Astronomy Stuff

[Ceti Alpha]

lolmax @ V'ger 

[PCEngineFX]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_wind

I knew you were going to link me to Wiki

[Joe Redifer]

I hate wind.

V'ger has a long way to go in the next 250 years.

[nectarsis]

Sorry BOSS MAN ;), wasn't even try and tackle that one..lol My step dad is also still at work, so I couldn't readily get a simplified answer.

[PCEngineFX]

NP nec...no need to type out something that is easily linkable.

[PCEngineFX]

The Perseid meteor shower peaked last night - anyone else do some stargazing?  I was out with my wife from 12-2:30am in our back yard and saw about 40 meteors...some really bright (leaving smoke trails).  Managed to get one meteor on camera:



During the same time, Pleiades came up over the horizon and took a snap of that as well (my snap on the left and a random telescope photo is on the right for comparison):

[nectarsis]

  Suddenly I have the urge to drive a Subaru 

[Joe Redifer]

I have a hard time getting into constellations.  I have a freakin' awesome and crazy-insane imagination, but even I cannot see how they can come up with a roman soldier on a horse carrying a shield and a spear wearing detailed armor and whatnot from only 3 or 4 stars.  In fact, constellations annoy me.  It's not like cloud watching!

[Dark Fact]

I have a hard time getting into constellations.  I have a freakin' awesome and crazy-insane imagination, but even I cannot see how they can come up with a roman soldier on a horse carrying a shield and a spear wearing detailed armor and whatnot from only 3 or 4 stars.  In fact, constellations annoy me.  It's not like cloud watching!

Says the Ninja man who just looked like he downed a whole bottle of tabasco sauce.

Anyway, those are some phenomenal pics, Aaron! Stargazing is something I've always wanted to do on warm quiet summer nights.  Stars and space in itself is something that has always fascinated me.  I was considering getting a telescope but they've always been out of my price range. Maybe in the future I can get something but for now, I'll just stick with my naked eye on warm summer nights.

Hope the new telescope you're gonna get will allow us to see Jupiter's eye.

[PCEngineFX]

What's your price range Dark Fact?  I ask because Orion has very good scopes in just about any price range.  For example, here is one:

StarBlast 6" Astro Telescope - $249.95


This scope can see planets with detail, as well as deep space objects.  Is easy to move around as well which makes it a great starter scope or a good secondary scope if you already have one.  Orion has lots more scopes (http://www.telescope.com) and a free catalogue if you haven't seen it yet.

I originally wanted to go with an Orion dob, but looks like I'll be going with the Meade LXD75 Newtonian+DSI II for long exposure tracked imaging.  I'm expecting to get some amazing galaxy shots as well as seeing Jupiter's eye(s)

[Ceti Alpha]

See, now that's something I'd like to start out with right there. Affordable, but can actually see objects in detail.

[Joe Redifer]

Too bad there aren't any telescopes that can see the leftover landers that are still on the moon.  That would rock!

[guyjin]

Actually, I think I saw a picture of one of the moon landers seen from earth... but it just looks like a grey dot with a shadow.

[Dark Fact]

Hey, I recently found $150 in a separate wallet that I forgot that I put there long ago. Maybe now would be a good time to save it up for that telescope.

[Joe Redifer]

Actually, I think I saw a picture of one of the moon landers seen from earth... but it just looks like a grey dot with a shadow.

Not even the Hubble telescope has enough resolution to see something so small on the moon.

[PCEngineFX]

Hey, I recently found $150 in a separate wallet that I forgot that I put there long ago. Maybe now would be a good time to save it up for that telescope.

There you go!  Now you only need $100(ish) more and you can get it.  YOU CAN DO IT!

Actually, I think I saw a picture of one of the moon landers seen from earth... but it just looks like a grey dot with a shadow.

Not even the Hubble telescope has enough resolution to see something so small on the moon.

Yep, this is true.  You'd think it can see something that small on the Moon but it wasn't made for that purpose.

On a different topic, has anyone ever tried to view an Iridium flare?  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium_flare)
I tried tonight but it must not have been high enough over the horizon to view it.  http://www.heavens-above.com/ has the exact times and dates you can view Iridium flares in your area.  There is another bright one in Seattle this Saturday morning at about 4:37am which I will try to catch on camera/video.

[guyjin]

http://www.tass-survey.org/richmond/answers/lunar_lander.html

These were the pictures I was thinking of, but they were taken from lunar orbit.

[Joe Redifer]

That's pretty cool, actually.  I wonder what version of Photoshop they used to HOAX AND DECEIVE all of us since, of course, it was all fake and stuff.  Kidding!!!

[PCEngineFX]

Finally after 3 days of trying, I saw an Iridium Flare this morning at 4:37am...the flare only lasted at -8 mag for a few seconds then faded considerably over the course of 20 seconds then was out of sight.  Also tried to get video of it but was unable to (I think...will have to review the tape).

[PCEngineFX]

I've created a new blog for all of my upcoming astrophotography stuff called "Neighbors Beyond" which I posted my first entry: http://neighborsbeyond.blogspot.com/  I'll be updating there first from now on but will still post stuff here as well.

[Dark Fact]

Cool beans.  Looking forward to seeing more stuff from you, Aaron.

Heh, so that's what Iridium flares look like...go figure.

[Ceti Alpha]

Awesome blog Aaron. I have it bookmarked and will be making frequent stops to check it out.

[Dark Fact]

Bah! Forgot to bookmark!

[PCEngineFX]

Thanks guys!  I'm still in the "gathering equipment" phase for my upcoming telescope so I can't wait to get everything together and start taking photos/video of cool stuff.  I'm updating the blog daily right now so keep coming back

[PCEngineHell]

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-science/20080906/SCI.Asteroid.Flyby/

[guyjin]

Slightly offtopic, but:

Microscopic 'water bears' can survive the vaccum and radiation of earth orbit.
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/09/08/water-bears-survive.html

[CosMind]

after months of research, i finally settled on these puppies and took the plunge:

http://www.oberwerk.com/products/100bt45.htm

don't be surprised if i don't hit you up for some sight-seeing tips ;)

[Ceti Alpha]

Possible first photo of a planet orbiting another star. 

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/080915-first-exoplanet-picture.html

[PCEngineFX]

after months of research, i finally settled on these puppies and took the plunge:

http://www.oberwerk.com/products/100bt45.htm

don't be surprised if i don't hit you up for some sight-seeing tips ;)

Nice binoculars there CosMind!  I have a slightly smaller model from Orion (the 20x80 GiantViews which you can see at my blog here: http://neighborsbeyond.blogspot.com/2008/09/whats-in-package.html).  I have a photo of what I'm able to see with my 20x80 here as well: http://neighborsbeyond.blogspot.com/2008/09/update-to-september-2nd-stargazing.html.

I'm happy to say that I finally ordered my telescope (the Meade LXD75 SN-8" UHTC)...looks like this scope is VERY popular as I tried to order from 3 different places online just to get it!

[CosMind]

I'm happy to say that I finally ordered my telescope (the Meade LXD75 SN-8" UHTC)...looks like this scope is VERY popular as I tried to order from 3 different places online just to get it!

hoo!  is that really a 'scope or is it some sort of heavy artillary?
;)
that's rad, indeed.

regarding photography, do you just put your camera lens to the 'scope and snap the shot, or do you have some special attachment that links your camera up to the 'scope?

[PCEngineFX]

I have two means to take photos - one is with my Canon XTi SLR camera, and the other is with the Meade Color Deep Sky Imager II.  Both have advantages & disadvantages:

Canon XTi:
+High Resolution (10Mp)
+Can take "wide field" images (great for taking photos of larger objects)
+Price/resolution ratio is well worth it
-Can't hook up to a computer for real-time preview
-Have to hold down the shutter button for 30+ second exposures
-Needs optional adapter & T-Mount to attach to telescope
-Post processing will be a BIG pain without some kind of astrophotography software

Meade Color Deep Sky Imager II
+Attaches directly to any telescope (and when I say "any", I mean any over $100+)
+Has output to a PC for real-time preview, capture control, focus and star tracking
+Easy post-processing (and believe me, you will have to post-process your images!)
+Can use optional nebula and skyglow filters
+Has ability to take very long exposures
-Low resolution for the price (<1Mp)
-Expensive ($600+)
-Post-processing software can be confusing without tutorials
-Optional nebula & skyglow filters are expensive
-Not as "wide field" as the Canon XTi

To learn more about the Meade Deep Sky Imager II, check out my blog post here: http://neighborsbeyond.blogspot.com/2008/09/one-way-to-image-deep-space-objects-dso.html

And further info about my Canon XTi w/mounts is here: http://neighborsbeyond.blogspot.com/2008/08/barlows-slr-and-secret-package.html

[Ceti Alpha]

Very nice!!!   

[CosMind]

@pcenginefx

thanks a ton for the infos

[Ceti Alpha]

Mysterious "Dark Flow" outside the visible universe affecting large galaxy clusters. 

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/080923-dark-flows.html

[PCEngineFX]

Just in case you didn't know, I did buy my scope and have had 2 photography sessions with it so far...below is the result from the 2nd session:

http://neighborsbeyond.blogspot.com/2008/10/2nd-observing-session-m31-m33.html

[PCEngineFX]

Just updated my blog with a new photo of the Moon (2nd attempt).  This one turned out really good:

[PCEngineHell]

Thats very crisp man . I meant to post this but forgot, glad you bumped this up, got me to remember:
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=7529

[Ceti Alpha]

That's an awesome image of the moon Aaron. Very, very sharp.

That's a cool article as well Mike. It's crazy to think that eventually the universe will consist only of black holes.

[PCEngineFX]

Space Shuttle launch tomorrow at 7:55PM EST/4:55PM PST.

LIVE LAUNCH STREAM INFO:
http://neighborsbeyond.blogspot.com/2008/11/shuttle-launch-info-sts-126-this-friday.html

I'm planning on watching this at work for the first time in HD (Comcast HDNet chanel 123) but you can also watch the launch starting at 2:30PM PST online (stream info above).

Safe mission Endeavour!

[Joe Redifer]

There aren't many more times we'll be sending up the Space Shuttle.  It is 30 years old and the fleet is definitely due for retirement.  Aaron, you are in Washington state... that's only a hop, skip and a jump away from Florida.  Walk down there and watch it in real life!   

[PCEngineFX]

Oh believe me, I want to see a live launch.  I've been to KSC twice but never during a time of a launch....you really need to live there to see it because they scrap or move the launch date so often it is really hard to fly down for something like this.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Space Shuttle launch tomorrow at 7:55PM EST/4:55PM PST.

Thanks for the reminder.  I'll make sure I'm home to watch the hopefully safe and uneventful launch.

There aren't many more times we'll be sending up the Space Shuttle.  It is 30 years old and the fleet is definitely due for retirement.

But this one is only 17.  She's not even legal yet!

[Lord Thag]

Yeah, they need to retire the space shuttle and start building particle cannon armed star cruisers. How else am I going to be able to take over the galaxy? 

[Ceti Alpha]

Yeah, they need to retire the space shuttle and start building particle cannon armed star cruisers. How else am I going to be able to take over the galaxy? 

Don't hold your breath. NASA is retiring the shuttle in favour of 1960s style rockets. 

It's unfortunate that NASA doesn't get the funding it deserves, but with today's economy, NASA is going to probably be put even further on the backburner. I guess I can't complain, since I don't pay taxes in the US. heh Our aerospace program is terribly underfunded as well. It's pretty bad when private companies are ahead of NASA.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-rocket0608feb06,0,3395376.story

[Lord Thag]

Very true ceti. The ironic thing is that much of our current technology came from the space race. It's a shame we don't have a reason to push space flight. Imagine the resources we could mine from all of those dead moons and planets.

Besaides, I'd really like a Battlestar or Star Destroyer to tool around the solar system in. Planetary bombardment is so much fun 

[PCEngineFX]

Live Shuttle coverage has started....we are OK TO GO (in 2 hours).

Update: Cabin pressure test starting.  NASA says no issues blocking launch at this point.

Update 3:41PM PST: Planned count hold starting.  NASA says 80% chance of launch (20% chance of weather causing issues).  Whiteroom crew leaving pad.  We are OK TO GO.

Update 4:36PM PST: HDNet cable coverage has started.  Launch is a OK TO GO in 20ish min.

Update 4:41PM PST: Someone might not have secured a door in the white room and NASA is investigating.....update again, the door is not secured.   Looks like they will launch with the door unsecured so it will just break off....

Update 4:51PM PST: LET'S LIGHT THIS CANDLE!

Everything looked great for launch....ET sep just occured.....they are in space

[SignOfZeta]

I thought I'd bump this thread since I got a Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ for Xmas. I didn't get around to putting it together until tonight and now I'm geeked to stare at shit.

[guyjin]

I thought I'd bump this thread since I got a Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ for Xmas. I didn't get around to putting it together until tonight and now I'm geeked to stare at shit.

The sky is the world's biggest, highest-definition screen, after all

[SignOfZeta]

OK so I went outside tonight to mess around with things. I've got a lot to learn about this stuff.

The moon (no stars are visible since its supremely overcast this week) is in a weird spot right now, especially in my neighborhood with all the trees and houses and stuff. By the time its dark its so high in the sky my tripod can barely point my scope at it. Therefore I decided to wait until it had passed overhead completely. I went out there again (btw, its 19ºF here right now) and by this time it had descended a bit too far, so I had to view it through some trees. Since there are no leaves now though, the trees are just sticks.

Anyway, the view is AMAZING! You can see all the craters and shit and its crystal clear. Yes, very "HD".

Tomorrow I'm going to try to catch the moon in daylight/dusk and see how that works. I also need to see what I can do about the shakiness of this tripod. Since I just put it together tonight there might be some things I can tighten down. At the same time I can definitely see the experts always say the quality of the tripod is in many ways more important than the quality of what sits on it.

[PCEngineFX]

Saw some great stuff these past few nights from our place in Seattle - Mars (comes up to the East during the evenings), Jupiter (to the south/southwest), about 3 or 4 star clusters, Pleiades and a faint galaxy.