From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 2 21:45:06 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2013 21:45:06 -0400 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Hi, There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse at sunrise. Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all done from our perspective. I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides designed for safe solar viewing. The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change tonight too. I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: eclipse 20131103.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 26224 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Mon Nov 4 15:44:27 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 15:44:27 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 References: , Message-ID: Hi, David... Were you successful? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Hi, There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse at sunrise. Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all done from our perspective. I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides designed for safe solar viewing. The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change tonight too. I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3319 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Mon Nov 4 16:01:46 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:01:46 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From bob.prociuk at gmail.com Mon Nov 4 18:54:06 2013 From: bob.prociuk at gmail.com (Bob Prociuk) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 18:54:06 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <005a01ced9b9$2667d840$733788c0$@gmail.com> I was out on the Burlington Pier. Beautiful sun rise but the sun was obscured by clouds for the first 10 minutes after sunrise. Did get a few photos. Possibly one may show a small sliver of the moon over the sun but it also could have been a cloud. The attached images have been reduced in size for emailing. The first was shot through a welders glass while the next was a direct shot through a telephoto lens. Bob Bob -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Colin Haig Sent: November-04-13 4:02 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse >at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all >done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view >the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides >designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the >sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 >minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change >tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario >from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't >look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Sunrise_03_11_13-29b.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 134883 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Sunrise_03_11_13-31a.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 226142 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Mon Nov 4 19:38:51 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 19:38:51 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 References: Message-ID: Hi, Colin...I was not successful. I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to ths sun streaming through the windows. I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3967 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca Mon Nov 4 20:06:43 2013 From: rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca (Rick) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 20:06:43 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Calendars and Other Goodies Message-ID: <384A6B4D32074D409788888BE549C401@rickc1e4a6706e> Will the 2014 calendars be for sale at Thursday's meeting? If so, how much is the price? Rick -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 145 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Tue Nov 5 01:00:40 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 01:00:40 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: , , Message-ID: Hi The clouds as seen from the Burlington Waterfront were just about perfectly placed to prevent a view. I took several frames as the sun passed gaps (Nikon D5100 on Sigma 150-500mm telephoto with 1.4x teleconverter and mylar solar filter) and arguably saw a bite in the lower limb of the sun on several at the right times and places just after 7 AM. One (with interp as to possible location of the moon) is attached. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 19:38:51 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Hi, Colin...I was not successful. I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to ths sun streaming through the windows. I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NZ7_6011 x1 1400.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 560440 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Tue Nov 5 05:12:31 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 05:12:31 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I hope to be at the meeting - will bring a few photos of the eclipse, if anyone is interested. Cheers Colin At 07:38 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, Colin...I was not successful. > >I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). > >I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to >ths sun streaming through the windows. > >I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go >back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. > >Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig >Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Roger, David, Anybody else? >It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low >cloud on the horizon made it tricky. >Colin > >At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: > >Hi, David... > > > >Were you successful? > > > >Roger > > > > > >-----Original Message----- > >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith > >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM > >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > > > >Hi, > >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the > >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial > >eclipse at sunrise. > >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the > >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's > >all done from our perspective. > > > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to > >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other > >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > > > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of > >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just > >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks > >change tonight too. > > > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake > >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The > >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > > > >cheers, > >- David Galbraith > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > >astronomers mailing list > >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From supergiant2003 at hotmail.com Tue Nov 5 11:17:34 2013 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com (supergiant2003 at hotmail.com) Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 11:17:34 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Message-ID: I will put you on the agenda...!!! Connected by Motorola Colin Haig wrote: >I hope to be at the meeting - will bring a few photos of the eclipse, >if anyone is interested. >Cheers >Colin > >At 07:38 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >>Hi, Colin...I was not successful. >> >>I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). >> >>I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to >>ths sun streaming through the windows. >> >>I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go >>back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. >> >>Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? >> >>Roger >> >> >>-----Original Message----- >>From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig >>Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM >>To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 >> >>Roger, David, Anybody else? >>It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low >>cloud on the horizon made it tricky. >>Colin >> >>At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >> >Hi, David... >> > >> >Were you successful? >> > >> >Roger >> > >> > >> >-----Original Message----- >> >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >> >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >> >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 >> > >> >Hi, >> >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >> >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >> >eclipse at sunrise. >> >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >> >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >> >all done from our perspective. >> > >> >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >> >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >> >divides designed for safe solar viewing. >> > >> >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >> >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >> >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >> >change tonight too. >> > >> >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >> >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >> >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, >> > >> >cheers, >> >- David Galbraith >> > >> > >> > >> >_______________________________________________ >> >astronomers mailing list >> >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>astronomers mailing list >>astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>astronomers mailing list >>astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From atacamandy at gmail.com Fri Nov 8 14:56:17 2013 From: atacamandy at gmail.com (Andy Blanchard) Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 14:56:17 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment Message-ID: Well my 1st call for helpers with the cemment for my observatory was unsuccessful a few weeks ago. Not for lack of offers, but the timing was not right. We are going to try again on Tuesday at noon. I know its a work day, but if you can make it I promise a great BBQ and a sore back. Please call and let me know if you can back it. -- Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-330-5626C (Best) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 8 15:53:14 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 15:53:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <02b101cedcc4$8bff7b00$a3fe7100$@net> I'm IN! We need to rent a "bull-float": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RS6425XuXA Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Andy Blanchard Sent: November-08-13 2:56 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment Well my 1st call for helpers with the cemment for my observatory was unsuccessful a few weeks ago. Not for lack of offers, but the timing was not right. We are going to try again on Tuesday at noon. I know its a work day, but if you can make it I promise a great BBQ and a sore back. Please call and let me know if you can back it. -- Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-330-5626C (Best) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 16 12:15:49 2013 From: rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca (Rick) Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:15:49 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Power Point Presentation Message-ID: <8991EB50672D4996A7CCF34104CCCEA8@rickc1e4a6706e> Hi, Does anyone have a power point presentation for general astronomy in which they could share? Some of the people at work have suggested I give a talk during lunch some day. What I would be looking for is basic introductory material. If you have anything of interest, please send it to me directly at rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca. Rick -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 145 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Wed Nov 20 09:32:42 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:32:42 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2-12 S1 (ISON) spotted 20 Nov 2013 Message-ID: Hi, A couple of us were able to spot Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) this morning from the Burlington Waterfront The comet appeared as a slightly fuzzy star of about 4th magnitude, between the star Spica and the planet Mercury. The best views were a little around 6 AM. We were able to see the comet in binoculars and perhaps with the unaided eye – it was iffy though, and the sky lightened up pretty quickly after 6. I was able to get a few wide-angle photographs that captured the comet, with surrounding stars for reference. I tried finding it with my little 5" telescope on an unguided EQ4 mount and didn’t have any luck (I was getting frozen by then). The best of the photos suggest a wisp of a tail, not visible “live” for us. The comet will get harder to spot in the next days, as it gets closer to the sun (and only, of course, if the weather cooperates. Right now the forecast isn’t promising). It swings around the sun at its closest approach (perihelion) on 28 November. If it stays bright (or gets brighter) there may be some changes to see it in December and January as it heads back out into the depths of the solar system. Cheers, - David Galbraith Attachment: Wide-angle photograph taken with a tripod-mounted dSLR at 6:18 AM, 20 Nov 2013. Two stars and the planet Mercury are marked, as is the comet. ISO 800, 2.5 second exposure, 42mm focal length. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: DSC_0044 cr1 1200px labels.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 289134 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 20 10:04:04 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:04:04 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2-12 S1 (ISON) spotted 20 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0b864d$cm9gai@fipsb03.cogeco.net> Very nice David! I was out this morning at about 4:30ET near Milton, and grabbed a number of photos of both C/2013 R1 Lovejoy and ISON. For me visually, Lovejoy seemed about 0.5 to 1.0 mag brighter than ISON, with a larger central area around the nucleus. I think its partly due to darker background at the zenith. Attached are 2 close-up pix, taken w 400mm f5.6 on Canon 5D MKII. Lovejoy shot at 3.2s, ISO25600, and ISON at 3.2s ISO6400. Sky was very bright for ISON by comparison. Also, here's one shot over your heads, looking from the escarpment near Milton down over the lights of Burlington. Mercury and ISON. Saturn was barely visible in binos, but lost in the sunrise for photos. I checked your photo, and its not there either. Cheers Colin At 09:32 AM 20/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >A couple of us were able to spot Comet C/2012 S1 >(ISON) this morning from the Burlington Waterfront > >The comet appeared as a slightly fuzzy star of >about 4th magnitude, between the star Spica and >the planet Mercury. The best views were a little >around 6 AM. We were able to see the comet in >binoculars and perhaps with the unaided eye ­ it >was iffy though, and the sky lightened up pretty >quickly after 6. I was able to get a few >wide-angle photographs that captured the comet, >with surrounding stars for reference. I tried >finding it with my little 5" telescope on an >unguided EQ4 mount and didn’t have any luck (I >was getting frozen by then). The best of the >photos suggest a wisp of a tail, not visible “live” for us. > >The comet will get harder to spot in the next >days, as it gets closer to the sun (and only, of >course, if the weather cooperates. Right now the >forecast isn’t promising). It swings around the >sun at its closest approach (perihelion) on 28 >November. If it stays bright (or gets brighter) >there may be some changes to see it in December >and January as it heads back out into the depths of the solar system. > >Cheers, > >- David Galbraith > >Attachment: Wide-angle photograph taken with a >tripod-mounted dSLR at 6:18 AM, 20 Nov 2013. Two >stars and the planet Mercury are marked, as is >the comet. ISO 800, 2.5 second exposure, 42mm >focal length. > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigISON0.JPG Type: image/jpeg Size: 100134 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigLovejoy.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 188287 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigISONmilton.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 147508 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 22 20:15:19 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:15:19 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - a viewing window tomorrow? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi everyone, The Hamilton Clear Sky Chart suggests that tomorrow there may be a chance to see Comet ISON just after 6 AM. The comet rises at just about 6 AM at about ESE (very close to Mercury) from our position. Attached is a screen capture from Stellarium timed to 6:15 AM tomorrow, from Hamilton as location. The window will be brief. My experience on 20 November was that by 6:30 (about 45 minutes before sunrise) the chances of seeing something at 4th magnitude close to the eastern horizon were slim to none. I was able to get some dSLR photos on a tripod as late as 6:20 on which you can find the star-line spot of the comet, but not much later. The Burlington Waterfront worked pretty well on Wednesday, so I'm going to head there again early tomorrow morning, hoping to start setting up by about 5 AM. If anyone wants to drop by, I'll be just west of Spenser's near the foot of Mapleview, at the waterfront park parking lot (same as Wednesday so I have some confidence about conditions). This time I'm planning on setting up with a Synscan-enabled mount, too. I tried using a manual mount on Wednesday and was frustrated. cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ISON 20131123.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 155789 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 23 07:53:39 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 07:53:39 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning Message-ID: Hi, We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope - but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high cloud that cleared up as time went by. There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any luck "live." Did anyone else have a look this morning? cheers - David Galbraith From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 09:15:01 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:15:01 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <510487$co8dpm@fipsb01.cogeco.net> Yeah David, I had a look, and am not 100% convinced I saw it. By the time I had the DSLR set up, low cloud and pre-dawn light at about 6:25 made me give up trying to get a photo. I have one image where this is a couple of pixels that look to be in the right place, but I think they are actually just noise. I should have escaped out of town to try. Lovejoy was easy and quite nice this morning, right near Canes Venatici. I got a bad photo of it. ;-) I left it too late to look for Nevski, but I think the moon made it too tough. I had a "suspect", but can't confirm. Cheers Colin At 07:53 AM 23/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. > >I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had >considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It >might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice >views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope >- but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi >formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a >low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all >three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from >Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high >cloud that cleared up as time went by. > >There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & >tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any >luck "live." > >Did anyone else have a look this morning? > >cheers > >- David Galbraith >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 23 19:06:16 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:06:16 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 2013-11-23 07:53, you wrote: >Did anyone else have a look this morning? That makes me feel a little better. I awoke with a massively splitting headache a 03:00 and laid in bed until 04:00 hoping it would go away. I then got up, looked outside at the sky, which was completely overcast, not even any real sign of the Moon and then went back to bed for an hour. It was still cloudy and I finally fell back to sleep not waking up until it was light and quite cloud free. I was going to head to a place on the escarpment with a good eastern view, but the darn headache stopped me from driving out at 04:00. When I got up and it was clear, I was most annoyed. In my state, I would more likely have driven off the road than observe a comet anyway. So you not seeing anything in good health makes me feel like I did not need to be too upset about not going out this morning. This comet had better put on a show post perihelion... Clear skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm From jfpatch at gmail.com Sat Nov 23 19:37:12 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:37:12 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7739FBBD-BE6C-4D3B-A9A0-64D709B8287E@gmail.com> I tried from Stoney Creek mountain but no luck either. Also enjoyed the moon, Jupiter and Mercury. Hopefully December will offer better opportunities. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 23, 2013, at 7:53, David Galbraith wrote: Hi, We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope - but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high cloud that cleared up as time went by. There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any luck "live." Did anyone else have a look this morning? cheers - David Galbraith _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 23 20:57:02 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 20:57:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Hi, As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. cheers, - David -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ISON 20131123 images labelled.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 569823 bytes Desc: not available URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 22:12:11 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:12:11 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> David, Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. Ed On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: > Hi, > > As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. > > Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. > > On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. > > The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. > > A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. > > cheers, > > - David _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at gmail.com Sat Nov 23 22:35:46 2013 From: atacamandy at gmail.com (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:35:46 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> Message-ID: <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > > David, > > Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. > > Ed > > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >> >> Hi, >> >> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >> >> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >> >> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >> >> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >> >> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >> >> cheers, >> >> - David _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 22:41:39 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:41:39 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. Ed On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. > > Have a great day > > Andy Blanchard > 289-337-6766H > 905-847-7777B > 905-330-5626C > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > >> David, >> >> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >> >> Ed >> >> >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >> >>> Hi, >>> >>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>> >>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>> >>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>> >>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>> >>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>> >>> cheers, >>> >>> - David _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 23 22:50:35 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:50:35 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: If your looking for something to do on Tuesdays, Joe, Gary and I are building an airplane in my garage on Tuesdays. We start at about 9:30, its fun and interesting. We also talk astronomy too. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:41 PM, "Ed Mizzi" wrote: > > That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. > > Ed > > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: >> >> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. >> >> Have a great day >> >> Andy Blanchard >> 289-337-6766H >> 905-847-7777B >> 905-330-5626C >> >>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: >>> >>> David, >>> >>> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >>> >>> Ed >>> >>> >>>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi, >>>> >>>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>>> >>>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>>> >>>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>>> >>>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>>> >>>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>>> >>>> cheers, >>>> >>>> - David _______________________________________________ >>>> astronomers mailing list >>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 23:00:14 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:00:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5E00E497-19C4-460F-AADA-BE7D2E2BFB89@cogeco.ca> That’s a very generous and intriguing offer, thanks. I’ll give it some thought, but what is your address, please? On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:50 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > If your looking for something to do on Tuesdays, Joe, Gary and I are building an airplane in my garage on Tuesdays. We start at about 9:30, its fun and interesting. We also talk astronomy too. > > Have a great day > > Andy Blanchard > 289-337-6766H > 905-847-7777B > 905-330-5626C > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:41 PM, "Ed Mizzi" wrote: > >> That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. >> >> Ed >> >> >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: >> >>> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. >>> >>> Have a great day >>> >>> Andy Blanchard >>> 289-337-6766H >>> 905-847-7777B >>> 905-330-5626C >>> >>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: >>> >>>> David, >>>> >>>> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >>>> >>>> Ed >>>> >>>> >>>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi, >>>>> >>>>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>>>> >>>>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>>>> >>>>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>>>> >>>>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>>>> >>>>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>>>> >>>>> cheers, >>>>> >>>>> - David _______________________________________________ >>>>> astronomers mailing list >>>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> astronomers mailing list >>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sun Nov 24 07:24:47 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 07:24:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: On 13-11-23 20:57, David Galbraith wrote: > Hi, > > As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. > This morning, it was quite clear. I drove to a lookoff on the escarpment that looked through a hole in the murk between Milton and Mississauga using Mercury as a reference. I used a WO66 and my 7*50 binoculars and came up with nothing at all, not even a hint. Mercury, Saturn and Zubenelgenubi were easy unaided eye targets and both Encke and Ison should have been below, but nothing was seen. I kept looking until the sky was too bright. If Ison is going to be the comet of the century, the next 87 years are going to be pretty bleak. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm From jpipitone at cogeco.ca Sun Nov 24 16:34:34 2013 From: jpipitone at cogeco.ca (Joseph Pipitone) Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:34:34 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: Looking forward to seeing you sometime Ed. Joe On Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 10:41 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will > hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to > give it up. > > Ed > > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > > > He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. > > > > Have a great day > > > > Andy Blanchard > > 289-337-6766H > > 905-847-7777B > > 905-330-5626C > > > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > > > >> David, > >> > >> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the > cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way > to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we > must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So > there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. > >> > >> Ed > >> > >> > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith < > dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com> wrote: > >> > >>> Hi, > >>> > >>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the > morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington > Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak > telescope. > >>> > >>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the > tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some > markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM > relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium > screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet > highlighted. > >>> > >>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with > contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, > f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct > spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image > to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the > image. > >>> > >>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of > distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative > cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. > >>> > >>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am > sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount > and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps > 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to > find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. > I'd be happy for feedback. > >>> > >>> cheers, > >>> > >>> - David labelled.jpg>_______________________________________________ > >>> astronomers mailing list > >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> astronomers mailing list > >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > astronomers mailing list > > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Tue Nov 26 14:00:07 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:00:07 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 References: , Message-ID: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 2812 bytes Desc: not available URL: From ramberg.john at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 14:29:04 2013 From: ramberg.john at gmail.com (John Ramberg) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:29:04 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at > Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" > prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye > don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for > comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but > can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 14:32:16 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:32:16 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at >> Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" >> prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left >> eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for >> comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but >> can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Tue Nov 26 14:58:31 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 References: Message-ID: I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3810 bytes Desc: not available URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 18:18:21 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:18:21 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! David On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead > of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 > months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg > wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come > along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < > Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on > Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat > "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the > right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be > really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy > for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 20:32:49 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:32:49 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! David > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From morganman at sympatico.ca Tue Nov 26 21:23:00 2013 From: morganman at sympatico.ca (Scott Barrie) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:23:00 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily modified. Scott B. On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > -- > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jpipitone at cogeco.ca Tue Nov 26 21:35:37 2013 From: jpipitone at cogeco.ca (Joseph Pipitone) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:35:37 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I bought them and they are worth it at this price. You will need a tripod though. Joe Pipitone On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I > believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the > price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them > just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead >> of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 >> months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg >> wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would >> come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < >> Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on >> Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat >> "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the >> right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be >> really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy >> for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > > -- > *David Surette* > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 21:46:28 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:46:28 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <9FA844C0-2596-4F54-97D1-A36467104DD9@gmail.com> Cool. I'll give them a try. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 21:35, Joseph Pipitone wrote: I bought them and they are worth it at this price. You will need a tripod though. Joe Pipitone > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > -- > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 23:07:47 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:07:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Those of us that already have a pair of these binoculars all agree that the tripod mount that comes with them is not the greatest, (sucks actually!) However with a some epoxy and a few nails ( I used 2" finish nails) cut to size you can stiffen up the mount considerably by filling the indentations on either side with epoxy and embedding the nail shanks in the epoxy. Dave On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 9:23 PM, Scott Barrie wrote: > They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it > expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. > > Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. > Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. > > Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because > they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily > modified. > > Scott B. > > > > > On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I > believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the > price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them > just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead >> of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 >> months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg >> wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would >> come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < >> Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on >> Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat >> "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the >> right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be >> really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy >> for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > > -- > *David Surette* > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 23:12:13 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:12:13 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3904A207-6738-436A-B291-B2EC7149E8D6@gmail.com> Thanks. Epoxy and Duct tape - man's best friends. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 23:07, David Surette wrote: Those of us that already have a pair of these binoculars all agree that the tripod mount that comes with them is not the greatest, (sucks actually!) However with a some epoxy and a few nails ( I used 2" finish nails) cut to size you can stiffen up the mount considerably by filling the indentations on either side with epoxy and embedding the nail shanks in the epoxy. Dave > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 9:23 PM, Scott Barrie wrote: > They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. > > Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. > > Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily modified. > > Scott B. > > > > >> On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: >> >> I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? >> >> Sent by John from his iPad 2! >> >> On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: >> >> Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! >> Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! >> >> >> David >> >> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >>> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. >>> >>> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >>> >>> Roger >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >>> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >>> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >>> >>> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: >>> >>> >>> Thanks Roger >>> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >>> >>> >>> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. >>> >>> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. >>> >>> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >>> >>> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. >>> >>> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >>> >>> Roger >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> >>> David Surette >>> (289) 286-1300 >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> -- >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 27 11:06:09 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 11:06:09 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <510487$copcjs@fipsb01.cogeco.net> Geez, if I sell my Fujinons, I could buy a pair of these for everybody I know! C At 02:00 PM 26/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at >Canadian Tire. > >It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black >Friday" prices by a day. > >It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and >left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > >They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice >for comet viewing. > >They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the >job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > >Roger > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mducak at hotmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:11:02 2013 From: mducak at hotmail.com (mike ducak) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:11:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: , , Message-ID: Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:23:02 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:23:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mike, the tripod in question is a typical photographers tripod. Fully extended the tripod will let you sit on a stool or chair and you can view comfortably. The binoculars are not that heavy so you could use them laying down or on a lawn-chair however you still need a steady hand. That is why most use a tripod. Dave On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: > Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and > it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. > Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a > lawn chair? > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 > From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 27 13:26:14 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:26:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mike, From my experience, you can not hand-hold these and keep them steady enough for good viewing, so you’ll need something like a tripod to steady them. If you had a tripod that could be set up low to the ground and then lay down under them, that would work. Or, Andy Blanchard once showed us a device (using a mirror along with the binocs.) and it worked superbly…cannot remember what it’s called. On Nov 27, 2013, at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: > Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 > From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From supergiant2003 at hotmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:47:03 2013 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com (supergiant2003 at hotmail.com) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:47:03 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 Message-ID: A monopod works well too! Connected by Motorola David Surette wrote: >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mducak at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 20:04:10 2013 From: mducak at hotmail.com (mike ducak) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:04:10 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Well I got my pair yesterday. So far looks like I got a good one; none of the dreaded double-image I've been hearing about. There seems to be a scratch on the inside of one of the eye lenses, which is unfortunate. Can't see it when looking through them, though. I was just checking out M15, M31, the Double Cluster, and some random stars. Sky isn't great in Guelph right now but these things picked out quite a few stars. They are not very heavy for their size but the 15-power does make them a bit shaky. Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:47:03 -0500 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 A monopod works well too! Connected by Motorola David Surette wrote: Mike, the tripod in question is a typical photographers tripod. Fully extended the tripod will let you sit on a stool or chair and you can view comfortably. The binoculars are not that heavy so you could use them laying down or on a lawn-chair however you still need a steady hand. That is why most use a tripod. Dave On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 20:22:38 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:22:38 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. >From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 29 20:39:36 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. >From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From jfpatch at gmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:12:40 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:12:40 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> References: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> I recently purchased a polarie. seems to be good although I haven't had the chance to use it much. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 29, 2013, at 20:39, "Gary Bennett" wrote: I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:28:55 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:28:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: Thanks Gary, It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the direction pointed. Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a > better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures > (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates > full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based > night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, > including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature > of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to > calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the > camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that > movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its > Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the > system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 29 21:48:42 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:48:42 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> An interesting concept. I think you probably know already that 24MP is way too many, but the manufacturers are in a race to keep piling more pixels into a small chip. Small pixels are going to have a hell of a time collecting already rare photons. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 9:29 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Thanks Gary, It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the direction pointed. Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would > achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between > exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen > device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On > Behalf Of David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for > tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for > several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking > feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS > coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, > then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the > sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to > follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, > showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev= > _t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co. > jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1 > mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:50:55 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:50:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net>, <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks John and Gary for the point about tracking mounts. Yes - longer exposures (and multiple exposures for stacking) would certainly be better with a separate tracking system. The Vixen system is one of several on the market; they seem to retail for around $400-$500 without tripod. The AstroTrac system is very well-regarded, larger, more complex and more expensive, too (capacity 33 lb according to specs on the Canadian Telescope web site - one of the best systems, effectively capable of mounting telescopes too). You can also get the same effect by mounting a camera on an aligned equatorial telescope mount. Vixen also markets a very capable mount, the GP2 Photo Guider, optimized for dSLR photograph for about $1,100 (capacity 5.5 lb) Orion has a couple of less-expensive options too: the "Min-EQ Tabletop Equatorial Telescope Mount" sells for around $70 at Canadian Telescope (this one is not motorized) and use as a camera tracking platform is noted on the CT web site, but this would require manual movement of the fine adjustment knob to achieve. The "Orion Adventures in Astrophotography Bundle" also available on the CT site is an EQ-1 mount and tripod with electric RA drive for $180 (capacity up to 7 lb). Neither of these devices include a polar scope, so polar alignment must be achieved by other means. The advantage of the Pentax/Ricoh Astro Tracer would be portability; no separate system other than camera, conventional photo tripod, and the small GPS pod that clips into the camera's flash shoe. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: jfpatch at gmail.com > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:12:40 -0500 > To: gary at bendun.net; astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I recently purchased a polarie. seems to be good although I haven't had the chance to use it much. > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 29, 2013, at 20:39, "Gary Bennett" wrote: > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a > better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures > (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates > full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based > night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, > including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature > of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to > calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the > camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that > movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its > Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the > system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 22:06:29 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 22:06:29 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> References: , , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net>, , <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> Message-ID: Thanks Gary, certainly a consumer dSLR is not going to compete with a dedicated astrophotography camera in many regards - although some great results can be obtained with a dSLR. Your point about the fixation with pixels is well taken. The 24 megapixel Pentax K3 achieves that resolution on an APS-C-sized sensor, too - so the pixels are under 4 microns, which is very small, even for a dSLR. In comparison, Canon EOS REBEL T3i bodies have 18 megapixel sensors that are built of 4.3 micron pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). Interestingly, there is no anti-aliasing filter on the new Pentax camera; there is anti-aliasing emulation in on-board software that can be turned off. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:48:42 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > An interesting concept. > > I think you probably know already that 24MP is way too many, but the > manufacturers are in a race to keep piling more pixels into a small chip. > Small pixels are going to have a hell of a time collecting already rare > photons. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 9:29 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Thanks Gary, > > It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of > minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like > noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates > that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, > attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system > (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - > up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar > systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The > advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, > not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra > cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro > Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the > direction pointed. > > Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera > line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't > found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II > and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. > > cheers, > > - David > > ---------------------------------------- >> From: gary at bendun.net >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer >> >> I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would >> achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: >> http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html >> >> I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between >> exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen >> device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several > brand names. >> >> Gary Bennett >> >> http://bendun.net/ >> http://photos.bendun.net/ >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On >> Behalf Of David Galbraith >> Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer >> >> Hi, >> >> Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >> tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >> several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires > a separate GPS unit. >> >> From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: >> >> "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >> feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >> coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, >> then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the >> sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to >> follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, >> showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" >> >> As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation >> process badly, but here it is: >> >> http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev= >> _t&rur >> l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co. >> jp/doc >> s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1 >> mMfMXg >> >> cheers, >> >> - David >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 05:32:02 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 05:32:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> Message-ID: At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a >new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. What camera has 17u pixels? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 07:24:32 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:24:32 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Hi Mark I saw a notice about the Canon sensor on a web site dates earlier this year. No word if it being in a camera yet - just developed as a sensor. cheers, - David --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 5:32 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a >new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. What camera has 17u pixels? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 30 07:24:55 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:24:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0b864d$cnlbqf@fipsb03.cogeco.net> Pentax's DSLRs image stabilization is the key here. It moves the sensor, meaning no heavy lens and motors in the lens. Sadly, I sold off my Pentax stuff and switched to Canon, after years of Pentax digital issues. With Ricoh/Hoya ownership of Pentax, we're seeing some good innovation. Brian from KW Telescope really likes the GPS Astro Tracer, says it works quite well, within its limits. e.g. you can't track for hours ;-) Gerry from the RASC KW Centre also has it, and I got to check this stuff out yesterday. Very cool. If you've got the requisite Pentax gear, the GPS Astro Tracer is a worthwhile add on. Worst case, you know exactly where and when you took your pictures if it doesnt work out astronomically. Cheers Colin At 08:22 PM 29/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. >Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > >"Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the >stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to >shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a >little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes >several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > >As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the >translation process badly, but here it is: > >http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > >cheers, > >- David >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 07:51:47 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:51:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. We only get about 30 good nights to image, and since we can create dark libraries I have always done my darks when I am done or in the fridge. I really don't want to waste even a second of photon time on a dark, that's for later. I like the idea of one dark, but I don't believe it could be as clean as 16 darks properly stacked and processed. Yet I would love to see one to compare. I shoot all my images at 800 ISO with a few 200 ISO for dynamic range. I find that when I go too far with ISO the image becomes grainy. Again I would love to see what a 100k ISO image looks like. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 7:24 AM, "David Galbraith" wrote: > > Hi Mark > > I saw a notice about the Canon sensor on a web site dates earlier this year. No word if it being in a camera yet - just developed as a sensor. > > cheers, > > - David > > --- Original Message --- > > From: "Mark Kaye" > Sent: November 30, 2013 5:32 AM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >> pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). > > My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. > What camera has 17u pixels? > Clear skies! > MK > > The Observatory by the Lake > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:01:35 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:01:35 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Thanks Colin, Interesting feedback! The K3 is a great looking camera, too. Burlington Camera has one in silver in right now, with the added battery grip. Pentax is also well known for superior weather seals on all of its gear. If I wasn't kitted out with Nikon for my landscape photography I'd give it a go. It's not cheap for an APS-C body but it's edging up into the pro range. in quality and features - like two SD slots. It would be interesting to find out how it preforms for more demanding SLR astrophotography, the pixel issue not withstanding. I can't say anything about that: I shoot with a 36 megapixel Nikon D800 and so am guilty as charged. cheers, - David --- Original Message --- From: "Colin Haig" Sent: November 30, 2013 7:25 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Pentax's DSLRs image stabilization is the key here. It moves the sensor, meaning no heavy lens and motors in the lens. Sadly, I sold off my Pentax stuff and switched to Canon, after years of Pentax digital issues. With Ricoh/Hoya ownership of Pentax, we're seeing some good innovation. Brian from KW Telescope really likes the GPS Astro Tracer, says it works quite well, within its limits. e.g. you can't track for hours ;-) Gerry from the RASC KW Centre also has it, and I got to check this stuff out yesterday. Very cool. If you've got the requisite Pentax gear, the GPS Astro Tracer is a worthwhile add on. Worst case, you know exactly where and when you took your pictures if it doesnt work out astronomically. Cheers Colin At 08:22 PM 29/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. >Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > >"Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the >stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to >shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a >little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes >several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > >As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the >translation process badly, but here it is: > >http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > >cheers, > >- David >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:18:23 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:18:23 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 7:51, Andy Blanchard wrote: > Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark > subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or > conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. Both Terry and Alan have done side by sides using darks and letting the camera handle it. They both conclude that the camera does a better job. I always assumed that RAW meant you get exactly what the chip produces. Turns out this is not the case. When looking at the data for the ORFs that came out of the Olympus, I noticed a value indicating the percentage of compression. Since I thought that RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that even RAW images are compressed. It is much less effective to do your dark processing on compressed images, even the small amount that is done to RAW images. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:20:57 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:20:57 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 8:18, Mark Kaye wrote: > RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that > even RAW images are compressed. It is much less were, not where. Better proof reading is in order. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:28:13 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:28:13 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 8:18 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 7:51, Andy Blanchard wrote: > Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark > subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or > conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. Both Terry and Alan have done side by sides using darks and letting the camera handle it. They both conclude that the camera does a better job. I always assumed that RAW meant you get exactly what the chip produces. Turns out this is not the case. When looking at the data for the ORFs that came out of the Olympus, I noticed a value indicating the percentage of compression. Since I thought that RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that even RAW images are compressed. It is much less effective to do your dark processing on compressed images, even the small amount that is done to RAW images. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:38:29 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:38:29 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:46:11 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:46:11 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: thanks Mark The best thing is to find the setting that does compress anything... including for dark frames. The idea of the dark frame is to record the noise being produced inside the camera without an image - essentially what's coming from the sensor itself. Individual "hot" pixels on sensors are best recorded :as is" as is the actual image data you want. Image compression tends to "smear out" individual pixels - making the subtraction of the noise less effective cheers - David --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 8:38 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From gary at bendun.net Sat Nov 30 08:59:30 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:59:30 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> I would not feel comfortable allowing DSLR camera software, designed for daylight photography, to be smart enough to decide that the faint photons I worked so hard to capture are noise and got deleted. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Mark Kaye Sent: November-30-13 8:38 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 09:01:54 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:01:54 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I get it, we are talking about two different things. Terry and Alan are referring to an immediate dark in camera is more closely related to the prior image. Not to be confused with the actual math. Most in camera darks are instantly taken by the camera before the chip has had sufficient time to cool down. About 5 seconds. This creates a hot chip getting hotter. So if your taking a 5 minute exposure, and instantly start a dark the chip is still warm and continues to get hotter, creating a false dark that does not truly reflect the image you are trying to calibrate. When a dark is taken, there is a picture taken of the noise the camera produces for a given temperature and air pressure. Yes air pressure. Here is where things get complicated. The camera needs to be able dark subtract a raw image within its internal processor at the original bit rate. I have yet to find a camera processor that can do this math. All camera processing so far, is done at a bit rat far below the cameras optimal bit rate. Basically throwing away good and necessary data. So unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a very bad thing for astrophotography. There is one caveat to this, if you shoot in Monochrome raw the camera won't toss out any data. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 8:38 AM, "Mark Kaye" wrote: > >> On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: >> There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. > > I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. > It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. > -- > Clear Skies! > MK > > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 09:08:51 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:08:51 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 09:01 11/30/2013, you wrote: >ISo unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the >processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a >very bad thing for astrophotography. So what you are saying here is that both Alan Dyer and Terry Dickinson, two of the world's leading astronomical imagers, are both blowing smoke out their ass and that they are not correct? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 09:14:43 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:14:43 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> References: , , <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> Message-ID: Good point Gary!! Cherish those hard-won photons. cheers, - David ________________________________ > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:59:30 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > > I would not feel comfortable allowing DSLR camera software, designed > for daylight photography, to be smart enough to decide that the faint > photons I worked so hard to capture are noise and got deleted. > > > > Gary Bennett > > > > http://bendun.net/ > > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On > Behalf Of Mark Kaye > Sent: November-30-13 8:38 AM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > > > On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. > > I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only > guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are > compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not > quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede > that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have > limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's > imaging time in half. > It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera > is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark > library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and > Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. > They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken > seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a > very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by > using a dark library. > > > -- > > Clear Skies! > > MK > > > > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing > list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 09:18:24 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:18:24 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I would not word it that way Mark. But I an pretty sure they would not disagree with what I have said. It's just math and from what I understand you are saying there is a big difference between opinion vs fact. I am sure they feel an instant dark is cleaner and that's probably true, as it has more noise to subtract, but that noise is also good data for the reasons that I mentioned in my prior post below. I have copied bcc Terry a good friend to protect his email, on this, for him to weigh in. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 9:09 AM, "Mark Kaye" wrote: > > At 09:01 11/30/2013, you wrote: >> ISo unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a very bad thing for astrophotography. > > So what you are saying here is that both Alan Dyer and Terry Dickinson, two of the world's leading astronomical imagers, are both blowing smoke out their ass and that they are not correct? > Clear skies! > MK > > The Observatory by the Lake > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 30 09:22:18 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:22:18 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 07:51 AM 30/11/2013, Andy Blanchard wrote: >Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark >subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or >conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. I've done a whole bunch of testing, and am finding that for exposures of perhaps a few seconds to a couple minutes (which is the limit arond here), getting the camera to do the dark works fine. Longer exposures, I'm undecided. If your plan is to grab a bunch and stack, then think turning it off makes sense and shoot a handful of darks vs doubling your exposure time, and reducing your productive shooting hours. On the other hand, Alan Dyer was fairly insistent on letting the camera do the work in all cases. Cheers Colin From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 2 21:45:06 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2013 21:45:06 -0400 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Hi, There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse at sunrise. Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all done from our perspective. I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides designed for safe solar viewing. The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change tonight too. I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: eclipse 20131103.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 26224 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Mon Nov 4 15:44:27 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 15:44:27 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 References: , Message-ID: Hi, David... Were you successful? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Hi, There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse at sunrise. Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all done from our perspective. I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides designed for safe solar viewing. The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change tonight too. I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3319 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Mon Nov 4 16:01:46 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:01:46 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From bob.prociuk at gmail.com Mon Nov 4 18:54:06 2013 From: bob.prociuk at gmail.com (Bob Prociuk) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 18:54:06 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <005a01ced9b9$2667d840$733788c0$@gmail.com> I was out on the Burlington Pier. Beautiful sun rise but the sun was obscured by clouds for the first 10 minutes after sunrise. Did get a few photos. Possibly one may show a small sliver of the moon over the sun but it also could have been a cloud. The attached images have been reduced in size for emailing. The first was shot through a welders glass while the next was a direct shot through a telephoto lens. Bob Bob -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Colin Haig Sent: November-04-13 4:02 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse >at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all >done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view >the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides >designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the >sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 >minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change >tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario >from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't >look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Sunrise_03_11_13-29b.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 134883 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Sunrise_03_11_13-31a.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 226142 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Mon Nov 4 19:38:51 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 19:38:51 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 References: Message-ID: Hi, Colin...I was not successful. I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to ths sun streaming through the windows. I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3967 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca Mon Nov 4 20:06:43 2013 From: rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca (Rick) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 20:06:43 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Calendars and Other Goodies Message-ID: <384A6B4D32074D409788888BE549C401@rickc1e4a6706e> Will the 2014 calendars be for sale at Thursday's meeting? If so, how much is the price? Rick -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 145 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Tue Nov 5 01:00:40 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 01:00:40 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: , , Message-ID: Hi The clouds as seen from the Burlington Waterfront were just about perfectly placed to prevent a view. I took several frames as the sun passed gaps (Nikon D5100 on Sigma 150-500mm telephoto with 1.4x teleconverter and mylar solar filter) and arguably saw a bite in the lower limb of the sun on several at the right times and places just after 7 AM. One (with interp as to possible location of the moon) is attached. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 19:38:51 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Hi, Colin...I was not successful. I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to ths sun streaming through the windows. I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NZ7_6011 x1 1400.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 560440 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Tue Nov 5 05:12:31 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 05:12:31 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I hope to be at the meeting - will bring a few photos of the eclipse, if anyone is interested. Cheers Colin At 07:38 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, Colin...I was not successful. > >I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). > >I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to >ths sun streaming through the windows. > >I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go >back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. > >Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig >Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Roger, David, Anybody else? >It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low >cloud on the horizon made it tricky. >Colin > >At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: > >Hi, David... > > > >Were you successful? > > > >Roger > > > > > >-----Original Message----- > >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith > >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM > >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > > > >Hi, > >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the > >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial > >eclipse at sunrise. > >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the > >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's > >all done from our perspective. > > > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to > >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other > >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > > > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of > >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just > >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks > >change tonight too. > > > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake > >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The > >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > > > >cheers, > >- David Galbraith > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > >astronomers mailing list > >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From supergiant2003 at hotmail.com Tue Nov 5 11:17:34 2013 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com (supergiant2003 at hotmail.com) Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 11:17:34 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Message-ID: I will put you on the agenda...!!! Connected by Motorola Colin Haig wrote: >I hope to be at the meeting - will bring a few photos of the eclipse, >if anyone is interested. >Cheers >Colin > >At 07:38 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >>Hi, Colin...I was not successful. >> >>I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). >> >>I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to >>ths sun streaming through the windows. >> >>I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go >>back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. >> >>Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? >> >>Roger >> >> >>-----Original Message----- >>From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig >>Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM >>To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 >> >>Roger, David, Anybody else? >>It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low >>cloud on the horizon made it tricky. >>Colin >> >>At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >> >Hi, David... >> > >> >Were you successful? >> > >> >Roger >> > >> > >> >-----Original Message----- >> >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >> >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >> >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 >> > >> >Hi, >> >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >> >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >> >eclipse at sunrise. >> >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >> >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >> >all done from our perspective. >> > >> >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >> >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >> >divides designed for safe solar viewing. >> > >> >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >> >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >> >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >> >change tonight too. >> > >> >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >> >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >> >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, >> > >> >cheers, >> >- David Galbraith >> > >> > >> > >> >_______________________________________________ >> >astronomers mailing list >> >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>astronomers mailing list >>astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>astronomers mailing list >>astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From atacamandy at gmail.com Fri Nov 8 14:56:17 2013 From: atacamandy at gmail.com (Andy Blanchard) Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 14:56:17 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment Message-ID: Well my 1st call for helpers with the cemment for my observatory was unsuccessful a few weeks ago. Not for lack of offers, but the timing was not right. We are going to try again on Tuesday at noon. I know its a work day, but if you can make it I promise a great BBQ and a sore back. Please call and let me know if you can back it. -- Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-330-5626C (Best) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 8 15:53:14 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 15:53:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <02b101cedcc4$8bff7b00$a3fe7100$@net> I'm IN! We need to rent a "bull-float": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RS6425XuXA Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Andy Blanchard Sent: November-08-13 2:56 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment Well my 1st call for helpers with the cemment for my observatory was unsuccessful a few weeks ago. Not for lack of offers, but the timing was not right. We are going to try again on Tuesday at noon. I know its a work day, but if you can make it I promise a great BBQ and a sore back. Please call and let me know if you can back it. -- Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-330-5626C (Best) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 16 12:15:49 2013 From: rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca (Rick) Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:15:49 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Power Point Presentation Message-ID: <8991EB50672D4996A7CCF34104CCCEA8@rickc1e4a6706e> Hi, Does anyone have a power point presentation for general astronomy in which they could share? Some of the people at work have suggested I give a talk during lunch some day. What I would be looking for is basic introductory material. If you have anything of interest, please send it to me directly at rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca. Rick -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 145 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Wed Nov 20 09:32:42 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:32:42 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2-12 S1 (ISON) spotted 20 Nov 2013 Message-ID: Hi, A couple of us were able to spot Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) this morning from the Burlington Waterfront The comet appeared as a slightly fuzzy star of about 4th magnitude, between the star Spica and the planet Mercury. The best views were a little around 6 AM. We were able to see the comet in binoculars and perhaps with the unaided eye – it was iffy though, and the sky lightened up pretty quickly after 6. I was able to get a few wide-angle photographs that captured the comet, with surrounding stars for reference. I tried finding it with my little 5" telescope on an unguided EQ4 mount and didn’t have any luck (I was getting frozen by then). The best of the photos suggest a wisp of a tail, not visible “live” for us. The comet will get harder to spot in the next days, as it gets closer to the sun (and only, of course, if the weather cooperates. Right now the forecast isn’t promising). It swings around the sun at its closest approach (perihelion) on 28 November. If it stays bright (or gets brighter) there may be some changes to see it in December and January as it heads back out into the depths of the solar system. Cheers, - David Galbraith Attachment: Wide-angle photograph taken with a tripod-mounted dSLR at 6:18 AM, 20 Nov 2013. Two stars and the planet Mercury are marked, as is the comet. ISO 800, 2.5 second exposure, 42mm focal length. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: DSC_0044 cr1 1200px labels.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 289134 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 20 10:04:04 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:04:04 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2-12 S1 (ISON) spotted 20 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0b864d$cm9gai@fipsb03.cogeco.net> Very nice David! I was out this morning at about 4:30ET near Milton, and grabbed a number of photos of both C/2013 R1 Lovejoy and ISON. For me visually, Lovejoy seemed about 0.5 to 1.0 mag brighter than ISON, with a larger central area around the nucleus. I think its partly due to darker background at the zenith. Attached are 2 close-up pix, taken w 400mm f5.6 on Canon 5D MKII. Lovejoy shot at 3.2s, ISO25600, and ISON at 3.2s ISO6400. Sky was very bright for ISON by comparison. Also, here's one shot over your heads, looking from the escarpment near Milton down over the lights of Burlington. Mercury and ISON. Saturn was barely visible in binos, but lost in the sunrise for photos. I checked your photo, and its not there either. Cheers Colin At 09:32 AM 20/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >A couple of us were able to spot Comet C/2012 S1 >(ISON) this morning from the Burlington Waterfront > >The comet appeared as a slightly fuzzy star of >about 4th magnitude, between the star Spica and >the planet Mercury. The best views were a little >around 6 AM. We were able to see the comet in >binoculars and perhaps with the unaided eye ­ it >was iffy though, and the sky lightened up pretty >quickly after 6. I was able to get a few >wide-angle photographs that captured the comet, >with surrounding stars for reference. I tried >finding it with my little 5" telescope on an >unguided EQ4 mount and didn’t have any luck (I >was getting frozen by then). The best of the >photos suggest a wisp of a tail, not visible “live” for us. > >The comet will get harder to spot in the next >days, as it gets closer to the sun (and only, of >course, if the weather cooperates. Right now the >forecast isn’t promising). It swings around the >sun at its closest approach (perihelion) on 28 >November. If it stays bright (or gets brighter) >there may be some changes to see it in December >and January as it heads back out into the depths of the solar system. > >Cheers, > >- David Galbraith > >Attachment: Wide-angle photograph taken with a >tripod-mounted dSLR at 6:18 AM, 20 Nov 2013. Two >stars and the planet Mercury are marked, as is >the comet. ISO 800, 2.5 second exposure, 42mm >focal length. > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigISON0.JPG Type: image/jpeg Size: 100134 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigLovejoy.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 188287 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigISONmilton.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 147508 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 22 20:15:19 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:15:19 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - a viewing window tomorrow? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi everyone, The Hamilton Clear Sky Chart suggests that tomorrow there may be a chance to see Comet ISON just after 6 AM. The comet rises at just about 6 AM at about ESE (very close to Mercury) from our position. Attached is a screen capture from Stellarium timed to 6:15 AM tomorrow, from Hamilton as location. The window will be brief. My experience on 20 November was that by 6:30 (about 45 minutes before sunrise) the chances of seeing something at 4th magnitude close to the eastern horizon were slim to none. I was able to get some dSLR photos on a tripod as late as 6:20 on which you can find the star-line spot of the comet, but not much later. The Burlington Waterfront worked pretty well on Wednesday, so I'm going to head there again early tomorrow morning, hoping to start setting up by about 5 AM. If anyone wants to drop by, I'll be just west of Spenser's near the foot of Mapleview, at the waterfront park parking lot (same as Wednesday so I have some confidence about conditions). This time I'm planning on setting up with a Synscan-enabled mount, too. I tried using a manual mount on Wednesday and was frustrated. cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ISON 20131123.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 155789 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 23 07:53:39 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 07:53:39 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning Message-ID: Hi, We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope - but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high cloud that cleared up as time went by. There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any luck "live." Did anyone else have a look this morning? cheers - David Galbraith From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 09:15:01 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:15:01 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <510487$co8dpm@fipsb01.cogeco.net> Yeah David, I had a look, and am not 100% convinced I saw it. By the time I had the DSLR set up, low cloud and pre-dawn light at about 6:25 made me give up trying to get a photo. I have one image where this is a couple of pixels that look to be in the right place, but I think they are actually just noise. I should have escaped out of town to try. Lovejoy was easy and quite nice this morning, right near Canes Venatici. I got a bad photo of it. ;-) I left it too late to look for Nevski, but I think the moon made it too tough. I had a "suspect", but can't confirm. Cheers Colin At 07:53 AM 23/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. > >I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had >considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It >might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice >views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope >- but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi >formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a >low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all >three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from >Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high >cloud that cleared up as time went by. > >There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & >tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any >luck "live." > >Did anyone else have a look this morning? > >cheers > >- David Galbraith >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 23 19:06:16 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:06:16 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 2013-11-23 07:53, you wrote: >Did anyone else have a look this morning? That makes me feel a little better. I awoke with a massively splitting headache a 03:00 and laid in bed until 04:00 hoping it would go away. I then got up, looked outside at the sky, which was completely overcast, not even any real sign of the Moon and then went back to bed for an hour. It was still cloudy and I finally fell back to sleep not waking up until it was light and quite cloud free. I was going to head to a place on the escarpment with a good eastern view, but the darn headache stopped me from driving out at 04:00. When I got up and it was clear, I was most annoyed. In my state, I would more likely have driven off the road than observe a comet anyway. So you not seeing anything in good health makes me feel like I did not need to be too upset about not going out this morning. This comet had better put on a show post perihelion... Clear skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm From jfpatch at gmail.com Sat Nov 23 19:37:12 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:37:12 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7739FBBD-BE6C-4D3B-A9A0-64D709B8287E@gmail.com> I tried from Stoney Creek mountain but no luck either. Also enjoyed the moon, Jupiter and Mercury. Hopefully December will offer better opportunities. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 23, 2013, at 7:53, David Galbraith wrote: Hi, We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope - but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high cloud that cleared up as time went by. There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any luck "live." Did anyone else have a look this morning? cheers - David Galbraith _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 23 20:57:02 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 20:57:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Hi, As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. cheers, - David -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ISON 20131123 images labelled.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 569823 bytes Desc: not available URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 22:12:11 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:12:11 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> David, Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. Ed On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: > Hi, > > As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. > > Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. > > On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. > > The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. > > A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. > > cheers, > > - David _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at gmail.com Sat Nov 23 22:35:46 2013 From: atacamandy at gmail.com (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:35:46 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> Message-ID: <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > > David, > > Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. > > Ed > > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >> >> Hi, >> >> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >> >> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >> >> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >> >> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >> >> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >> >> cheers, >> >> - David _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 22:41:39 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:41:39 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. Ed On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. > > Have a great day > > Andy Blanchard > 289-337-6766H > 905-847-7777B > 905-330-5626C > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > >> David, >> >> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >> >> Ed >> >> >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >> >>> Hi, >>> >>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>> >>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>> >>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>> >>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>> >>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>> >>> cheers, >>> >>> - David _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 23 22:50:35 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:50:35 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: If your looking for something to do on Tuesdays, Joe, Gary and I are building an airplane in my garage on Tuesdays. We start at about 9:30, its fun and interesting. We also talk astronomy too. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:41 PM, "Ed Mizzi" wrote: > > That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. > > Ed > > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: >> >> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. >> >> Have a great day >> >> Andy Blanchard >> 289-337-6766H >> 905-847-7777B >> 905-330-5626C >> >>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: >>> >>> David, >>> >>> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >>> >>> Ed >>> >>> >>>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi, >>>> >>>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>>> >>>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>>> >>>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>>> >>>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>>> >>>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>>> >>>> cheers, >>>> >>>> - David _______________________________________________ >>>> astronomers mailing list >>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 23:00:14 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:00:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5E00E497-19C4-460F-AADA-BE7D2E2BFB89@cogeco.ca> That’s a very generous and intriguing offer, thanks. I’ll give it some thought, but what is your address, please? On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:50 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > If your looking for something to do on Tuesdays, Joe, Gary and I are building an airplane in my garage on Tuesdays. We start at about 9:30, its fun and interesting. We also talk astronomy too. > > Have a great day > > Andy Blanchard > 289-337-6766H > 905-847-7777B > 905-330-5626C > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:41 PM, "Ed Mizzi" wrote: > >> That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. >> >> Ed >> >> >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: >> >>> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. >>> >>> Have a great day >>> >>> Andy Blanchard >>> 289-337-6766H >>> 905-847-7777B >>> 905-330-5626C >>> >>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: >>> >>>> David, >>>> >>>> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >>>> >>>> Ed >>>> >>>> >>>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi, >>>>> >>>>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>>>> >>>>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>>>> >>>>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>>>> >>>>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>>>> >>>>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>>>> >>>>> cheers, >>>>> >>>>> - David _______________________________________________ >>>>> astronomers mailing list >>>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> astronomers mailing list >>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sun Nov 24 07:24:47 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 07:24:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: On 13-11-23 20:57, David Galbraith wrote: > Hi, > > As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. > This morning, it was quite clear. I drove to a lookoff on the escarpment that looked through a hole in the murk between Milton and Mississauga using Mercury as a reference. I used a WO66 and my 7*50 binoculars and came up with nothing at all, not even a hint. Mercury, Saturn and Zubenelgenubi were easy unaided eye targets and both Encke and Ison should have been below, but nothing was seen. I kept looking until the sky was too bright. If Ison is going to be the comet of the century, the next 87 years are going to be pretty bleak. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm From jpipitone at cogeco.ca Sun Nov 24 16:34:34 2013 From: jpipitone at cogeco.ca (Joseph Pipitone) Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:34:34 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: Looking forward to seeing you sometime Ed. Joe On Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 10:41 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will > hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to > give it up. > > Ed > > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > > > He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. > > > > Have a great day > > > > Andy Blanchard > > 289-337-6766H > > 905-847-7777B > > 905-330-5626C > > > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > > > >> David, > >> > >> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the > cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way > to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we > must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So > there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. > >> > >> Ed > >> > >> > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith < > dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com> wrote: > >> > >>> Hi, > >>> > >>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the > morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington > Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak > telescope. > >>> > >>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the > tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some > markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM > relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium > screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet > highlighted. > >>> > >>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with > contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, > f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct > spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image > to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the > image. > >>> > >>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of > distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative > cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. > >>> > >>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am > sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount > and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps > 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to > find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. > I'd be happy for feedback. > >>> > >>> cheers, > >>> > >>> - David labelled.jpg>_______________________________________________ > >>> astronomers mailing list > >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> astronomers mailing list > >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > astronomers mailing list > > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Tue Nov 26 14:00:07 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:00:07 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 References: , Message-ID: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 2812 bytes Desc: not available URL: From ramberg.john at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 14:29:04 2013 From: ramberg.john at gmail.com (John Ramberg) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:29:04 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at > Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" > prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye > don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for > comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but > can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 14:32:16 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:32:16 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at >> Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" >> prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left >> eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for >> comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but >> can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Tue Nov 26 14:58:31 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 References: Message-ID: I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3810 bytes Desc: not available URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 18:18:21 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:18:21 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! David On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead > of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 > months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg > wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come > along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < > Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on > Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat > "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the > right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be > really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy > for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 20:32:49 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:32:49 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! David > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From morganman at sympatico.ca Tue Nov 26 21:23:00 2013 From: morganman at sympatico.ca (Scott Barrie) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:23:00 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily modified. Scott B. On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > -- > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jpipitone at cogeco.ca Tue Nov 26 21:35:37 2013 From: jpipitone at cogeco.ca (Joseph Pipitone) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:35:37 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I bought them and they are worth it at this price. You will need a tripod though. Joe Pipitone On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I > believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the > price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them > just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead >> of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 >> months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg >> wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would >> come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < >> Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on >> Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat >> "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the >> right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be >> really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy >> for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > > -- > *David Surette* > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 21:46:28 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:46:28 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <9FA844C0-2596-4F54-97D1-A36467104DD9@gmail.com> Cool. I'll give them a try. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 21:35, Joseph Pipitone wrote: I bought them and they are worth it at this price. You will need a tripod though. Joe Pipitone > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > -- > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 23:07:47 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:07:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Those of us that already have a pair of these binoculars all agree that the tripod mount that comes with them is not the greatest, (sucks actually!) However with a some epoxy and a few nails ( I used 2" finish nails) cut to size you can stiffen up the mount considerably by filling the indentations on either side with epoxy and embedding the nail shanks in the epoxy. Dave On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 9:23 PM, Scott Barrie wrote: > They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it > expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. > > Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. > Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. > > Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because > they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily > modified. > > Scott B. > > > > > On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I > believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the > price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them > just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead >> of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 >> months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg >> wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would >> come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < >> Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on >> Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat >> "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the >> right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be >> really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy >> for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > > -- > *David Surette* > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 23:12:13 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:12:13 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3904A207-6738-436A-B291-B2EC7149E8D6@gmail.com> Thanks. Epoxy and Duct tape - man's best friends. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 23:07, David Surette wrote: Those of us that already have a pair of these binoculars all agree that the tripod mount that comes with them is not the greatest, (sucks actually!) However with a some epoxy and a few nails ( I used 2" finish nails) cut to size you can stiffen up the mount considerably by filling the indentations on either side with epoxy and embedding the nail shanks in the epoxy. Dave > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 9:23 PM, Scott Barrie wrote: > They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. > > Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. > > Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily modified. > > Scott B. > > > > >> On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: >> >> I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? >> >> Sent by John from his iPad 2! >> >> On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: >> >> Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! >> Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! >> >> >> David >> >> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >>> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. >>> >>> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >>> >>> Roger >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >>> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >>> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >>> >>> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: >>> >>> >>> Thanks Roger >>> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >>> >>> >>> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. >>> >>> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. >>> >>> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >>> >>> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. >>> >>> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >>> >>> Roger >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> >>> David Surette >>> (289) 286-1300 >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> -- >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 27 11:06:09 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 11:06:09 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <510487$copcjs@fipsb01.cogeco.net> Geez, if I sell my Fujinons, I could buy a pair of these for everybody I know! C At 02:00 PM 26/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at >Canadian Tire. > >It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black >Friday" prices by a day. > >It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and >left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > >They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice >for comet viewing. > >They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the >job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > >Roger > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mducak at hotmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:11:02 2013 From: mducak at hotmail.com (mike ducak) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:11:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: , , Message-ID: Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:23:02 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:23:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mike, the tripod in question is a typical photographers tripod. Fully extended the tripod will let you sit on a stool or chair and you can view comfortably. The binoculars are not that heavy so you could use them laying down or on a lawn-chair however you still need a steady hand. That is why most use a tripod. Dave On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: > Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and > it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. > Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a > lawn chair? > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 > From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 27 13:26:14 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:26:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mike, From my experience, you can not hand-hold these and keep them steady enough for good viewing, so you’ll need something like a tripod to steady them. If you had a tripod that could be set up low to the ground and then lay down under them, that would work. Or, Andy Blanchard once showed us a device (using a mirror along with the binocs.) and it worked superbly…cannot remember what it’s called. On Nov 27, 2013, at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: > Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 > From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From supergiant2003 at hotmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:47:03 2013 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com (supergiant2003 at hotmail.com) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:47:03 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 Message-ID: A monopod works well too! Connected by Motorola David Surette wrote: >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mducak at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 20:04:10 2013 From: mducak at hotmail.com (mike ducak) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:04:10 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Well I got my pair yesterday. So far looks like I got a good one; none of the dreaded double-image I've been hearing about. There seems to be a scratch on the inside of one of the eye lenses, which is unfortunate. Can't see it when looking through them, though. I was just checking out M15, M31, the Double Cluster, and some random stars. Sky isn't great in Guelph right now but these things picked out quite a few stars. They are not very heavy for their size but the 15-power does make them a bit shaky. Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:47:03 -0500 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 A monopod works well too! Connected by Motorola David Surette wrote: Mike, the tripod in question is a typical photographers tripod. Fully extended the tripod will let you sit on a stool or chair and you can view comfortably. The binoculars are not that heavy so you could use them laying down or on a lawn-chair however you still need a steady hand. That is why most use a tripod. Dave On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 20:22:38 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:22:38 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. >From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 29 20:39:36 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. >From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From jfpatch at gmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:12:40 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:12:40 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> References: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> I recently purchased a polarie. seems to be good although I haven't had the chance to use it much. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 29, 2013, at 20:39, "Gary Bennett" wrote: I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:28:55 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:28:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: Thanks Gary, It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the direction pointed. Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a > better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures > (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates > full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based > night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, > including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature > of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to > calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the > camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that > movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its > Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the > system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 29 21:48:42 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:48:42 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> An interesting concept. I think you probably know already that 24MP is way too many, but the manufacturers are in a race to keep piling more pixels into a small chip. Small pixels are going to have a hell of a time collecting already rare photons. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 9:29 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Thanks Gary, It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the direction pointed. Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would > achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between > exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen > device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On > Behalf Of David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for > tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for > several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking > feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS > coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, > then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the > sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to > follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, > showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev= > _t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co. > jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1 > mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:50:55 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:50:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net>, <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks John and Gary for the point about tracking mounts. Yes - longer exposures (and multiple exposures for stacking) would certainly be better with a separate tracking system. The Vixen system is one of several on the market; they seem to retail for around $400-$500 without tripod. The AstroTrac system is very well-regarded, larger, more complex and more expensive, too (capacity 33 lb according to specs on the Canadian Telescope web site - one of the best systems, effectively capable of mounting telescopes too). You can also get the same effect by mounting a camera on an aligned equatorial telescope mount. Vixen also markets a very capable mount, the GP2 Photo Guider, optimized for dSLR photograph for about $1,100 (capacity 5.5 lb) Orion has a couple of less-expensive options too: the "Min-EQ Tabletop Equatorial Telescope Mount" sells for around $70 at Canadian Telescope (this one is not motorized) and use as a camera tracking platform is noted on the CT web site, but this would require manual movement of the fine adjustment knob to achieve. The "Orion Adventures in Astrophotography Bundle" also available on the CT site is an EQ-1 mount and tripod with electric RA drive for $180 (capacity up to 7 lb). Neither of these devices include a polar scope, so polar alignment must be achieved by other means. The advantage of the Pentax/Ricoh Astro Tracer would be portability; no separate system other than camera, conventional photo tripod, and the small GPS pod that clips into the camera's flash shoe. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: jfpatch at gmail.com > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:12:40 -0500 > To: gary at bendun.net; astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I recently purchased a polarie. seems to be good although I haven't had the chance to use it much. > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 29, 2013, at 20:39, "Gary Bennett" wrote: > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a > better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures > (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates > full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based > night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, > including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature > of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to > calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the > camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that > movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its > Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the > system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 22:06:29 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 22:06:29 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> References: , , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net>, , <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> Message-ID: Thanks Gary, certainly a consumer dSLR is not going to compete with a dedicated astrophotography camera in many regards - although some great results can be obtained with a dSLR. Your point about the fixation with pixels is well taken. The 24 megapixel Pentax K3 achieves that resolution on an APS-C-sized sensor, too - so the pixels are under 4 microns, which is very small, even for a dSLR. In comparison, Canon EOS REBEL T3i bodies have 18 megapixel sensors that are built of 4.3 micron pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). Interestingly, there is no anti-aliasing filter on the new Pentax camera; there is anti-aliasing emulation in on-board software that can be turned off. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:48:42 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > An interesting concept. > > I think you probably know already that 24MP is way too many, but the > manufacturers are in a race to keep piling more pixels into a small chip. > Small pixels are going to have a hell of a time collecting already rare > photons. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 9:29 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Thanks Gary, > > It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of > minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like > noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates > that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, > attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system > (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - > up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar > systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The > advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, > not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra > cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro > Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the > direction pointed. > > Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera > line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't > found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II > and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. > > cheers, > > - David > > ---------------------------------------- >> From: gary at bendun.net >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer >> >> I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would >> achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: >> http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html >> >> I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between >> exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen >> device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several > brand names. >> >> Gary Bennett >> >> http://bendun.net/ >> http://photos.bendun.net/ >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On >> Behalf Of David Galbraith >> Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer >> >> Hi, >> >> Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >> tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >> several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires > a separate GPS unit. >> >> From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: >> >> "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >> feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >> coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, >> then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the >> sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to >> follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, >> showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" >> >> As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation >> process badly, but here it is: >> >> http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev= >> _t&rur >> l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co. >> jp/doc >> s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1 >> mMfMXg >> >> cheers, >> >> - David >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 05:32:02 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 05:32:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> Message-ID: At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a >new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. What camera has 17u pixels? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 07:24:32 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:24:32 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Hi Mark I saw a notice about the Canon sensor on a web site dates earlier this year. No word if it being in a camera yet - just developed as a sensor. cheers, - David --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 5:32 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a >new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. What camera has 17u pixels? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 30 07:24:55 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:24:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0b864d$cnlbqf@fipsb03.cogeco.net> Pentax's DSLRs image stabilization is the key here. It moves the sensor, meaning no heavy lens and motors in the lens. Sadly, I sold off my Pentax stuff and switched to Canon, after years of Pentax digital issues. With Ricoh/Hoya ownership of Pentax, we're seeing some good innovation. Brian from KW Telescope really likes the GPS Astro Tracer, says it works quite well, within its limits. e.g. you can't track for hours ;-) Gerry from the RASC KW Centre also has it, and I got to check this stuff out yesterday. Very cool. If you've got the requisite Pentax gear, the GPS Astro Tracer is a worthwhile add on. Worst case, you know exactly where and when you took your pictures if it doesnt work out astronomically. Cheers Colin At 08:22 PM 29/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. >Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > >"Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the >stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to >shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a >little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes >several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > >As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the >translation process badly, but here it is: > >http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > >cheers, > >- David >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 07:51:47 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:51:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. We only get about 30 good nights to image, and since we can create dark libraries I have always done my darks when I am done or in the fridge. I really don't want to waste even a second of photon time on a dark, that's for later. I like the idea of one dark, but I don't believe it could be as clean as 16 darks properly stacked and processed. Yet I would love to see one to compare. I shoot all my images at 800 ISO with a few 200 ISO for dynamic range. I find that when I go too far with ISO the image becomes grainy. Again I would love to see what a 100k ISO image looks like. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 7:24 AM, "David Galbraith" wrote: > > Hi Mark > > I saw a notice about the Canon sensor on a web site dates earlier this year. No word if it being in a camera yet - just developed as a sensor. > > cheers, > > - David > > --- Original Message --- > > From: "Mark Kaye" > Sent: November 30, 2013 5:32 AM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >> pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). > > My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. > What camera has 17u pixels? > Clear skies! > MK > > The Observatory by the Lake > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:01:35 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:01:35 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Thanks Colin, Interesting feedback! The K3 is a great looking camera, too. Burlington Camera has one in silver in right now, with the added battery grip. Pentax is also well known for superior weather seals on all of its gear. If I wasn't kitted out with Nikon for my landscape photography I'd give it a go. It's not cheap for an APS-C body but it's edging up into the pro range. in quality and features - like two SD slots. It would be interesting to find out how it preforms for more demanding SLR astrophotography, the pixel issue not withstanding. I can't say anything about that: I shoot with a 36 megapixel Nikon D800 and so am guilty as charged. cheers, - David --- Original Message --- From: "Colin Haig" Sent: November 30, 2013 7:25 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Pentax's DSLRs image stabilization is the key here. It moves the sensor, meaning no heavy lens and motors in the lens. Sadly, I sold off my Pentax stuff and switched to Canon, after years of Pentax digital issues. With Ricoh/Hoya ownership of Pentax, we're seeing some good innovation. Brian from KW Telescope really likes the GPS Astro Tracer, says it works quite well, within its limits. e.g. you can't track for hours ;-) Gerry from the RASC KW Centre also has it, and I got to check this stuff out yesterday. Very cool. If you've got the requisite Pentax gear, the GPS Astro Tracer is a worthwhile add on. Worst case, you know exactly where and when you took your pictures if it doesnt work out astronomically. Cheers Colin At 08:22 PM 29/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. >Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > >"Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the >stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to >shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a >little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes >several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > >As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the >translation process badly, but here it is: > >http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > >cheers, > >- David >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:18:23 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:18:23 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 7:51, Andy Blanchard wrote: > Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark > subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or > conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. Both Terry and Alan have done side by sides using darks and letting the camera handle it. They both conclude that the camera does a better job. I always assumed that RAW meant you get exactly what the chip produces. Turns out this is not the case. When looking at the data for the ORFs that came out of the Olympus, I noticed a value indicating the percentage of compression. Since I thought that RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that even RAW images are compressed. It is much less effective to do your dark processing on compressed images, even the small amount that is done to RAW images. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:20:57 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:20:57 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 8:18, Mark Kaye wrote: > RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that > even RAW images are compressed. It is much less were, not where. Better proof reading is in order. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:28:13 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:28:13 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 8:18 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 7:51, Andy Blanchard wrote: > Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark > subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or > conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. Both Terry and Alan have done side by sides using darks and letting the camera handle it. They both conclude that the camera does a better job. I always assumed that RAW meant you get exactly what the chip produces. Turns out this is not the case. When looking at the data for the ORFs that came out of the Olympus, I noticed a value indicating the percentage of compression. Since I thought that RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that even RAW images are compressed. It is much less effective to do your dark processing on compressed images, even the small amount that is done to RAW images. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:38:29 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:38:29 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:46:11 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:46:11 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: thanks Mark The best thing is to find the setting that does compress anything... including for dark frames. The idea of the dark frame is to record the noise being produced inside the camera without an image - essentially what's coming from the sensor itself. Individual "hot" pixels on sensors are best recorded :as is" as is the actual image data you want. Image compression tends to "smear out" individual pixels - making the subtraction of the noise less effective cheers - David --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 8:38 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From gary at bendun.net Sat Nov 30 08:59:30 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:59:30 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> I would not feel comfortable allowing DSLR camera software, designed for daylight photography, to be smart enough to decide that the faint photons I worked so hard to capture are noise and got deleted. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Mark Kaye Sent: November-30-13 8:38 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 09:01:54 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:01:54 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I get it, we are talking about two different things. Terry and Alan are referring to an immediate dark in camera is more closely related to the prior image. Not to be confused with the actual math. Most in camera darks are instantly taken by the camera before the chip has had sufficient time to cool down. About 5 seconds. This creates a hot chip getting hotter. So if your taking a 5 minute exposure, and instantly start a dark the chip is still warm and continues to get hotter, creating a false dark that does not truly reflect the image you are trying to calibrate. When a dark is taken, there is a picture taken of the noise the camera produces for a given temperature and air pressure. Yes air pressure. Here is where things get complicated. The camera needs to be able dark subtract a raw image within its internal processor at the original bit rate. I have yet to find a camera processor that can do this math. All camera processing so far, is done at a bit rat far below the cameras optimal bit rate. Basically throwing away good and necessary data. So unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a very bad thing for astrophotography. There is one caveat to this, if you shoot in Monochrome raw the camera won't toss out any data. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 8:38 AM, "Mark Kaye" wrote: > >> On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: >> There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. > > I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. > It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. > -- > Clear Skies! > MK > > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 09:08:51 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:08:51 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 09:01 11/30/2013, you wrote: >ISo unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the >processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a >very bad thing for astrophotography. So what you are saying here is that both Alan Dyer and Terry Dickinson, two of the world's leading astronomical imagers, are both blowing smoke out their ass and that they are not correct? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 09:14:43 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:14:43 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> References: , , <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> Message-ID: Good point Gary!! Cherish those hard-won photons. cheers, - David ________________________________ > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:59:30 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > > I would not feel comfortable allowing DSLR camera software, designed > for daylight photography, to be smart enough to decide that the faint > photons I worked so hard to capture are noise and got deleted. > > > > Gary Bennett > > > > http://bendun.net/ > > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On > Behalf Of Mark Kaye > Sent: November-30-13 8:38 AM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > > > On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. > > I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only > guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are > compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not > quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede > that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have > limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's > imaging time in half. > It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera > is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark > library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and > Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. > They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken > seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a > very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by > using a dark library. > > > -- > > Clear Skies! > > MK > > > > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing > list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 09:18:24 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:18:24 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I would not word it that way Mark. But I an pretty sure they would not disagree with what I have said. It's just math and from what I understand you are saying there is a big difference between opinion vs fact. I am sure they feel an instant dark is cleaner and that's probably true, as it has more noise to subtract, but that noise is also good data for the reasons that I mentioned in my prior post below. I have copied bcc Terry a good friend to protect his email, on this, for him to weigh in. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 9:09 AM, "Mark Kaye" wrote: > > At 09:01 11/30/2013, you wrote: >> ISo unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a very bad thing for astrophotography. > > So what you are saying here is that both Alan Dyer and Terry Dickinson, two of the world's leading astronomical imagers, are both blowing smoke out their ass and that they are not correct? > Clear skies! > MK > > The Observatory by the Lake > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 30 09:22:18 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:22:18 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 07:51 AM 30/11/2013, Andy Blanchard wrote: >Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark >subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or >conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. I've done a whole bunch of testing, and am finding that for exposures of perhaps a few seconds to a couple minutes (which is the limit arond here), getting the camera to do the dark works fine. Longer exposures, I'm undecided. If your plan is to grab a bunch and stack, then think turning it off makes sense and shoot a handful of darks vs doubling your exposure time, and reducing your productive shooting hours. On the other hand, Alan Dyer was fairly insistent on letting the camera do the work in all cases. Cheers Colin From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 2 21:45:06 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2013 21:45:06 -0400 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Hi, There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse at sunrise. Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all done from our perspective. I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides designed for safe solar viewing. The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change tonight too. I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: eclipse 20131103.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 26224 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Mon Nov 4 15:44:27 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 15:44:27 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 References: , Message-ID: Hi, David... Were you successful? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Hi, There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse at sunrise. Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all done from our perspective. I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides designed for safe solar viewing. The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change tonight too. I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3319 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Mon Nov 4 16:01:46 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:01:46 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From bob.prociuk at gmail.com Mon Nov 4 18:54:06 2013 From: bob.prociuk at gmail.com (Bob Prociuk) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 18:54:06 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <005a01ced9b9$2667d840$733788c0$@gmail.com> I was out on the Burlington Pier. Beautiful sun rise but the sun was obscured by clouds for the first 10 minutes after sunrise. Did get a few photos. Possibly one may show a small sliver of the moon over the sun but it also could have been a cloud. The attached images have been reduced in size for emailing. The first was shot through a welders glass while the next was a direct shot through a telephoto lens. Bob Bob -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Colin Haig Sent: November-04-13 4:02 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial eclipse >at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's all >done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to view >the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other divides >designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of the >sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just about 4 >minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks change >tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake Ontario >from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The forecast doesn't >look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Sunrise_03_11_13-29b.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 134883 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Sunrise_03_11_13-31a.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 226142 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Mon Nov 4 19:38:51 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 19:38:51 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 References: Message-ID: Hi, Colin...I was not successful. I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to ths sun streaming through the windows. I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3967 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca Mon Nov 4 20:06:43 2013 From: rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca (Rick) Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 20:06:43 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Calendars and Other Goodies Message-ID: <384A6B4D32074D409788888BE549C401@rickc1e4a6706e> Will the 2014 calendars be for sale at Thursday's meeting? If so, how much is the price? Rick -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 145 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Tue Nov 5 01:00:40 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 01:00:40 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: , , Message-ID: Hi The clouds as seen from the Burlington Waterfront were just about perfectly placed to prevent a view. I took several frames as the sun passed gaps (Nikon D5100 on Sigma 150-500mm telephoto with 1.4x teleconverter and mylar solar filter) and arguably saw a bite in the lower limb of the sun on several at the right times and places just after 7 AM. One (with interp as to possible location of the moon) is attached. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 19:38:51 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Hi, Colin...I was not successful. I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to ths sun streaming through the windows. I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Roger, David, Anybody else? It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low cloud on the horizon made it tricky. Colin At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, David... > >Were you successful? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Hi, >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >eclipse at sunrise. >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >all done from our perspective. > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >change tonight too. > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > >cheers, >- David Galbraith > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NZ7_6011 x1 1400.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 560440 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Tue Nov 5 05:12:31 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 05:12:31 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I hope to be at the meeting - will bring a few photos of the eclipse, if anyone is interested. Cheers Colin At 07:38 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Hi, Colin...I was not successful. > >I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). > >I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to >ths sun streaming through the windows. > >I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go >back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. > >Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? > >Roger > > >-----Original Message----- >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig >Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > >Roger, David, Anybody else? >It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low >cloud on the horizon made it tricky. >Colin > >At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: > >Hi, David... > > > >Were you successful? > > > >Roger > > > > > >-----Original Message----- > >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith > >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM > >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 > > > >Hi, > >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the > >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial > >eclipse at sunrise. > >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the > >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's > >all done from our perspective. > > > >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to > >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other > >divides designed for safe solar viewing. > > > >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of > >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just > >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks > >change tonight too. > > > >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake > >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The > >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, > > > >cheers, > >- David Galbraith > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > >astronomers mailing list > >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From supergiant2003 at hotmail.com Tue Nov 5 11:17:34 2013 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com (supergiant2003 at hotmail.com) Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 11:17:34 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 Message-ID: I will put you on the agenda...!!! Connected by Motorola Colin Haig wrote: >I hope to be at the meeting - will bring a few photos of the eclipse, >if anyone is interested. >Cheers >Colin > >At 07:38 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >>Hi, Colin...I was not successful. >> >>I had to work Saturday night, and got home about 2:30am (EDT). >> >>I relaxed on the couch and ... slept right through it. Woke up to >>ths sun streaming through the windows. >> >>I hope to have better luck with next years Sunset eclipse. I may go >>back to the same place I used for the 2012 Transit of Venus. >> >>Will you be at the meeting on Thursday? >> >>Roger >> >> >>-----Original Message----- >>From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of Colin Haig >>Sent: Mon 04/11/2013 4:01 PM >>To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 >> >>Roger, David, Anybody else? >>It was a BEAUTIFUL morning - and had some modest success. Lots of low >>cloud on the horizon made it tricky. >>Colin >> >>At 03:44 PM 04/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >> >Hi, David... >> > >> >Were you successful? >> > >> >Roger >> > >> > >> >-----Original Message----- >> >From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Galbraith >> >Sent: Sat 02/11/2013 9:45 PM >> >To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >Subject: RASC Hamilton Solar eclipse 3 Nov 2013 >> > >> >Hi, >> >There is a solar eclipse tomorrow (3 Nov). There is a chance, if the >> >weather holds, that we will see about 10 minutes of the partial >> >eclipse at sunrise. >> >Sun will rise at a bearing of about 110 degrees. A clear view of the >> >eastern horizon is needed, as within 10 minutes after sunrise it's >> >all done from our perspective. >> > >> >I shouldn't have to note it for RASC people, but DO NOT attempt to >> >view the eclipse with anything other than eclipse glasses or other >> >divides designed for safe solar viewing. >> > >> >The moon will just be a wee little bite out of the very bottom of >> >the sun. Here's an expected view created with Stellarium of just >> >about 4 minutes after sunrise, from Dundas. Remember that the clocks >> >change tonight too. >> > >> >I'm planning on seeking a clear view of the horizon over Lake >> >Ontario from the Burlington Waterfront beside Spencer's. The >> >forecast doesn't look perfect, but not without hope, >> > >> >cheers, >> >- David Galbraith >> > >> > >> > >> >_______________________________________________ >> >astronomers mailing list >> >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>astronomers mailing list >>astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>astronomers mailing list >>astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From atacamandy at gmail.com Fri Nov 8 14:56:17 2013 From: atacamandy at gmail.com (Andy Blanchard) Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 14:56:17 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment Message-ID: Well my 1st call for helpers with the cemment for my observatory was unsuccessful a few weeks ago. Not for lack of offers, but the timing was not right. We are going to try again on Tuesday at noon. I know its a work day, but if you can make it I promise a great BBQ and a sore back. Please call and let me know if you can back it. -- Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-330-5626C (Best) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 8 15:53:14 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 15:53:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <02b101cedcc4$8bff7b00$a3fe7100$@net> I'm IN! We need to rent a "bull-float": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RS6425XuXA Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Andy Blanchard Sent: November-08-13 2:56 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Cemment Well my 1st call for helpers with the cemment for my observatory was unsuccessful a few weeks ago. Not for lack of offers, but the timing was not right. We are going to try again on Tuesday at noon. I know its a work day, but if you can make it I promise a great BBQ and a sore back. Please call and let me know if you can back it. -- Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-330-5626C (Best) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 16 12:15:49 2013 From: rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca (Rick) Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:15:49 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Power Point Presentation Message-ID: <8991EB50672D4996A7CCF34104CCCEA8@rickc1e4a6706e> Hi, Does anyone have a power point presentation for general astronomy in which they could share? Some of the people at work have suggested I give a talk during lunch some day. What I would be looking for is basic introductory material. If you have anything of interest, please send it to me directly at rcudmore1 at cogeco.ca. Rick -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 145 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Wed Nov 20 09:32:42 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:32:42 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2-12 S1 (ISON) spotted 20 Nov 2013 Message-ID: Hi, A couple of us were able to spot Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) this morning from the Burlington Waterfront The comet appeared as a slightly fuzzy star of about 4th magnitude, between the star Spica and the planet Mercury. The best views were a little around 6 AM. We were able to see the comet in binoculars and perhaps with the unaided eye – it was iffy though, and the sky lightened up pretty quickly after 6. I was able to get a few wide-angle photographs that captured the comet, with surrounding stars for reference. I tried finding it with my little 5" telescope on an unguided EQ4 mount and didn’t have any luck (I was getting frozen by then). The best of the photos suggest a wisp of a tail, not visible “live” for us. The comet will get harder to spot in the next days, as it gets closer to the sun (and only, of course, if the weather cooperates. Right now the forecast isn’t promising). It swings around the sun at its closest approach (perihelion) on 28 November. If it stays bright (or gets brighter) there may be some changes to see it in December and January as it heads back out into the depths of the solar system. Cheers, - David Galbraith Attachment: Wide-angle photograph taken with a tripod-mounted dSLR at 6:18 AM, 20 Nov 2013. Two stars and the planet Mercury are marked, as is the comet. ISO 800, 2.5 second exposure, 42mm focal length. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: DSC_0044 cr1 1200px labels.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 289134 bytes Desc: not available URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 20 10:04:04 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:04:04 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2-12 S1 (ISON) spotted 20 Nov 2013 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0b864d$cm9gai@fipsb03.cogeco.net> Very nice David! I was out this morning at about 4:30ET near Milton, and grabbed a number of photos of both C/2013 R1 Lovejoy and ISON. For me visually, Lovejoy seemed about 0.5 to 1.0 mag brighter than ISON, with a larger central area around the nucleus. I think its partly due to darker background at the zenith. Attached are 2 close-up pix, taken w 400mm f5.6 on Canon 5D MKII. Lovejoy shot at 3.2s, ISO25600, and ISON at 3.2s ISO6400. Sky was very bright for ISON by comparison. Also, here's one shot over your heads, looking from the escarpment near Milton down over the lights of Burlington. Mercury and ISON. Saturn was barely visible in binos, but lost in the sunrise for photos. I checked your photo, and its not there either. Cheers Colin At 09:32 AM 20/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >A couple of us were able to spot Comet C/2012 S1 >(ISON) this morning from the Burlington Waterfront > >The comet appeared as a slightly fuzzy star of >about 4th magnitude, between the star Spica and >the planet Mercury. The best views were a little >around 6 AM. We were able to see the comet in >binoculars and perhaps with the unaided eye ­ it >was iffy though, and the sky lightened up pretty >quickly after 6. I was able to get a few >wide-angle photographs that captured the comet, >with surrounding stars for reference. I tried >finding it with my little 5" telescope on an >unguided EQ4 mount and didn’t have any luck (I >was getting frozen by then). The best of the >photos suggest a wisp of a tail, not visible “live” for us. > >The comet will get harder to spot in the next >days, as it gets closer to the sun (and only, of >course, if the weather cooperates. Right now the >forecast isn’t promising). It swings around the >sun at its closest approach (perihelion) on 28 >November. If it stays bright (or gets brighter) >there may be some changes to see it in December >and January as it heads back out into the depths of the solar system. > >Cheers, > >- David Galbraith > >Attachment: Wide-angle photograph taken with a >tripod-mounted dSLR at 6:18 AM, 20 Nov 2013. Two >stars and the planet Mercury are marked, as is >the comet. ISO 800, 2.5 second exposure, 42mm >focal length. > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigISON0.JPG Type: image/jpeg Size: 100134 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigLovejoy.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 188287 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HaigISONmilton.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 147508 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 22 20:15:19 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:15:19 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - a viewing window tomorrow? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi everyone, The Hamilton Clear Sky Chart suggests that tomorrow there may be a chance to see Comet ISON just after 6 AM. The comet rises at just about 6 AM at about ESE (very close to Mercury) from our position. Attached is a screen capture from Stellarium timed to 6:15 AM tomorrow, from Hamilton as location. The window will be brief. My experience on 20 November was that by 6:30 (about 45 minutes before sunrise) the chances of seeing something at 4th magnitude close to the eastern horizon were slim to none. I was able to get some dSLR photos on a tripod as late as 6:20 on which you can find the star-line spot of the comet, but not much later. The Burlington Waterfront worked pretty well on Wednesday, so I'm going to head there again early tomorrow morning, hoping to start setting up by about 5 AM. If anyone wants to drop by, I'll be just west of Spenser's near the foot of Mapleview, at the waterfront park parking lot (same as Wednesday so I have some confidence about conditions). This time I'm planning on setting up with a Synscan-enabled mount, too. I tried using a manual mount on Wednesday and was frustrated. cheers, - David Galbraith -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ISON 20131123.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 155789 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 23 07:53:39 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 07:53:39 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning Message-ID: Hi, We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope - but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high cloud that cleared up as time went by. There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any luck "live." Did anyone else have a look this morning? cheers - David Galbraith From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 09:15:01 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:15:01 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <510487$co8dpm@fipsb01.cogeco.net> Yeah David, I had a look, and am not 100% convinced I saw it. By the time I had the DSLR set up, low cloud and pre-dawn light at about 6:25 made me give up trying to get a photo. I have one image where this is a couple of pixels that look to be in the right place, but I think they are actually just noise. I should have escaped out of town to try. Lovejoy was easy and quite nice this morning, right near Canes Venatici. I got a bad photo of it. ;-) I left it too late to look for Nevski, but I think the moon made it too tough. I had a "suspect", but can't confirm. Cheers Colin At 07:53 AM 23/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. > >I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had >considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It >might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice >views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope >- but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi >formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a >low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all >three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from >Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high >cloud that cleared up as time went by. > >There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & >tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any >luck "live." > >Did anyone else have a look this morning? > >cheers > >- David Galbraith >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 23 19:06:16 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:06:16 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 2013-11-23 07:53, you wrote: >Did anyone else have a look this morning? That makes me feel a little better. I awoke with a massively splitting headache a 03:00 and laid in bed until 04:00 hoping it would go away. I then got up, looked outside at the sky, which was completely overcast, not even any real sign of the Moon and then went back to bed for an hour. It was still cloudy and I finally fell back to sleep not waking up until it was light and quite cloud free. I was going to head to a place on the escarpment with a good eastern view, but the darn headache stopped me from driving out at 04:00. When I got up and it was clear, I was most annoyed. In my state, I would more likely have driven off the road than observe a comet anyway. So you not seeing anything in good health makes me feel like I did not need to be too upset about not going out this morning. This comet had better put on a show post perihelion... Clear skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm From jfpatch at gmail.com Sat Nov 23 19:37:12 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:37:12 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - no luck from Burlington this morning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7739FBBD-BE6C-4D3B-A9A0-64D709B8287E@gmail.com> I tried from Stoney Creek mountain but no luck either. Also enjoyed the moon, Jupiter and Mercury. Hopefully December will offer better opportunities. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 23, 2013, at 7:53, David Galbraith wrote: Hi, We had no luck spotting ISON this morning from Burlington. I arrived about 5:10 AM and set up my 5" on a manual mount. I had considered bringing out a bigger mount but didn't in the end. It might have helped. I was joined by two other gentlemen. We had nice views of the moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter through the telescope - but no sign of the comet. Mercury, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi formed a nice triangle, and once Saturn and the star had cleared a low cloud bank there was a chance we'd see ISON, but despite all three of us scanning with binoculars and with the location from Stellarium, we couldn't find it. There was occasional broken high cloud that cleared up as time went by. There's a chance I'll be able to recover the comet on some dSLR & tripod photos I took once I can process them, but we didn't have any luck "live." Did anyone else have a look this morning? cheers - David Galbraith _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 23 20:57:02 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 20:57:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Hi, As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. cheers, - David -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ISON 20131123 images labelled.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 569823 bytes Desc: not available URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 22:12:11 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:12:11 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> David, Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. Ed On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: > Hi, > > As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. > > Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. > > On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. > > The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. > > A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. > > cheers, > > - David _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at gmail.com Sat Nov 23 22:35:46 2013 From: atacamandy at gmail.com (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:35:46 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> Message-ID: <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > > David, > > Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. > > Ed > > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >> >> Hi, >> >> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >> >> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >> >> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >> >> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >> >> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >> >> cheers, >> >> - David _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 22:41:39 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:41:39 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. Ed On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. > > Have a great day > > Andy Blanchard > 289-337-6766H > 905-847-7777B > 905-330-5626C > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > >> David, >> >> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >> >> Ed >> >> >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >> >>> Hi, >>> >>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>> >>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>> >>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>> >>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>> >>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>> >>> cheers, >>> >>> - David _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 23 22:50:35 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:50:35 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: If your looking for something to do on Tuesdays, Joe, Gary and I are building an airplane in my garage on Tuesdays. We start at about 9:30, its fun and interesting. We also talk astronomy too. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:41 PM, "Ed Mizzi" wrote: > > That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. > > Ed > > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: >> >> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. >> >> Have a great day >> >> Andy Blanchard >> 289-337-6766H >> 905-847-7777B >> 905-330-5626C >> >>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: >>> >>> David, >>> >>> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >>> >>> Ed >>> >>> >>>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi, >>>> >>>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>>> >>>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>>> >>>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>>> >>>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>>> >>>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>>> >>>> cheers, >>>> >>>> - David _______________________________________________ >>>> astronomers mailing list >>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 23 23:00:14 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:00:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5E00E497-19C4-460F-AADA-BE7D2E2BFB89@cogeco.ca> That’s a very generous and intriguing offer, thanks. I’ll give it some thought, but what is your address, please? On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:50 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > If your looking for something to do on Tuesdays, Joe, Gary and I are building an airplane in my garage on Tuesdays. We start at about 9:30, its fun and interesting. We also talk astronomy too. > > Have a great day > > Andy Blanchard > 289-337-6766H > 905-847-7777B > 905-330-5626C > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:41 PM, "Ed Mizzi" wrote: > >> That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to give it up. >> >> Ed >> >> >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: >> >>> He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. >>> >>> Have a great day >>> >>> Andy Blanchard >>> 289-337-6766H >>> 905-847-7777B >>> 905-330-5626C >>> >>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: >>> >>>> David, >>>> >>>> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. >>>> >>>> Ed >>>> >>>> >>>> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi, >>>>> >>>>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. >>>>> >>>>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet highlighted. >>>>> >>>>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the image. >>>>> >>>>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. >>>>> >>>>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. I'd be happy for feedback. >>>>> >>>>> cheers, >>>>> >>>>> - David _______________________________________________ >>>>> astronomers mailing list >>>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> astronomers mailing list >>>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sun Nov 24 07:24:47 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 07:24:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: On 13-11-23 20:57, David Galbraith wrote: > Hi, > > As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak telescope. > This morning, it was quite clear. I drove to a lookoff on the escarpment that looked through a hole in the murk between Milton and Mississauga using Mercury as a reference. I used a WO66 and my 7*50 binoculars and came up with nothing at all, not even a hint. Mercury, Saturn and Zubenelgenubi were easy unaided eye targets and both Encke and Ison should have been below, but nothing was seen. I kept looking until the sky was too bright. If Ison is going to be the comet of the century, the next 87 years are going to be pretty bleak. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm From jpipitone at cogeco.ca Sun Nov 24 16:34:34 2013 From: jpipitone at cogeco.ca (Joseph Pipitone) Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:34:34 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) - putative dSLR Image In-Reply-To: References: <191BABE7-F738-4E51-9FE5-E2307CB8916B@cogeco.ca> <1B12A91A-566B-4EDD-9912-FE5DE3340933@gmail.com> Message-ID: Looking forward to seeing you sometime Ed. Joe On Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 10:41 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > That’s very thoughtful, thanks Andy. I haven’t given up the ghost and will > hopefully return over the next few months. I love astronomy too much to > give it up. > > Ed > > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:35 PM, Andy Blanchard wrote: > > > He's back, Ed nice to see you in print, even if its not in person. > > > > Have a great day > > > > Andy Blanchard > > 289-337-6766H > > 905-847-7777B > > 905-330-5626C > > > > On Nov 23, 2013, at 10:12 PM, Ed Mizzi wrote: > > > >> David, > >> > >> Considering that we were out there with that other gentleman, in the > cold hours of dawn, while the rest of the world slept or were on their way > to work, I think, that even though we couldn’t verify seeing the comet, we > must have still seen it. And I’m accepting your DSLR image as proof. So > there! Let the naysayers gnash their teeth all they want. > >> > >> Ed > >> > >> > >> On Nov 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM, David Galbraith < > dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com> wrote: > >> > >>> Hi, > >>> > >>> As I have reported, this morning I took several dSLR images of the > morning sky in the area where Comet ISON should appear, from the Burlington > Waterfront. I wasn't able to spot the comet with binoculars or a 5" Mak > telescope. > >>> > >>> Attached is an attempt to find the comet on one of the frames from the > tripod-mounted dSLR, compared to predicted locations of the comet and some > markers. On the right is the predicted location of the comet at 6:15 AM > relative to Mercury, Saturn, and the star Zubenelgenubi, a Stellarium > screen capture from yesterday, for 6:15 AM this morning, with the comet > highlighted. > >>> > >>> On the left is an inverted B&W image from this morning, cropped, with > contrast and brightness adjusted. This was a 4 second exposure at ISO 800, > f/4.7, 63 mm focal length lens. There is a faint smudge in the correct > spot. The enlarged rectangle above the labelled point on the larger image > to the left is a 2x enlargement relative to the original pixels of the > image. > >>> > >>> The smudge is very close to where the comet should be. The ratios of > distances on the photo between Saturn, Zubenelgenubi, and the putative > cometary smudge are within 2% of those on the Stellarium screen capture. > >>> > >>> A more sophisticated photographic and analysis approach would, I am > sure, have done a better job (such as having the camera on a tracking mount > and subsequently stacking several images) but given that there was perhaps > 5 minutes without cloud of some sort before the area was just too light to > find anything, I'm reasonably sure that the smudge represents the comet. > I'd be happy for feedback. > >>> > >>> cheers, > >>> > >>> - David labelled.jpg>_______________________________________________ > >>> astronomers mailing list > >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> astronomers mailing list > >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > astronomers mailing list > > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Tue Nov 26 14:00:07 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:00:07 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 References: , Message-ID: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 2812 bytes Desc: not available URL: From ramberg.john at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 14:29:04 2013 From: ramberg.john at gmail.com (John Ramberg) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:29:04 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at > Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" > prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye > don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for > comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but > can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 14:32:16 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:32:16 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at >> Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" >> prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left >> eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for >> comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but >> can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roger.Hill at hiteach.net Tue Nov 26 14:58:31 2013 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net (Roger Hill) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 References: Message-ID: I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3810 bytes Desc: not available URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 18:18:21 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:18:21 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! David On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead > of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 > months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg > wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come > along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < > Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on > Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat > "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the > right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be > really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy > for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 20:32:49 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:32:49 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! David > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From morganman at sympatico.ca Tue Nov 26 21:23:00 2013 From: morganman at sympatico.ca (Scott Barrie) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:23:00 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily modified. Scott B. On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > -- > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jpipitone at cogeco.ca Tue Nov 26 21:35:37 2013 From: jpipitone at cogeco.ca (Joseph Pipitone) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:35:37 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I bought them and they are worth it at this price. You will need a tripod though. Joe Pipitone On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I > believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the > price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them > just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead >> of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 >> months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg >> wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would >> come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < >> Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on >> Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat >> "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the >> right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be >> really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy >> for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > > -- > *David Surette* > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 21:46:28 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:46:28 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <9FA844C0-2596-4F54-97D1-A36467104DD9@gmail.com> Cool. I'll give them a try. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 21:35, Joseph Pipitone wrote: I bought them and they are worth it at this price. You will need a tripod though. Joe Pipitone > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > -- > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 23:07:47 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:07:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Those of us that already have a pair of these binoculars all agree that the tripod mount that comes with them is not the greatest, (sucks actually!) However with a some epoxy and a few nails ( I used 2" finish nails) cut to size you can stiffen up the mount considerably by filling the indentations on either side with epoxy and embedding the nail shanks in the epoxy. Dave On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 9:23 PM, Scott Barrie wrote: > They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it > expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. > > Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. > Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. > > Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because > they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily > modified. > > Scott B. > > > > > On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: > > I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I > believe??? > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: > > Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! > Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the > price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them > just about every night and they never stop amazing me! > > > David > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > >> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead >> of time. >> >> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >> >> Roger >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >> >> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 >> months or so. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg >> wrote: >> >> >> Thanks Roger >> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would >> come along! >> >> >> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill < >> Roger.Hill at hiteach.net> wrote: >> >> >> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on >> Thursday at Canadian Tire. >> >> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat >> "Black Friday" prices by a day. >> >> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the >> right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >> >> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be >> really nice for comet viewing. >> >> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy >> for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >> >> Roger >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> > > > -- > *David Surette* > (289) 286-1300 > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jfpatch at gmail.com Tue Nov 26 23:12:13 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:12:13 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3904A207-6738-436A-B291-B2EC7149E8D6@gmail.com> Thanks. Epoxy and Duct tape - man's best friends. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 26, 2013, at 23:07, David Surette wrote: Those of us that already have a pair of these binoculars all agree that the tripod mount that comes with them is not the greatest, (sucks actually!) However with a some epoxy and a few nails ( I used 2" finish nails) cut to size you can stiffen up the mount considerably by filling the indentations on either side with epoxy and embedding the nail shanks in the epoxy. Dave > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 9:23 PM, Scott Barrie wrote: > They're $50.00, 15X70 binoculars. As long as you don't go into it expecting Zeiss or Fujinon you will probably be happy. > > Maybe I lucked out; my pair focus fine and they seem to be collimated. Don't use them every day but they are nice to have at hand. > > Roger is quite right about the tripod mount, which is a shame, because they really are at their best on a tripod. But, as he says... easily modified. > > Scott B. > > > > >> On 2013-11-26, at 8:32 PM, jfpatch wrote: >> >> I've read some pretty negative reviews on the web. Who / what should I believe??? >> >> Sent by John from his iPad 2! >> >> On Nov 26, 2013, at 18:18, David Surette wrote: >> >> Good point Roger, these guys can sell out quickly so shop early! >> Forgot to mention that I bought a pair a couple of years ago and for the price they are spectacular. Every time I go up to the cottage I use them just about every night and they never stop amazing me! >> >> >> David >> >> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >>> I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. >>> >>> Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. >>> >>> Roger >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette >>> Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM >>> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 >>> >>> They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: >>> >>> >>> Thanks Roger >>> Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: >>> >>> >>> Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. >>> >>> It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. >>> >>> It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. >>> >>> They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. >>> >>> They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. >>> >>> Roger >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> >>> David Surette >>> (289) 286-1300 >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> astronomers mailing list >>> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >>> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> >> -- >> David Surette >> (289) 286-1300 >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 27 11:06:09 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 11:06:09 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <510487$copcjs@fipsb01.cogeco.net> Geez, if I sell my Fujinons, I could buy a pair of these for everybody I know! C At 02:00 PM 26/11/2013, Roger Hill wrote: >Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at >Canadian Tire. > >It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black >Friday" prices by a day. > >It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and >left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > >They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice >for comet viewing. > >They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the >job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > >Roger > > >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mducak at hotmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:11:02 2013 From: mducak at hotmail.com (mike ducak) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:11:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: , , Message-ID: Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thirdalchemist at gmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:23:02 2013 From: thirdalchemist at gmail.com (David Surette) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:23:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mike, the tripod in question is a typical photographers tripod. Fully extended the tripod will let you sit on a stool or chair and you can view comfortably. The binoculars are not that heavy so you could use them laying down or on a lawn-chair however you still need a steady hand. That is why most use a tripod. Dave On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: > Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and > it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. > Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a > lawn chair? > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 > From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > -- *David Surette* (289) 286-1300 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emizzi at cogeco.ca Wed Nov 27 13:26:14 2013 From: emizzi at cogeco.ca (Ed Mizzi) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:26:14 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Mike, From my experience, you can not hand-hold these and keep them steady enough for good viewing, so you’ll need something like a tripod to steady them. If you had a tripod that could be set up low to the ground and then lay down under them, that would work. Or, Andy Blanchard once showed us a device (using a mirror along with the binocs.) and it worked superbly…cannot remember what it’s called. On Nov 27, 2013, at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: > Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 > From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. > > Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. > > Roger > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette > Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 > > They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. > > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: > > > Thanks Roger > Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! > > > On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: > > > Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. > > It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. > > It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. > > They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. > > They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. > > Roger > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > > > > > -- > > David Surette > (289) 286-1300 > > > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From supergiant2003 at hotmail.com Wed Nov 27 13:47:03 2013 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com (supergiant2003 at hotmail.com) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:47:03 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 Message-ID: A monopod works well too! Connected by Motorola David Surette wrote: >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mducak at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 20:04:10 2013 From: mducak at hotmail.com (mike ducak) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:04:10 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Well I got my pair yesterday. So far looks like I got a good one; none of the dreaded double-image I've been hearing about. There seems to be a scratch on the inside of one of the eye lenses, which is unfortunate. Can't see it when looking through them, though. I was just checking out M15, M31, the Double Cluster, and some random stars. Sky isn't great in Guelph right now but these things picked out quite a few stars. They are not very heavy for their size but the 15-power does make them a bit shaky. Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:47:03 -0500 From: supergiant2003 at hotmail.com To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 A monopod works well too! Connected by Motorola David Surette wrote: Mike, the tripod in question is a typical photographers tripod. Fully extended the tripod will let you sit on a stool or chair and you can view comfortably. The binoculars are not that heavy so you could use them laying down or on a lawn-chair however you still need a steady hand. That is why most use a tripod. Dave On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 1:11 PM, mike ducak wrote: Stupid question: How does one use a tripod? I'm trying to picture it, and it seems like it would involve a lot of awkward neck-craning and such. Would these be too heavy to use by hand if you are lying back, say in a lawn chair? Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:58:31 -0500 From: Roger.Hill at hiteach.net To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RE: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 I know...I just thought I'd let the Centre and its friends about it ahead of time. Be warned, though...they can sell out fairly quickly in some stores. Roger -----Original Message----- From: astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca on behalf of David Surette Sent: Tue 26/11/2013 2:32 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton 15x70mm binoculars - $49.99 They always do... These binoculars seem to come around about every 6 months or so. On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:29 PM, John Ramberg wrote: Thanks Roger Lool...I knew that if I waited long enough, a good sale would come along! On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Roger Hill wrote: Celestron 15x70mm binoculars will be on sale starting on Thursday at Canadian Tire. It's part of their "Red Thursday" event, trying to beat "Black Friday" prices by a day. It is possible to collimate them, if the images for the right and left eye don't line up, which is not unusual. They're great for a quick look at the sky and could be really nice for comet viewing. They also come with a tripod adapter which is too flimsy for the job, but can be easily modified to make it a lot stiffer. Roger _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -- David Surette (289) 286-1300 _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 20:22:38 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:22:38 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. >From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 29 20:39:36 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. >From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From jfpatch at gmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:12:40 2013 From: jfpatch at gmail.com (jfpatch) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:12:40 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> References: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> I recently purchased a polarie. seems to be good although I haven't had the chance to use it much. Sent by John from his iPad 2! On Nov 29, 2013, at 20:39, "Gary Bennett" wrote: I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Hi, Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation process badly, but here it is: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg cheers, - David _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:28:55 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:28:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: Thanks Gary, It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the direction pointed. Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a > better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures > (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates > full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based > night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, > including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature > of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to > calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the > camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that > movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its > Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the > system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From gary at bendun.net Fri Nov 29 21:48:42 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:48:42 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> Message-ID: <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> An interesting concept. I think you probably know already that 24MP is way too many, but the manufacturers are in a race to keep piling more pixels into a small chip. Small pixels are going to have a hell of a time collecting already rare photons. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ -----Original Message----- From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of David Galbraith Sent: November-29-13 9:29 PM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Thanks Gary, It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the direction pointed. Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would > achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between > exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen > device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On > Behalf Of David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for > tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for > several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking > feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS > coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, > then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the > sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to > follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, > showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev= > _t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co. > jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1 > mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 21:50:55 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:50:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> References: , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net>, <069A2A27-73D1-46BC-9E3E-436F79212D54@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks John and Gary for the point about tracking mounts. Yes - longer exposures (and multiple exposures for stacking) would certainly be better with a separate tracking system. The Vixen system is one of several on the market; they seem to retail for around $400-$500 without tripod. The AstroTrac system is very well-regarded, larger, more complex and more expensive, too (capacity 33 lb according to specs on the Canadian Telescope web site - one of the best systems, effectively capable of mounting telescopes too). You can also get the same effect by mounting a camera on an aligned equatorial telescope mount. Vixen also markets a very capable mount, the GP2 Photo Guider, optimized for dSLR photograph for about $1,100 (capacity 5.5 lb) Orion has a couple of less-expensive options too: the "Min-EQ Tabletop Equatorial Telescope Mount" sells for around $70 at Canadian Telescope (this one is not motorized) and use as a camera tracking platform is noted on the CT web site, but this would require manual movement of the fine adjustment knob to achieve. The "Orion Adventures in Astrophotography Bundle" also available on the CT site is an EQ-1 mount and tripod with electric RA drive for $180 (capacity up to 7 lb). Neither of these devices include a polar scope, so polar alignment must be achieved by other means. The advantage of the Pentax/Ricoh Astro Tracer would be portability; no separate system other than camera, conventional photo tripod, and the small GPS pod that clips into the camera's flash shoe. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: jfpatch at gmail.com > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:12:40 -0500 > To: gary at bendun.net; astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > I recently purchased a polarie. seems to be good although I haven't had the chance to use it much. > > Sent by John from his iPad 2! > > On Nov 29, 2013, at 20:39, "Gary Bennett" wrote: > > I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would achieve a > better result with one of these gadgets: > http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html > > I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between exposures > (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen device rotates > full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several brand names. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Hi, > > Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for tripod-based > night sky photos? It looks like it's available for several of their cameras, > including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > > "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking feature > of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS coordinates to > calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, then utilizes the > camera's image stabilization system to shift the sensor to track that > movement. The report, which is a little tricky to follow in its > Google-translated form, includes several example images, showing the > system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > > As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation > process badly, but here it is: > > http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rur > l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/doc > s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > > cheers, > > - David > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Fri Nov 29 22:06:29 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 22:06:29 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> References: , , <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net>, , <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> Message-ID: Thanks Gary, certainly a consumer dSLR is not going to compete with a dedicated astrophotography camera in many regards - although some great results can be obtained with a dSLR. Your point about the fixation with pixels is well taken. The 24 megapixel Pentax K3 achieves that resolution on an APS-C-sized sensor, too - so the pixels are under 4 microns, which is very small, even for a dSLR. In comparison, Canon EOS REBEL T3i bodies have 18 megapixel sensors that are built of 4.3 micron pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). Interestingly, there is no anti-aliasing filter on the new Pentax camera; there is anti-aliasing emulation in on-board software that can be turned off. cheers, - David ---------------------------------------- > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:48:42 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > An interesting concept. > > I think you probably know already that 24MP is way too many, but the > manufacturers are in a race to keep piling more pixels into a small chip. > Small pixels are going to have a hell of a time collecting already rare > photons. > > Gary Bennett > > http://bendun.net/ > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of > David Galbraith > Sent: November-29-13 9:29 PM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > Thanks Gary, > > It's clearly only going to work for relatively short exposures (max. of > minutes - then other problems are going to start getting chronic, too, like > noise from sensor heating during long exposures). What I've read indicates > that the Astro Tracer system drives sensor motions throughout each exposure, > attempting to minimize star trailing. The built-in sensor motion system > (which is how Pentax and also Sony cameras reduce vibration) is three-axis - > up & down shifts and rotation. Canon and Nikon cameras do not have similar > systems (IS and VR are systems that move elements within lenses. The > advantage of moving the sensor is that the system will work with any lens, > not just one with the extra VR mechanism, motors, etc. built in - and extra > cost per lens too). Some people who have posted results of trying Astro > Tracer in on-line reviews report differences in trailing relative to the > direction pointed. > > Astro Tracer appears to be included in several of the Ricoh/Pentax camera > line. It requires fitting an external GPS unit (Pentax O-GPS1). I haven't > found an easy listing of which bodies will work this way yet, but the K5-II > and newer, 24 megapixel K3 certainly do. > > cheers, > > - David > > ---------------------------------------- >> From: gary at bendun.net >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:36 -0500 >> Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer >> >> I have never heard of this gadget before but I suspect you would >> achieve a better result with one of these gadgets: >> http://www.kwtelescope.com/home/vixen-polarie-star-tracker.html >> >> I suspect that the Pentax system only shifts the sensor between >> exposures (not during). That is just a guess on my part. But the Vixen >> device rotates full-time. The identical unit is now sold under several > brand names. >> >> Gary Bennett >> >> http://bendun.net/ >> http://photos.bendun.net/ >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On >> Behalf Of David Galbraith >> Sent: November-29-13 8:23 PM >> To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer >> >> Hi, >> >> Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >> tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >> several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. Requires > a separate GPS unit. >> >> From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: >> >> "Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >> feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >> coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the stars, >> then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to shift the >> sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a little tricky to >> follow in its Google-translated form, includes several example images, >> showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" >> >> As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the translation >> process badly, but here it is: >> >> http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev= >> _t&rur >> l=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co. >> jp/doc >> s/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1 >> mMfMXg >> >> cheers, >> >> - David >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> astronomers mailing list >> astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >> http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca > > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 05:32:02 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 05:32:02 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: <018b01ceed6d$07c32210$17496630$@net> <018c01ceed76$af931960$0eb94c20$@net> Message-ID: At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a >new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. What camera has 17u pixels? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 07:24:32 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:24:32 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Hi Mark I saw a notice about the Canon sensor on a web site dates earlier this year. No word if it being in a camera yet - just developed as a sensor. cheers, - David --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 5:32 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a >new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. What camera has 17u pixels? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 30 07:24:55 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:24:55 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0b864d$cnlbqf@fipsb03.cogeco.net> Pentax's DSLRs image stabilization is the key here. It moves the sensor, meaning no heavy lens and motors in the lens. Sadly, I sold off my Pentax stuff and switched to Canon, after years of Pentax digital issues. With Ricoh/Hoya ownership of Pentax, we're seeing some good innovation. Brian from KW Telescope really likes the GPS Astro Tracer, says it works quite well, within its limits. e.g. you can't track for hours ;-) Gerry from the RASC KW Centre also has it, and I got to check this stuff out yesterday. Very cool. If you've got the requisite Pentax gear, the GPS Astro Tracer is a worthwhile add on. Worst case, you know exactly where and when you took your pictures if it doesnt work out astronomically. Cheers Colin At 08:22 PM 29/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. >Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > >"Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the >stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to >shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a >little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes >several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > >As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the >translation process badly, but here it is: > >http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > >cheers, > >- David >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 07:51:47 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:51:47 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. We only get about 30 good nights to image, and since we can create dark libraries I have always done my darks when I am done or in the fridge. I really don't want to waste even a second of photon time on a dark, that's for later. I like the idea of one dark, but I don't believe it could be as clean as 16 darks properly stacked and processed. Yet I would love to see one to compare. I shoot all my images at 800 ISO with a few 200 ISO for dynamic range. I find that when I go too far with ISO the image becomes grainy. Again I would love to see what a 100k ISO image looks like. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 7:24 AM, "David Galbraith" wrote: > > Hi Mark > > I saw a notice about the Canon sensor on a web site dates earlier this year. No word if it being in a camera yet - just developed as a sensor. > > cheers, > > - David > > --- Original Message --- > > From: "Mark Kaye" > Sent: November 30, 2013 5:32 AM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > At 22:06 11/29/2013, you wrote: >> pixels. The EOS 7D comes in at 6.5 microns (Canon has developed a new full frame sensor with 17 micron pixels). > > My Canon 7D has 4.3u square pixels. The new 6D has larger pixels that weigh in at 6.55u. That gives it the ability to have a much higher effective ISO range. It is apparently quite low noise even when working at ISO102400. I have also heard that it takes one dark frame for multiple light frames. Since the best way to do dark subtraction is to have the camera do it, this is a boon to astro imagers as wasting scope time doing darks is a reason why a lot of imagers do their own dark subtraction. > What camera has 17u pixels? > Clear skies! > MK > > The Observatory by the Lake > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:01:35 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:01:35 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: Thanks Colin, Interesting feedback! The K3 is a great looking camera, too. Burlington Camera has one in silver in right now, with the added battery grip. Pentax is also well known for superior weather seals on all of its gear. If I wasn't kitted out with Nikon for my landscape photography I'd give it a go. It's not cheap for an APS-C body but it's edging up into the pro range. in quality and features - like two SD slots. It would be interesting to find out how it preforms for more demanding SLR astrophotography, the pixel issue not withstanding. I can't say anything about that: I shoot with a 36 megapixel Nikon D800 and so am guilty as charged. cheers, - David --- Original Message --- From: "Colin Haig" Sent: November 30, 2013 7:25 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Pentax's DSLRs image stabilization is the key here. It moves the sensor, meaning no heavy lens and motors in the lens. Sadly, I sold off my Pentax stuff and switched to Canon, after years of Pentax digital issues. With Ricoh/Hoya ownership of Pentax, we're seeing some good innovation. Brian from KW Telescope really likes the GPS Astro Tracer, says it works quite well, within its limits. e.g. you can't track for hours ;-) Gerry from the RASC KW Centre also has it, and I got to check this stuff out yesterday. Very cool. If you've got the requisite Pentax gear, the GPS Astro Tracer is a worthwhile add on. Worst case, you know exactly where and when you took your pictures if it doesnt work out astronomically. Cheers Colin At 08:22 PM 29/11/2013, David Galbraith wrote: >Hi, > >Has anyone experimented with the Pentax Astro Tracer system for >tripod-based night sky photos? It looks like it's available for >several of their cameras, including the new flagship dSLR the K3. >Requires a separate GPS unit. > > From http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/7/8/pentaxastroreport: > >"Japanese website DCWatch has published a test of the star tracking >feature of Pentax's O-GPS module. The Astro Tracer mode uses the GPS >coordinates to calculate the camera's movement relative to the >stars, then utilizes the camera's image stabilization system to >shift the sensor to track that movement. The report, which is a >little tricky to follow in its Google-translated form, includes >several example images, showing the system's effectiveness. (From DCWatch)" > >As noted, the original review from Japan comes through the >translation process badly, but here it is: > >http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/special/20110708_458911.html&usg=ALkJrhjnsWtb5a4SAFAl_k0iBlD1mMfMXg > >cheers, > >- David >_______________________________________________ >astronomers mailing list >astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca >http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:18:23 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:18:23 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 7:51, Andy Blanchard wrote: > Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark > subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or > conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. Both Terry and Alan have done side by sides using darks and letting the camera handle it. They both conclude that the camera does a better job. I always assumed that RAW meant you get exactly what the chip produces. Turns out this is not the case. When looking at the data for the ORFs that came out of the Olympus, I noticed a value indicating the percentage of compression. Since I thought that RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that even RAW images are compressed. It is much less effective to do your dark processing on compressed images, even the small amount that is done to RAW images. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:20:57 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:20:57 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 8:18, Mark Kaye wrote: > RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that > even RAW images are compressed. It is much less were, not where. Better proof reading is in order. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:28:13 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:28:13 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 8:18 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 7:51, Andy Blanchard wrote: > Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark > subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or > conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. Both Terry and Alan have done side by sides using darks and letting the camera handle it. They both conclude that the camera does a better job. I always assumed that RAW meant you get exactly what the chip produces. Turns out this is not the case. When looking at the data for the ORFs that came out of the Olympus, I noticed a value indicating the percentage of compression. Since I thought that RAWs where not compressed, I did some research and discovered that even RAW images are compressed. It is much less effective to do your dark processing on compressed images, even the small amount that is done to RAW images. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 08:38:29 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:38:29 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 08:46:11 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:46:11 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer Message-ID: thanks Mark The best thing is to find the setting that does compress anything... including for dark frames. The idea of the dark frame is to record the noise being produced inside the camera without an image - essentially what's coming from the sensor itself. Individual "hot" pixels on sensors are best recorded :as is" as is the actual image data you want. Image compression tends to "smear out" individual pixels - making the subtraction of the noise less effective cheers - David --- Original Message --- From: "Mark Kaye" Sent: November 30, 2013 8:38 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From gary at bendun.net Sat Nov 30 08:59:30 2013 From: gary at bendun.net (Gary Bennett) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:59:30 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> I would not feel comfortable allowing DSLR camera software, designed for daylight photography, to be smart enough to decide that the faint photons I worked so hard to capture are noise and got deleted. Gary Bennett http://bendun.net/ http://photos.bendun.net/ From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On Behalf Of Mark Kaye Sent: November-30-13 8:38 AM To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. -- Clear Skies! MK http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 09:01:54 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:01:54 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I get it, we are talking about two different things. Terry and Alan are referring to an immediate dark in camera is more closely related to the prior image. Not to be confused with the actual math. Most in camera darks are instantly taken by the camera before the chip has had sufficient time to cool down. About 5 seconds. This creates a hot chip getting hotter. So if your taking a 5 minute exposure, and instantly start a dark the chip is still warm and continues to get hotter, creating a false dark that does not truly reflect the image you are trying to calibrate. When a dark is taken, there is a picture taken of the noise the camera produces for a given temperature and air pressure. Yes air pressure. Here is where things get complicated. The camera needs to be able dark subtract a raw image within its internal processor at the original bit rate. I have yet to find a camera processor that can do this math. All camera processing so far, is done at a bit rat far below the cameras optimal bit rate. Basically throwing away good and necessary data. So unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a very bad thing for astrophotography. There is one caveat to this, if you shoot in Monochrome raw the camera won't toss out any data. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 8:38 AM, "Mark Kaye" wrote: > >> On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: >> There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. > > I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's imaging time in half. > It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by using a dark library. > -- > Clear Skies! > MK > > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From mark.kaye at sympatico.ca Sat Nov 30 09:08:51 2013 From: mark.kaye at sympatico.ca (Mark Kaye) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:08:51 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 09:01 11/30/2013, you wrote: >ISo unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the >processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a >very bad thing for astrophotography. So what you are saying here is that both Alan Dyer and Terry Dickinson, two of the world's leading astronomical imagers, are both blowing smoke out their ass and that they are not correct? Clear skies! MK The Observatory by the Lake http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com Sat Nov 30 09:14:43 2013 From: dr_d_a_galbraith at hotmail.com (David Galbraith) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:14:43 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> References: , , <01f901ceedd4$64bc6140$2e3523c0$@net> Message-ID: Good point Gary!! Cherish those hard-won photons. cheers, - David ________________________________ > From: gary at bendun.net > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:59:30 -0500 > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > > I would not feel comfortable allowing DSLR camera software, designed > for daylight photography, to be smart enough to decide that the faint > photons I worked so hard to capture are noise and got deleted. > > > > Gary Bennett > > > > http://bendun.net/ > > http://photos.bendun.net/ > > > > From: astronomers [mailto:astronomers-bounces at hamiltonrasc.ca] On > Behalf Of Mark Kaye > Sent: November-30-13 8:38 AM > To: astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > Subject: Re: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer > > > > On 13-11-30 8:28, David Galbraith wrote: > > There's compression and then there's compression. "lossless > compression" changes file size without altering pixel-by-pixel raster > data. Lossy compression (like JPG) alters the bitmap data to save file > space. Some cameras can store data straight to TIFF files. No loss. > > I do not declare to be an expert on digital imaging. I can only > guess that the way a dark raw is compressed and data frames are > compressed is enough different that an external dark subtraction is not > quite as good as an internal. I am only the messenger here. I concede > that doing your own dark subtraction is attractive given that we have > limited actual dark sky time and that doing internal darks cuts one's > imaging time in half. > It could also be possibly because the dark frame done in the camera > is done at pretty much exactly the same conditions, while a dark > library is slightly different. As originally stated, both Terry and > Alan conclude that in camera dark subtraction is marginally better. > They do have the experience in this sort of thing to be taken > seriously. But imaging a moving object like a comet, where you have a > very limited window for imaging, you are going to be better served by > using a dark library. > > > -- > > Clear Skies! > > MK > > > > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ astronomers mailing > list astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca From atacamandy at hotmail.ca Sat Nov 30 09:18:24 2013 From: atacamandy at hotmail.ca (Andy Blanchard) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:18:24 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton In camera darks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I would not word it that way Mark. But I an pretty sure they would not disagree with what I have said. It's just math and from what I understand you are saying there is a big difference between opinion vs fact. I am sure they feel an instant dark is cleaner and that's probably true, as it has more noise to subtract, but that noise is also good data for the reasons that I mentioned in my prior post below. I have copied bcc Terry a good friend to protect his email, on this, for him to weigh in. Have a great day Andy Blanchard 289-337-6766H 905-847-7777B 905-330-5626C > On Nov 30, 2013, at 9:09 AM, "Mark Kaye" wrote: > > At 09:01 11/30/2013, you wrote: >> ISo unless you can control the delay on in camera darks and the processing rate on the dark subtraction. In camera processing is a very bad thing for astrophotography. > > So what you are saying here is that both Alan Dyer and Terry Dickinson, two of the world's leading astronomical imagers, are both blowing smoke out their ass and that they are not correct? > Clear skies! > MK > > The Observatory by the Lake > http://www3.sympatico.ca/mark.kaye/index.htm > > _______________________________________________ > astronomers mailing list > astronomers at hamiltonrasc.ca > http://hamiltonrasc.ca/mailman/listinfo/astronomers_hamiltonrasc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From astronomer at cogeco.ca Sat Nov 30 09:22:18 2013 From: astronomer at cogeco.ca (Colin Haig) Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 09:22:18 -0500 Subject: RASC Hamilton Pentax Astro Tracer In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At 07:51 AM 30/11/2013, Andy Blanchard wrote: >Hi Mark, I was wondering why you think the best way to do dark >subtraction is to let the camera do it? Is this based on fact or >conjecture? As I have been telling my students just the opposite. I've done a whole bunch of testing, and am finding that for exposures of perhaps a few seconds to a couple minutes (which is the limit arond here), getting the camera to do the dark works fine. Longer exposures, I'm undecided. If your plan is to grab a bunch and stack, then think turning it off makes sense and shoot a handful of darks vs doubling your exposure time, and reducing your productive shooting hours. On the other hand, Alan Dyer was fairly insistent on letting the camera do the work in all cases. Cheers Colin