Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College New London, CT USA
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The first real telescope I purchased as a teenager was an Intes second rebranded for Orion to sell (it had 'Intes' stamped in the back plate). It was 6" and it was an amazing scope.
Ended up selling when my term as the planetarium supervisor ended to fund my Wife and I's move to Seattle for her first post-doc.? I think I may have sold it to a TAAS member but that was 13 years ago.? Needs must, but I do miss that telescope.? Silver lining is that it forced me to grind my own mirror and build my own telescope and thanks to good mentors the optics are very crisp (even for a short focal ratio - 6" f/4.8).? I keep my eyes open for a good deal on a used Mak but I rarely see them posted for sale, I think Mak owners are a loyal group :)?
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Re: All systems look to be go...
I am on the road, which means I'm late again.? Worse I already need to hit the restroom too...
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 10:47 PM, Scott Leming via groups.io <scotsail@...> wrote: Looking forward to seeing everyone - Scott Hi All,
I am just confirming who is coming to Conn tomorrow, 2/10, between 10:30 and 11a.m. to help with removal of the primary and secondary mirror from the 20-inch. The people who I believe are showing up are George B., John S. and Scott L. Am I missing anyone? I would like to get an accurate? head count so that I can get donuts for the work crew in the morning before I come to campus. After we assemble and decide the best plan of action, I'll work on getting lunch from Mr G's for all us workers.
Parking on campus. Because of the snow last night, parking may be more problematic than usual, especially since folks in the work party will be arriving during the day when classes are in session. Any spots that say Visitor parking should be fine to grab if any are open. If you are force to part in the visitors' lot on the South end of campus, and you don't feel like walking up the hill, especially if you have a lot to carry, give me a call and I will come pick you up. 860 961 3577
Thanks, Leslie
Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D. Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College New London, CT USA
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Sadly, Questar seems to be out of business.?
Mark
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John:
I had the club¡¯s Meade Mak and now it¡¯s with Geoff. If it were a Questar I might still have it.
George
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Re: All systems look to be go...
Looking forward to seeing everyone - Scott
Hi All,
I am just confirming who is coming to Conn tomorrow, 2/10, between 10:30 and 11a.m. to help with removal of the primary and secondary mirror from the 20-inch. The people who I believe are showing up are George B., John S. and Scott L. Am I missing anyone? I would like to get an accurate? head count so that I can get donuts for the work crew in the morning before I come to campus. After we assemble and decide the best plan of action, I'll work on getting lunch from Mr G's for all us workers.
Parking on campus. Because of the snow last night, parking may be more problematic than usual, especially since folks in the work party will be arriving during the day when classes are in session. Any spots that say Visitor parking should be fine to grab if any are open. If you are force to part in the visitors' lot on the South end of campus, and you don't feel like walking up the hill, especially if you have a lot to carry, give me a call and I will come pick you up. 860 961 3577
Thanks, Leslie
Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D. Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College New London, CT USA
|
That's it!? Blast I couldn't remember their name. Doesn't or didn't George have a 7" Questar Maksutov??
They sure are fine machines and a wonder to look at as well as look through!
Thanks for bringing this conversation all the way home!
Looks like the Type 7 availability will be early Summer. I suspect we may see but not buy 7s at NEAF this year.?
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 9:25 PM, Mark Strollo via groups.io <mark@...> wrote: Questar?
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 5:41 PM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io < jasillasen@...> wrote: Jeff, I have a 7" Maksutov.? It's not out of reach if you go with a Sky-Watcher USA version.? I had to get two the 1st came with a cracked primary!!! Their packaging certainly isn't the quality stuff that Astro-Physics uses! My dealer at Woodland Hills certainly gave the Sky-Watcher rep a big piece of her mind. Truly it's a lovely scope for lunar and Planetary observing and imaging.? It tends to like simple eyepieces like their brand LET, which is a modified Ramsden. It likes Plossls and Orthos but not Naglers! Oddly, it worked with Ethos for some odd reason.? Maybe the type 7s will work too.
The 7" Mak cost me less than the Tele Vue TV-85 I bought at the same time!
Don't give up hope unless of course your waiting on making one or one of those highly shiny machined ones. Then again, go for broke! The Astro-Physics 10" Maksutov is $22,000 made to order.? Don't try to put that on a Sky-Watcher mount!
(PS why can't I think of the name of that American made machined, shiny Cassegrain and Maksutov makers? They do or did have a 7" Maksutov telescope? at one time. Doing a search just comes up with the same cheap brand names. I even put in American made and still get Celestron,? Orion, Meade and Sky-Watcher! Companies may be US but none are made here.
Doggone AI browsers.
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 4:37 PM, Jeffrey Dunn via groups.io
<jeffreyj.dunn@...> wrote:
I saw this news also,
Another wish list item to buy second-hand after the kids are done with college in about 20 years :)?
Put it right next to a 7" Maksutov haha!??
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 5:41 PM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io < jasillasen@...> wrote: Jeff, I have a 7" Maksutov.? It's not out of reach if you go with a Sky-Watcher USA version.? I had to get two the 1st came with a cracked primary!!! Their packaging certainly isn't the quality stuff that Astro-Physics uses! My dealer at Woodland Hills certainly gave the Sky-Watcher rep a big piece of her mind. Truly it's a lovely scope for lunar and Planetary observing and imaging.? It tends to like simple eyepieces like their brand LET, which is a modified Ramsden. It likes Plossls and Orthos but not Naglers! Oddly, it worked with Ethos for some odd reason.? Maybe the type 7s will work too.
The 7" Mak cost me less than the Tele Vue TV-85 I bought at the same time!
Don't give up hope unless of course your waiting on making one or one of those highly shiny machined ones. Then again, go for broke! The Astro-Physics 10" Maksutov is $22,000 made to order.? Don't try to put that on a Sky-Watcher mount!
(PS why can't I think of the name of that American made machined, shiny Cassegrain and Maksutov makers? They do or did have a 7" Maksutov telescope? at one time. Doing a search just comes up with the same cheap brand names. I even put in American made and still get Celestron,? Orion, Meade and Sky-Watcher! Companies may be US but none are made here.
Doggone AI browsers.
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 4:37 PM, Jeffrey Dunn via groups.io
<jeffreyj.dunn@...> wrote:
I saw this news also,
Another wish list item to buy second-hand after the kids are done with college in about 20 years :)?
Put it right next to a 7" Maksutov haha!??
|
Re: All systems look to be go...
I've even set an alarm clock and that's quite rare for me to get up early to make New London for 10:30 AM!? I'm barely up by that time normally. John
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 5:29 PM, GEORGE BLAHUN <ks1u@...> wrote: Leslie:
? ? I¡¯ll be there,
George
|
Jeff, I have a 7" Maksutov.? It's not out of reach if you go with a Sky-Watcher USA version.? I had to get two the 1st came with a cracked primary!!! Their packaging certainly isn't the quality stuff that Astro-Physics uses! My dealer at Woodland Hills certainly gave the Sky-Watcher rep a big piece of her mind. Truly it's a lovely scope for lunar and Planetary observing and imaging.? It tends to like simple eyepieces like their brand LET, which is a modified Ramsden. It likes Plossls and Orthos but not Naglers! Oddly, it worked with Ethos for some odd reason.? Maybe the type 7s will work too. The 7" Mak cost me less than the Tele Vue TV-85 I bought at the same time! Don't give up hope unless of course your waiting on making one or one of those highly shiny machined ones. Then again, go for broke! The Astro-Physics 10" Maksutov is $22,000 made to order.? Don't try to put that on a Sky-Watcher mount! (PS why can't I think of the name of that American made machined, shiny Cassegrain and Maksutov makers? They do or did have a 7" Maksutov telescope? at one time. Doing a search just comes up with the same cheap brand names. I even put in American made and still get Celestron,? Orion, Meade and Sky-Watcher! Companies may be US but none are made here. Doggone AI browsers.
On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 4:37 PM, Jeffrey Dunn via groups.io <jeffreyj.dunn@...> wrote: I saw this news also,
Another wish list item to buy second-hand after the kids are done with college in about 20 years :)?
Put it right next to a 7" Maksutov haha!??
|
Re: All systems look to be go...
Leslie:
I¡¯ll be there,
George
|
I saw this news also,
Another wish list item to buy second-hand after the kids are done with college in about 20 years :)?
Put it right next to a 7" Maksutov haha!??
|
All systems look to be go...
Hi All,
I am just confirming who is coming to Conn tomorrow, 2/10, between 10:30 and 11a.m. to help with removal of the primary and secondary mirror from the 20-inch. The people who I believe are showing up are George B., John S. and Scott L. Am I missing anyone? I would like to get an accurate? head count so that I can get donuts for the work crew in the morning before I come to campus. After we assemble and decide the best plan of action, I'll work on getting lunch from Mr G's for all us workers.
Parking on campus. Because of the snow last night, parking may be more problematic than usual, especially since folks in the work party will be arriving during the day when classes are in session. Any spots that say Visitor parking should be fine to grab if any are open. If you are force to part in the visitors' lot on the South end of campus, and you don't feel like walking up the hill, especially if you have a lot to carry, give me a call and I will come pick you up. 860 961 3577
Thanks, Leslie
Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D. Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College New London, CT USA
|
Mark Strollo
Jay Drew