Re: TAAS logo

I’ll try and find it.?

It should be part of the business card files. ?

Mark

On Fri, Feb 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM, Leslie Brown via groups.io <lfbro@...> wrote:

Can someone send me the final version of the TAAS logo, or can I download from our site? I want to have it displayed on the Waterford library's March Madness eclipses event flier which they are finishing up now.

Thanks,

LB

--

Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D.

Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College

New London, CT USA

Re: Reading for removal of the primary and secondary from the CC 20inch RC

#7996

Sorry to miss this one!

?

I’ll read the manual later for this info, but just in case will you please measure the exact distance between the primary and secondary mirrors? In the past I have also recorded the distance between the attachment bolts from the mirror cell to the spider mounts (along the tube). This measurement can be helpful if we can keep the mirror cell, spider, and secondary holder. It would be wonderful if we can!

In fact, it may be easiest to leave both mirrors in their housings rather than dismantling them.?

What else is salvageable? Focuser, finder, heaters, etc? I doubt we’ll be trying to get the motors, gearing, and Astometrics control system but…it’s a thought.?

Thanks and have fun, Jay

TAAS logo

#7995

Can someone send me the final version of the TAAS logo, or can I download from our site? I want to have it displayed on the Waterford library's March Madness eclipses event flier which they are finishing up now.

Thanks,

LB

--

Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D.

Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College

New London, CT USA

Reading for removal of the primary and secondary from the CC 20inch RC

#7994

Hi All,

This message is for those who plan to help remove the mirrors from the Conn 20-inch this coming Monday, 2/10, between the snow storms. Below, I have attached the Optomenchancis 20-inch Telescope User Manual. The sections highlighted in green are a must-read for folks removing the mirrors. Pages 20-21 detail how to take out the primary, and page 22 describes how to remove the secondary. I have all the required tools ready, and we are working to clear one of the large rolling carts to place under the primary mirror cell in time for Monday's festivities.

I have a crate for the primary, but no boxing for the secondary - working on getting that.? The mirrors do not have to be taken out of the observatory of Monday. They can be left in the pier-room, aka, hobbit-hole, until such time as someone from TAAS is ready to rehome them.

On Monday, Alex and I will be in the Observatory no later than 10:25a.m. We will leave the Observatory elevator access unlocked, so when you arrive, take the elevator to the roof by pressing the OS button. We will meet you there. If you have any difficulties getting to the Observatory or finding us, call me (860-961-3577).

Should I pick up donuts for the work crew?? And there is a free lunch :D

Leslie

Show quoted text

On Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 5:40?PM Leslie Brown <lfbro@...> wrote:

Hi All,

I think we are ready to remove the primary mirror cell, the primary and secondary mirror?from the Olin Observatory 20-inch telescope. If you are interested in assisting, please let me know dates that you are available in February. I think we will need between 2 and 4 assistants.?

George, you have done this with me before so it would be great if you can be there.? And, once these mirrors are pulled, who is planning to take them? I will need to arrange to get the mirrors from the college to whomever is this lucky person - mirror delivery doesn't need to happen on the same day?that we pull the mirrors?off the tube.?

Days that I have open for this project are:
Monday 2/10 or 2/24,??
Wednesdays 2/5, 2/19? or 2/26
Fridays: 2/7, 2/21, 2/28 - on Fridays after 11 am.
Saturdays: 2/22, 3/1
Sundays: 2/9, 2/22,? or 3/2

We will be providing lunch or dinner from either Mr. G's or Two Wives to thank volunteers for their? help with this. George, I will get you lunch from Fiddleheads :D

If you are interested in helping save the old 20-inch mirrors, please contact me at lfbro at conncoll dot edu.?

Thanks!
Leslie

--
Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D.
Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College
New London, CT USA

OptoMechanics 20inch Telescope Manual - LFB annotated.pdf

March 14, 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse in City of Meriden, Connecticut, USA

#7993

It's just 35 days to a Total Lunar Eclipse in our neighborhood.

It lasts for 6 hours!  The coverage for totality goes from Toronto through Rhode Island.

First contact for me in Meriden is 11:57 PM March 13th. It ends at 6 AM, March 14th. Don't think I'll be there for the end but definitely for that deep red strawberry Moon!

See TimeandDate.com to enter your address or viewing address.  This is a good one for a DSLR or Mirrorless camera rather than an astro specific camera.  The Last time I imaged a Strawberry moon, I was in Waikola, Hawaii on the Big Island. I attached my Nikon D700 full frame DSLR directly to a Celestron C11 that belongs to a friend of mine there.

Deep rich red color is not an exaggeration!  A lower ISO of 800 and lower is best for that contrast. I think I used ISO 200. A 1 second exposure does very nicely at lower ISO settings. Jerry in TAAS, I almost wrote ASA....

Another valuable site is Astro Backyard.  Trevor used a Canon DSLR and a 400 mm lens. If you have a telescope with a focal length of 400 - 6 or 700 you can shoot with its native focal length.  No Barlow or PowerMate required.

35 days....

Catch up on your sleep now!

John Sillasen?

Memebrship Tally

#7992

This is likely my last reminder of the year for anyone wishing to become a voting member of TAAS. If your name is not on the list and you have paid, please contact me.  Some have paid in the past for multiple years and I have gone back to check those as well.  The current membership stands at 22.
Leslie B, Jay D, Max M, John N, Amy S, Jeff D, Dorothy M, George B, John S, Scott L, Bruce M, Lee P, Chuck H, Alan S, Moshe G, Bill P, Gerry K, Deb F, Dane L, Deoff M, Jerry T, Mark S. 
Thanks.

George

Re: Help needed to remove primary and secondary from the CC observatory 20inch RC

#7991

开云体育

another Bob C.? ? ? horrors!? ?:)

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Show quoted text

-------- Original message --------

From: "Mark Strollo via groups.io" <mark@...>

Date: 2/6/25 21:47 (GMT-05:00)

To: TAAS <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: [TAASCT] Help needed to remove primary and secondary from the CC observatory 20inch RC

Hi Bob.?

Good to hear from you.?

Thanks for suggesting Jeremy’s shop. That large sink could be a good resource. We have lots of mirror making and cleaning expertise, but cleaning a 20 inch mirror is kinda new territory for most of us.?

Once removed, we’ll evaluate if cleaning and safe storage will suffice for now, or we will have to send out to re-coat in the future.?

Bob, please join us for observing sometime soon!

TAAS FYI: I have known Bob for 25+ years from Millstone and Troop 36 Scouts. Jeremy and my kids were buddies at school and scouts. I’m looking forward to seeing them again.?

Mark

On Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM, GEORGE BLAHUN <ks1u@...> wrote:

Robert:
Please don’t hesitate to jump in with questions and suggestions etc. There are many neophytes in the group and we welcome all comments.

George

Re: Help needed to remove primary and secondary from the CC observatory 20inch RC

#7990

Hi Bob.?

Good to hear from you.?

Thanks for suggesting Jeremy’s shop. That large sink could be a good resource. We have lots of mirror making and cleaning expertise, but cleaning a 20 inch mirror is kinda new territory for most of us.?

Once removed, we’ll evaluate if cleaning and safe storage will suffice for now, or we will have to send out to re-coat in the future.?

Bob, please join us for observing sometime soon!

TAAS FYI: I have known Bob for 25+ years from Millstone and Troop 36 Scouts. Jeremy and my kids were buddies at school and scouts. I’m looking forward to seeing them again.?

Mark

Show quoted text

On Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM, GEORGE BLAHUN <ks1u@...> wrote:

Robert:
Please don’t hesitate to jump in with questions and suggestions etc. There are many neophytes in the group and we welcome all comments.

George

Re: Help needed to remove primary and secondary from the CC observatory 20inch RC

#7989

Robert:
     Please don’t hesitate to jump in with questions and suggestions etc.  There are many neophytes in the group and we welcome all comments. 

George

Re: Help needed to remove primary and secondary from the CC observatory 20inch RC

#7988

开云体育

Got it. Yea, I’m just a rookie trying to figure out a new science at 70. I’ll go back to listening and learning. Man, so much to learn!

Bob C.

Show quoted text

On Feb 5, 2025, at 8:15?PM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io <jasillasen@...> wrote:

?No, please... windows are not optical glass and suede is way too abrasive.? So think how soft that is.... we don't use paper towels to rub optics. It's for blotting biological materials after letting them soak in water, rinsing repeat. It's not the same, sorry but thanks.

John Sillasen,? Mirror Maker trained by the best.

On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 6:54 PM, Bob Cimmino via groups.io

<Astro.Guest47@...> wrote:

I talked with my son Jeremy, the pro detailer, and he said he uses suede cloths to ensure no lint. I know he must make sure the car’s paint and/or windows must be absolutely clean of all dust, dirt or whatever. Otherwise the film he applies will form a small bubble that can be seen from space. If you want to try that option, I can probably get some. Up to you guys. Just another option.?

Bob Cimmino

On Feb 5, 2025, at 12:58?PM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io <jasillasen@...> wrote:

?Best is distilled water and isopropyl alcohol,? Q-tips and/or photographers blower bulb.? There's one brand of paper towels that doesn't leave lint.
Bob Royce told me about it 100 years ago.? Do I remember the brand? Heck no. I haven't even cleaned my 16" mirror I made. Viva, maybe?

Running tap water with a drop of dawn is also good but that means a sink.

10:30-11 is like my getting out of bed time but heck, it only happens once in a lifetime to do this work. I think I'll set an alarm clock, bring my new Nikon Z 7ii mirrorless camera for this job!

Will you be able to get those supplies or do I need to go shopping?

John Sillasen?

On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 12:42 PM, Leslie Brown via groups.io

<lfbro@...> wrote:

Scott! It would be great to see you again! -LB

On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 11:53?AM Scott Leming via <scotsail=[email protected]> wrote:

Leslie,

I will be available to help on Monday 2/10.

Best,

Scott Leming

On Mon, Feb 3, 2025 at 5:37?PM Leslie Brown via <lfbro=[email protected]> wrote:

Hi All,

Thank you to all of you who responded?so quickly.? Several of you can't help until later in the month and several can't help except on weekends. Weekends are a problem for the new astronomer at Conn, Alex Gianninas, who should be present given that he is the current official caretaker of the observatory. Doing the mirror removal later in the month is sort of an issue in that the College is pushing to schedule the riggers to come in and crane lift the mount and OTA out of the dome then. So, I am thinking we should schedule the mirror removal for next Monday, 2/10. Long-range forecasts are?calling for mostly sunny skies on 2/10 with light to moderate winds of 10-15mph and a high temp of 36F. That means conditions in the dome won't be miserable while? we are removing the mirrors. If Monday's forecast morphs into a snow squall, freezing rain or a blizzard, we will reschedule?to a date more suitable for driving and dome work. Back up date might?be Tuesday, 2/11 - early forecasts look OK,? or Weds, 2/12, if the weather conditions for that date improve?and depending on the timing of the snow arrival.?

Shall we meet in the Olin Observatory between 10:30 and 11am? I can show folks who haven't done this work?before what we will be doing, and I will take lunch orders before?11 am. Before this weekend, I will send all of you, who offered to help, the sections of the 20-inch's?user manual that deal with removing the primary and the secondary?mirrors on this scope. I have the needed screws and nuts to drop the primary, I will have a cart / table to place under the primary cell to hold the cell and the mirror as well as the puller and the crate for the primary.?

John Sillasen, you asked what?tools might be needed. I think we are set for tools to remove both mirrors. What we may need is supplies to do a quick cleaning of the primary before it is boxed. A good cleaning of the primary will require taking it to a location with water and ideally a large sink.?

The primary will have 15 years worth of dust and other?fun stuff on it. In the past, I used a small brush just for this purpose, and collodion to gently remove large grains and bug bits. What do all of you think is the best way to remove dust so as not to further damage the primary??

More shortly,

Leslie

On Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 5:40?PM Leslie Brown <lfbro@...> wrote:

Hi All,

I think we are ready to remove the primary mirror cell, the primary and secondary mirror?from the Olin Observatory 20-inch telescope. If you are interested in assisting, please let me know dates that you are available in February. I think we will need between 2 and 4 assistants.?

George, you have done this with me before so it would be great if you can be there.? And, once these mirrors are pulled, who is planning to take them? I will need to arrange to get the mirrors from the college to whomever is this lucky person - mirror delivery doesn't need to happen on the same day?that we pull the mirrors?off the tube.?

Days that I have open for this project are:

Monday 2/10 or 2/24,??

Wednesdays 2/5, 2/19? or 2/26

Fridays: 2/7, 2/21, 2/28 - on Fridays after 11 am.

Saturdays: 2/22, 3/1

Sundays: 2/9, 2/22,? or 3/2

We will be providing lunch or dinner from either Mr. G's or Two Wives to thank volunteers for their? help with this. George, I will get you lunch from Fiddleheads :D

If you are interested in helping save the old 20-inch mirrors, please contact me at lfbro at conncoll dot edu.?

Thanks!

Leslie

--

Leslie F. Brown, Ph.D.

Emeriti - Physics, Astronomy & Geophysics
Connecticut College

New London, CT USA

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7987

开云体育

Hi Leslie -

Well, thanks.? I have FINALLY got caught up on my various home projects that I postponed.? Not much Astrophotography lately. :( I need a sacrifice to the cloud and weather gods, I guess.? I had a couple of outstanding Mars parties, though.? Could have used some help on them - but I didn't expect the huge crowds.? Thought I'd get maybe 10 - boy was I wrong.? The last one I had over 120!? Thank goodness another fellow showed up with a scope.

Well, see you all next month.

On 2/6/25 10:31, Leslie Brown via groups.io wrote:

Thanks, Geoff. It will be good to see you again as well. The Physics lounge and the Observatory have been quieter this term without your presence.

Leslie
On Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 9:07?AM astronomy via <astronomy=[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Leslie -

I am available!? I can bring a small telescope (4" Newtonian) and my SeeStar.?

It's on my schedule.

On 2/5/25 21:46, Leslie Brown via wrote:

Hi All,

On Monday, 3/10, the Waterford Library is hosting a talk on the two March eclipses. I am giving this talk, and it starts at 6p.m. Around the talk, I was hoping that we might get some TAAS members to bring their binoculars and/or telescopes to the library to show the Moon and some planets to the attendees. The library and I have been discussing times. I am leaning towards from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Would any of you be willing to be part of this event? If so, let me know soon. Would anyone want to bring and operate the Moon chair for this event?

Would someone send me the TAAS logo? I would like to get our logo placed on the flier for this event.

Holler if you have questions about this event. Thanks!

Leslie
-- 
Geoff McLean
McLean Research Associates
Lead Night Sky Ranger, The Last Green Valley
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Adjunct Professor of Astronomy, Connecticut College
Astronomy programs for Girl Scouts of CT

-- 
Geoff McLean
McLean Research Associates
Lead Night Sky Ranger, The Last Green Valley
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Adjunct Professor of Astronomy, Connecticut College
Astronomy programs for Girl Scouts of CT

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7986

Thanks, Geoff. It will be good to see you again as well. The Physics lounge and the Observatory have been quieter this term without your presence.

Leslie

Show quoted text

On Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 9:07?AM astronomy via <astronomy=[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Leslie -

I am available!? I can bring a small telescope (4" Newtonian) and my SeeStar.?

It's on my schedule.

On 2/5/25 21:46, Leslie Brown via wrote:

Hi All,

On Monday, 3/10, the Waterford Library is hosting a talk on the two March eclipses. I am giving this talk, and it starts at 6p.m. Around the talk, I was hoping that we might get some TAAS members to bring their binoculars and/or telescopes to the library to show the Moon and some planets to the attendees. The library and I have been discussing times. I am leaning towards from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Would any of you be willing to be part of this event? If so, let me know soon. Would anyone want to bring and operate the Moon chair for this event?

Would someone send me the TAAS logo? I would like to get our logo placed on the flier for this event.

Holler if you have questions about this event. Thanks!

Leslie
-- 
Geoff McLean
McLean Research Associates
Lead Night Sky Ranger, The Last Green Valley
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Adjunct Professor of Astronomy, Connecticut College
Astronomy programs for Girl Scouts of CT

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7985

开云体育

Hi Leslie -

I am available!? I can bring a small telescope (4" Newtonian) and my SeeStar.?

It's on my schedule.

On 2/5/25 21:46, Leslie Brown via groups.io wrote:

Hi All,

On Monday, 3/10, the Waterford Library is hosting a talk on the two March eclipses. I am giving this talk, and it starts at 6p.m. Around the talk, I was hoping that we might get some TAAS members to bring their binoculars and/or telescopes to the library to show the Moon and some planets to the attendees. The library and I have been discussing times. I am leaning towards from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Would any of you be willing to be part of this event? If so, let me know soon. Would anyone want to bring and operate the Moon chair for this event?

Would someone send me the TAAS logo? I would like to get our logo placed on the flier for this event.

Holler if you have questions about this event. Thanks!

Leslie

-- 
Geoff McLean
McLean Research Associates
Lead Night Sky Ranger, The Last Green Valley
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Adjunct Professor of Astronomy, Connecticut College
Astronomy programs for Girl Scouts of CT

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7984

开云体育

I will be thinking of you guys from Dusseldorf...? ? ??

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Show quoted text

-------- Original message --------

From: "Leslie Brown via groups.io" <lfbro@...>

Date: 2/5/25 22:21 (GMT-05:00)

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: [TAASCT] binocular and/or telescope volunteers

Bob! We've have got to work on your travel schedule!! I'm sorry we will miss you at the library event :(

LB

On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:14?PM cogzal via <cogzal=[email protected]> wrote:

gosh darn it.. I am always traveling...? miss out on these fun events...

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

-------- Original message --------
From: "Leslie Brown via " <lfbro=[email protected]>
Date: 2/5/25 21:47 (GMT-05:00)
To: [email protected]
Subject: [TAASCT] binocular and/or telescope volunteers

Hi All,

On Monday, 3/10, the Waterford Library is hosting a talk on the two March eclipses. I am giving this talk, and it starts at 6p.m. Around the talk, I was hoping that we might get some TAAS members to bring their binoculars and/or telescopes to the library to show the Moon and some planets to the attendees. The library and I have been discussing times. I am leaning towards from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Would any of you be willing to be part of this event? If so, let me know soon. Would anyone want to bring and operate the Moon chair for this event?

Would someone send me the TAAS logo? I would like to get our logo placed on the flier for this event.

Holler if you have questions about this event. Thanks!
Leslie

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7983

Thank you, Brian! I hope we will have as big a crowd and weather as cooperative as we did for the April 2024 Solar Eclipse talk. Finger crossed.? I'll send an update on exact times and the final flier to you all as soon as I get them.

Leslie

Show quoted text

On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:16?PM Brian Roush via <roush0013=[email protected]> wrote:

Hello Leslie,?

I'm free to setup and help that night.

Brian

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 10:05:13 PM EST, GEORGE BLAHUN <ks1u@...> wrote:

Leslie:
? ? ? I should be there with 10x70 binoculars for the moon and maybe the bright stuff.

George

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7982

Bob! We've have got to work on your travel schedule!! I'm sorry we will miss you at the library event :(

LB

Show quoted text

On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:14?PM cogzal via <cogzal=[email protected]> wrote:

gosh darn it.. I am always traveling...? miss out on these fun events...

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

-------- Original message --------
From: "Leslie Brown via " <lfbro=[email protected]>
Date: 2/5/25 21:47 (GMT-05:00)
To: [email protected]
Subject: [TAASCT] binocular and/or telescope volunteers

Hi All,

On Monday, 3/10, the Waterford Library is hosting a talk on the two March eclipses. I am giving this talk, and it starts at 6p.m. Around the talk, I was hoping that we might get some TAAS members to bring their binoculars and/or telescopes to the library to show the Moon and some planets to the attendees. The library and I have been discussing times. I am leaning towards from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Would any of you be willing to be part of this event? If so, let me know soon. Would anyone want to bring and operate the Moon chair for this event?

Would someone send me the TAAS logo? I would like to get our logo placed on the flier for this event.

Holler if you have questions about this event. Thanks!
Leslie

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7981

Great and thanks, George. If we start earlier, say 5;30pm or so, Venus and Mercury will be up. And Jupiter, Mars and Uranus will be up a good portion of the night, so lots of solar system goodies to show the attendees. I'll send out an update on final times for the event and when we can come over to get set up prior to the start of activities.

Leslie

Show quoted text

On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:05?PM GEORGE BLAHUN via <ks1u=[email protected]> wrote:

Leslie:
? ? ? I should be there with 10x70 binoculars for the moon and maybe the bright stuff.

George

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7980

Hello Leslie,?

I'm free to setup and help that night.

Brian

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 10:05:13 PM EST, GEORGE BLAHUN <ks1u@...> wrote:

Leslie:
? ? ? I should be there with 10x70 binoculars for the moon and maybe the bright stuff.

George

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7979

开云体育

gosh darn it.. I am always traveling...? miss out on these fun events...

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Show quoted text

-------- Original message --------

From: "Leslie Brown via groups.io" <lfbro@...>

Date: 2/5/25 21:47 (GMT-05:00)

To: [email protected]

Subject: [TAASCT] binocular and/or telescope volunteers

Hi All,

On Monday, 3/10, the Waterford Library is hosting a talk on the two March eclipses. I am giving this talk, and it starts at 6p.m. Around the talk, I was hoping that we might get some TAAS members to bring their binoculars and/or telescopes to the library to show the Moon and some planets to the attendees. The library and I have been discussing times. I am leaning towards from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Would any of you be willing to be part of this event? If so, let me know soon. Would anyone want to bring and operate the Moon chair for this event?

Would someone send me the TAAS logo? I would like to get our logo placed on the flier for this event.

Holler if you have questions about this event. Thanks!

Leslie

Re: binocular and/or telescope volunteers

#7978

Leslie:
      I should be there with 10x70 binoculars for the moon and maybe the bright stuff.

George