December 2008 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

iOptron SmartCube with 4 1/4 inch refractor
by Canopus56 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

I was wondering if anyone has an iOptron SmartCube and could give me some experience advice with it with respect to the mount's weight limits. I believe I have seen at least one SmartCube at one of SLAS's summer star parties. I have inherited a small Meade 4 1/4 inch refractor (4501) that has a toy-like EQ1 mount. I have converted the essentially sound tube and mirror to 1 1/4" eyepieces. I took it down to UPS to weigh it. The tube with a fat 32mm Possel e.p. weighs 8lbs stripped and 9lbs with a light LPI camera and flip mirror. The tube is 35" long. I am considering buying an iOptron Smart Cube - which is on sale for $218 - to upgrade the EQ1 mount. I called Oceanside to place an order. The salesperson suggested that the tube was too heavy for the SmartCube and that I should not buy it. "That thing only has plastic gears in it." The Oceanside and iOptron specs and ad literature states that the tube will work - that is the weight limit is 7lbs to 11lbs and specifically mentions tubes up to 40". I believe there is a lever effect to this recommendation with respect to the 35" reflector tube. The alternative suggestion was to buy the $800 iOptron Cube mount. Confused by the difference between the advertising and spec literature and the honest practical advice of the salesperson, I wanted to get some experience based input from any one who owns a SmartCube and may have used it with a small refractor or reflector of similar weigh and dimensions as I intend to use it for. Thanks in advance - Kurt

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Mickey Mouse scope history help?
by zaurak＠digis.net 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Congratulations to Rodger Fry for "winning" it this year. I thought it was intended for Patrick to win every year. Was it not just awarded to you the first year without a drawing, Patrick? --- paw(a)wirelessbeehive.com wrote: From: Patrick Wiggins <paw(a)wirelessbeehive.com> To: utah astronomy listserve utah astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Mickey Mouse scope history help? Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 20:26:23 -0700 This will eventually go in News but since there are a few folks here that don't receive News I thought I'd post it here too. As many of you know Ann Blanchart is putting together a VERY in depth history of SLAS. SLAS has had a number of historians but Ann is the first to really put a lot of time into it. It was recently noticed that an "endearing" part of SLAS history was not receiving it's fair share of coverage. That being the awarding of the (in)famous Mickey Mouse Telescope to some "lucky" person each year at the annual SLAS Solstice Festival. What follows is the scope's basic timeline. You'll note that of the 20 times it's been awarded we've been able to find awardees for all but 5 festivals. Part of the tradition (started a few years ago) is that the "winner" must do something to the scope to "improve" it. Alas, while we have many of the winners names we do not have record of what some did to the scope before returning it. Please read over the following and help fill in the blanks. If you know of a winner who is not listed or of a modification that is not listed please either post a reply to the list or email the information off list to Ann at a.blanchard(a)ugs.utah.edu or to me at at paw(a)wirelessbeehive.com . Thanks very much and Happy Solstice! patrick 15 December 1989 Location: Patrick Wiggins' home Patrick Wiggins won the Mickey Mouse telescope (first time it was awarded). 15 December 1990 Location: Stansbury Park Club House Patrick Wiggins won the Mickey Mouse telescope second year running (drawing rigged) 14 December 1991 Location: Jerry Foote's home Amy Witkowsky won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 12 December 1992 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Lowell Lyon won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 11 December 1993 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Bruce Grim won the Mickey Mouse telescope and added a pipe fitting mount. 02 December 1994 Location: Mt. Vernon Cove Club House Bill Kelly won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added one of his "BKD" (Bill Kelly Device). 09 December 1995 Location: Patrick Wiggins' home Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 06 December 1996 Location: Stansbury Park Club house Melissa Jolley won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 05 December 1997 Location: First Unitarian Church Charlie Green won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added a Telrad. 04 December 1998 Location: First Unitarian Church Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 11 December 1999 Location: First Unitarian Church Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 09 December 2000 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 01 December 2001 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Steven Anderson won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 03 December 2002 Location: 10th East Senior Center Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 13 December 2003 Location: Zion Church Josephine Grahn won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added a "minus everything" filter (a piece of aluminum). 11 December 2004 Location: Zion Church Daniel Turner won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 10 December 2005 Location: Zion Church Steve Dodds won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 09 December 2006 Location: Zion Church Creed Haymond won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added digital imaging capabilities. 08 December 2007 Location: Zion Church Al Rowe won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added solar panels. 06 December 2008 Location: Golden Corral in Midvale Rodger Fry won the Mickey Mouse telescope. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://gallery.utahastronomy.com Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Another One
by Jerry Foote 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Congratulations Patrick! Your offer to help others into the science & discovery in astronomy tremendous. For those of you that are thinking of doing a bit of science with your telescope there is a whole new world out there that brings great rewards. Cindy & I have been doing science with our telescopes for over 8 years and during that time she has discovered four planets around other stars, and has published in refereed journals 7 papers. She didn't write these papers but was co-author, along with other amateurs and professionals, on all of them because her discovery data was used in the detection. I follow cataclysmic variable stars with another group and have published 6 papers in refereed journals. The publication part is partial reward for doing the work however, the great payoff is when analyzing your data in the morning, you realize that you have discovered something that no one else has seen. It sends chills up your spine. Patrick, you know that feeling. There are many avenues that can be pursued with amateur equipment: Measuring the timing variations of eclipsing binary stars Measuring the rotation period of cataclysmic variable stars systems Measuring the rotation and even discovering the shape of asteroids Discovering new asteroids Super nova discovery Discovery and measurement of variable stars Discovery of exoplanets The list goes on and on. It is hard and precise work but the rewards great. I would encourage any that have the desire to get involved. There are many organizations out there that will help you: AAVSO http://www.aavso.org/ IAU Minor Planet Center http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/iau/mpc.html The Center for Backyard Astrophysics http://cbastro.org/ The Minor Planet Observer http://www.minorplanetobserver.com/ The society for Astronomical Sciences http://www.socastrosci.org/ If you would like to add to your enjoyment of astronomy and want to try your hand at science, I would be happy to help you get started. E-mail me privately and I'll give you a hand. Jerry Foote ScopeCraft, Inc. 4175 E. Red Cliffs Dr. Kanab, UT 84741 435-899-1255 jfoote(a)scopecraft.com

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] How dim of objects can I see?
by Gary Logan 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Thanks Erik (and all) for the responses. I appreciate the advice. I am getting more familiar with the constellations. And have just added a pair of binoculars to my Christmas list. The Urban list looks great. And I definitely want to see the SLAS Observatory and probably take a class. (No I've never been at the U, or Poison Control) Gary Logan ____________________________________________________________ | ... | | Planetary Nebulae are excellent in the Grim 32". I would | recommend taking the observatory classes offered by SLAS. | | Planetary Nebulae seem less effected by light pollution, I | cannot see galaxies or diffuse nebulae of same magnitude | | ... | | http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/urban/urban.html | | Are you Gary Logan formally from Poison Control at the U? | | Erik

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APO on a budget
by Chuck Hards 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

I just noticed this on the Orion "Bargain" Web-page, for the ATM wanting to build a nice refractor: http://www.telescope.com/rsc/img/catalog/lc/articles/bargains_galore.html *64080 VIXEN Objective Lens for VX102ED GP Telescope reg. $1500.00 sale $810.00 discount 46%* ** The first number is the SKU number for ordering purposes. It's "just" the ED objective lens, but that's a heckuva discount, and a good price for a Vixen ED objective.

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Mickey Mouse scope history help?
by Patrick Wiggins 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

This will eventually go in News but since there are a few folks here that don't receive News I thought I'd post it here too. As many of you know Ann Blanchart is putting together a VERY in depth history of SLAS. SLAS has had a number of historians but Ann is the first to really put a lot of time into it. It was recently noticed that an "endearing" part of SLAS history was not receiving it's fair share of coverage. That being the awarding of the (in)famous Mickey Mouse Telescope to some "lucky" person each year at the annual SLAS Solstice Festival. What follows is the scope's basic timeline. You'll note that of the 20 times it's been awarded we've been able to find awardees for all but 5 festivals. Part of the tradition (started a few years ago) is that the "winner" must do something to the scope to "improve" it. Alas, while we have many of the winners names we do not have record of what some did to the scope before returning it. Please read over the following and help fill in the blanks. If you know of a winner who is not listed or of a modification that is not listed please either post a reply to the list or email the information off list to Ann at a.blanchard(a)ugs.utah.edu or to me at at paw(a)wirelessbeehive.com . Thanks very much and Happy Solstice! patrick 15 December 1989 Location: Patrick Wiggins' home Patrick Wiggins won the Mickey Mouse telescope (first time it was awarded). 15 December 1990 Location: Stansbury Park Club House Patrick Wiggins won the Mickey Mouse telescope second year running (drawing rigged) 14 December 1991 Location: Jerry Foote's home Amy Witkowsky won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 12 December 1992 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Lowell Lyon won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 11 December 1993 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Bruce Grim won the Mickey Mouse telescope and added a pipe fitting mount. 02 December 1994 Location: Mt. Vernon Cove Club House Bill Kelly won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added one of his "BKD" (Bill Kelly Device). 09 December 1995 Location: Patrick Wiggins' home Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 06 December 1996 Location: Stansbury Park Club house Melissa Jolley won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 05 December 1997 Location: First Unitarian Church Charlie Green won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added a Telrad. 04 December 1998 Location: First Unitarian Church Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 11 December 1999 Location: First Unitarian Church Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 09 December 2000 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 01 December 2001 Location: Stansbury Park Clubhouse Steven Anderson won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 03 December 2002 Location: 10th East Senior Center Do not know who won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 13 December 2003 Location: Zion Church Josephine Grahn won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added a "minus everything" filter (a piece of aluminum). 11 December 2004 Location: Zion Church Daniel Turner won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 10 December 2005 Location: Zion Church Steve Dodds won the Mickey Mouse telescope. 09 December 2006 Location: Zion Church Creed Haymond won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added digital imaging capabilities. 08 December 2007 Location: Zion Church Al Rowe won the Mickey Mouse telescope and later added solar panels. 06 December 2008 Location: Golden Corral in Midvale Rodger Fry won the Mickey Mouse telescope.

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Another one
by Wayne Sumner 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Hi Patrick, Congratulations again! As the Northridge 30 cm observatory draws closer to completion, (the roll off roof is in place and covered with tar paper), I am thinking that it would be great to take a handful of students with me to visit your observatory and learn all we can about how you do what you do. I'm thinking of a May or June time frame. I have already purchased the Orion Deep Sky Pro camera, but wonder if I will also need a guide camera. I also wonder how critical dark skies are to the list of requirements you gave. Thanks, Wayne A. Sumner Math/Physics/Astronomy/Engineering Boy's Tennis Coach Northridge High School Davis School District (801) 402-8610 >>> Patrick Wiggins <PAW(a)wirelessbeehive.com> 12/06/08 5:29 PM >>> Now that I've had another minor planet discovery confirmed (confirmed this morning and bearing the temporary designation K08X02R) I'm thinking I've got the system for finding these things refined enough that maybe I can offer tutoring to others here that might like to get involved in the discovery game. Requirements are a 30cm or larger clock driven scope, CCD camera and a goodly bit of time and patience. Anyone here interested? patrick _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://gallery.utahastronomy.com Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] How dim of objects can I see?
by zaurak＠digis.net 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Hi Gary, I think you are pretty close, I would put the limit closer to 5th. I live in Riverton and I find what magnitude I can see depends on where it is in relation to the zenith. I can convince myself that I can see close to 6th mag "twinkles" at the zenith. I am protected from any stray light by my observatory walls, it can be hard to impossible to get properly dark adapted in the city. At the clubs observatory 6th mag is possible particularly west of the meridian, Planetary Nebulae are excellent in the Grim 32". I would recommend taking the observatory classes offered by SLAS. Planetary Nebulae seem less effected by light pollution, I cannot see galaxies or diffuse nebulae of same magnitude nearly as well. For sure the M Planetary Nebulae do not seem to suffer much from the city. Objects that have the light concentrated into smaller packages are easier to see. The Astronomical League has a list for Urban Astronomy I have included link. They do offer formal recognition for completing and logging the list. http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/urban/urban.html Are you Gary Logan formally from Poison Control at the U? Erik --- garybulk(a)the-logans.net wrote: From: "Gary Bulk" <garybulk(a)the-logans.net> To: <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] How dim of objects can I see? Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 20:08:48 -0700 Some more questions from a novice... As I have begun looking at the sky from South Jordan, with no moon, in the light polluted Salt Lake Valley, I seem to be able to see: - Mag. 4.15 - with the unaided eye, I can see the dim star of Cassiopeia - N2599. (I haven't been able to see the dim star of the little dipper HP79822 Mag. 4.95) - Mag. 9.5 - with my 300mm Nikon telephoto (cheap optics version with noticeable chromatic aberration) - via an up to 20 sec. exposure on my digital camera and a barn door tracker. So a few questions: - Do the above 4.15 & 9.5 Magnitudes sound in the ballpark? - What would be an expected 'seeable' Magnitude? for dark sky unaided eye ... If I went to some good Southern Utah spot. - What Magnitude should expect I be able to see with a 8" Schmidt-Cass. in town? All the planets? (Pluto is 14.9). I just borrowed a Celestron C8 from a friend who was letting his collect dust. I'm dusting it for him for the next couple months. - And, what kind of difference will I get with the C8 if I go to a dark sky site? On my first night out with the scope last weekend (in the moonlight), I had a difficult time finding things. I could find the Orion Nebula. I couldn't find the Andromeda Galaxy, there were no eyeball visible stars close enough for me to successfully to hop from. Also the upside-down & left-to-right reversed guide scope was different than the upside-right but left-to-right reversed main scope, which continually confused me about which direction I was moving as I switched between them. I am wondering if getting a guide scope that reverses things (or not) in the same way as your main scope would help. And/or perhaps a lower power main eyepiece for finding things, then switching to a higher power eyepiece. - Anyone have preferred methods/techniques they would pass along? I figure I will continue in my backyard until I can find more objects. Then maybe go to the (5 Mile Canyon) close-by area mentioned in another thread for an evening with a little more darkness after I believe I can better find my way in the dark. It looks like a should have a list before I go out away from home in the dark, so I'm not fumbling for "what do I look at now, and where is it?" This is great fun. Gary Logan - Gary(a)The-Logans.net <mailto:Gary@The-Logans.net> _____ _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://gallery.utahastronomy.com Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] How dim of objects can I see?
by Gary Bulk 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Some more questions from a novice... As I have begun looking at the sky from South Jordan, with no moon, in the light polluted Salt Lake Valley, I seem to be able to see: - Mag. 4.15 - with the unaided eye, I can see the dim star of Cassiopeia - N2599. (I haven't been able to see the dim star of the little dipper HP79822 Mag. 4.95) - Mag. 9.5 - with my 300mm Nikon telephoto (cheap optics version with noticeable chromatic aberration) - via an up to 20 sec. exposure on my digital camera and a barn door tracker. So a few questions: - Do the above 4.15 & 9.5 Magnitudes sound in the ballpark? - What would be an expected 'seeable' Magnitude? for dark sky unaided eye ... If I went to some good Southern Utah spot. - What Magnitude should expect I be able to see with a 8" Schmidt-Cass. in town? All the planets? (Pluto is 14.9). I just borrowed a Celestron C8 from a friend who was letting his collect dust. I'm dusting it for him for the next couple months. - And, what kind of difference will I get with the C8 if I go to a dark sky site? On my first night out with the scope last weekend (in the moonlight), I had a difficult time finding things. I could find the Orion Nebula. I couldn't find the Andromeda Galaxy, there were no eyeball visible stars close enough for me to successfully to hop from. Also the upside-down & left-to-right reversed guide scope was different than the upside-right but left-to-right reversed main scope, which continually confused me about which direction I was moving as I switched between them. I am wondering if getting a guide scope that reverses things (or not) in the same way as your main scope would help. And/or perhaps a lower power main eyepiece for finding things, then switching to a higher power eyepiece. - Anyone have preferred methods/techniques they would pass along? I figure I will continue in my backyard until I can find more objects. Then maybe go to the (5 Mile Canyon) close-by area mentioned in another thread for an evening with a little more darkness after I believe I can better find my way in the dark. It looks like a should have a list before I go out away from home in the dark, so I'm not fumbling for "what do I look at now, and where is it?" This is great fun. Gary Logan - Gary(a)The-Logans.net <mailto:Gary@The-Logans.net> _____

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Catching-up
by Chuck Hards 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Hi astro-fans, I'm receiving list postings again. What's happened to everyone in the 4 months I was off-list? I want to wish everyone, especially state senator Buttars, "Happy Holidays"!

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