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Post by astromark on Nov 6, 2006 16:58:07 GMT
Hi all, Hope to be in attendance tonight after just discovering the group through google.
Anyway, a little background.
I've always been interested in Astronomy since my childhood days when Carl Sagan's Cosmos was aired. I kept up my hobby going as far as gaining an "O" level in the subject and grinding out an 8" mirror (which was never coated, now sadly lost).
Wife and kids put me on hold since the early 90's but now I've regained my love for the science and I've recently purchased a Celestron Nexstar 102. My only problem (like a lot others I'm sure) is dark skies. I live close to the centre of Belfast and I also have a dirty great streetlight out my back which I'm tempted to take a hammer too.
I'm going to my first meeting tonight and hopefully meet up with a few of you. I'd really love to bring my scope with me but I have to be back in Belfast by 10pm as I start work at this time. I'm wondering would anyone be interested in turning up an hour early so I can get at least some use out of the telescope?
I've only had it 2 months but I've had little to no use out of it. Highlights so far have been Uranus, a few double stars (Mizar and Albireo) and the moon. I've also 2 pairs of binoculars which I can share.
I know its a little late to be asking but as I said I need to be off home straight away after the meeting.
Cheers and clear skies.
Mark
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Post by eamonnpkeyes on Nov 6, 2006 17:16:50 GMT
Welcome, Mark...good to have you on board. I'm a new-ish boy here and from Belfast too, and you really do have to get out of the city to see anything, and a group of us meet up at various places..usually Killylane near Larne...to just that end. You're welcome to come along, as we've both experienced observers and newcomers at the sessions, and you'll get all the help you need. Unfortunately tonight's meeting is not an observing session, but please do come and meet up, you'll find some valuable contacts, hear of things you can look for in the sky,and begin to get ready for a good night out..we'll be meeting up in a couple of weeks for a long session.
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Post by Martin Mc kenna on Nov 6, 2006 17:51:49 GMT
Hi Astromark
Welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy the meeting tonight!
See you there!
Clear skies
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Post by markdj on Nov 6, 2006 18:20:24 GMT
Welocme to the forum and glad you found us.
Am I too late to say, BRING YOUR SCOPES tonight? Worth a look a the Moon for beginners and just to check out your scope and help setting it up.
I'll be there from 7:15pm.
Gota run.
Sea ya
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Post by astromark on Nov 6, 2006 18:22:28 GMT
Thanks for the reply guys, I too am setting off now. Need to go to my sis in laws house first so I too should be there around 7.15.
Regards
Mark
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Post by markdj on Nov 7, 2006 15:50:47 GMT
Hey Astromark
Hope you enjoyed the meeting and have recovered from your late working hours. Regarding oyur scope, the main issue seems to be the tripod. Try using an allen key to tighten the nuts up to see if that helps. The scope should not shimy that way. Also, set the scope on grass or concrete when observing. Tarmac is very bouncy.
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Post by astromark on Nov 7, 2006 18:25:26 GMT
Thanks for the welcome guys. Its a pity I had to shoot off early. I'll try and get to the next observing session as I don't usually work Friday's. I'll keep an eye on the forum and maybe participate a little more in discussions later in the week when I'm off nights. Thanks for the welcome Mark and Eamonn, I'm sure I'll get to know a few more of you in the coming months.
Clear skies.
Mark
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