Telescope Reviews: 2013 astro resolution?

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MikeBOKC
Post Laureate

Reged: 05/10/10

Loc: Oklahoma City, OK

2013 astro resolution?
#5584496 - 12/22/12 06:40 PM

Time for new years resolutions, often related to equipment purchases or upgrades, holy grail targets, lists to complete or events to attend or trips to ideal viewing locations. Mine is to add a larger aperture scope for dark sky use, likely 16 inches. What's yours?

Post Extras:

cliff mygatt
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 01/27/09

Loc: Kitsap County, WA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5584508 - 12/22/12 06:50 PM

I intend to complete the Astro League Asterism club this year.

Post Extras:

Pinbout
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/22/10

Loc: Montclair

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5584563 - 12/22/12 07:23 PM

Quote:

What's yours?

to finish the projects I've started

and to start new projects I haven't.

I really want to build my 10in f8

Post Extras:

kenrenard
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 12/13/12

Loc: Dunmore, PA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Pinbout]
#5584617 - 12/22/12 07:58 PM

I would like to finish the Messier objects, and work on getting better with sketching.

Post Extras:

bassplayer142
professor emeritus

Reged: 10/03/11

Loc: Michigan

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: kenrenard]
#5584679 - 12/22/12 08:42 PM

Get out and observe! I want to get out and hopefully catch some black skies.

Post Extras:

KidOrion
professor emeritus

Reged: 07/07/07

Loc: Carbondale, IL

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: bassplayer142]
#5584740 - 12/22/12 09:30 PM

1) Make better use of moonlit nights by adding the Lunar Club and the Carbon Star Club to my list of observing projects.

2) Finish building Frankenscope.

Post Extras:

kfiscus
professor emeritus

Reged: 07/09/12

Loc: Albert Lea, MN, USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: KidOrion]
#5584747 - 12/22/12 09:37 PM

Two words: Horse Head

Post Extras:

Staredge
member

Reged: 04/05/12

Loc: Germantown, MD

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: kfiscus]
#5584764 - 12/22/12 09:51 PM

Finish a few AL clubs.
Actually get out and observe more.
Start going to the local astronomy club meetings.
Make it to a big star party.
Get the mirror for the 6" re-silvered and learn how to collimate it.

Post Extras:

Michael Rapp
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/27/04

Loc: Dickinson, TX

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Staredge]
#5584771 - 12/22/12 09:58 PM

Slow down, sketch, and observe.

Post Extras:

David Pavlich
Transmographied

Reged: 05/18/05

Loc: Mandeville, LA USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Michael Rapp]
#5584825 - 12/22/12 10:37 PM

More imaging this year.

David

Post Extras:

Dennis_S253
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/22/11

Loc: West Central Florida

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: David Pavlich]
#5584855 - 12/22/12 11:14 PM

Starting the Messier list from scratch, again. Keeping a better observation log, this time. Finding as many Globular clusters and Galaxy's as possible with my 6" scope. Enjoying myself and taking my time. The only new stuff coming my way is a Celestron specality tool for collimation and a zhumell "see it all filter set". Clear skies....

Post Extras:

Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Dennis_S253]
#5585117 - 12/23/12 05:24 AM

My 2013 Astro-Resolutions:

- Stop growing older.

- Get better eyes.

- Get more involved in outreach

- Spend more time making stuff, less time buying stuff.

- Thin out the herd...

- Learn some new doubles

Jon

Post Extras:

edwincjones
Close Enough

Reged: 04/10/04

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5585156 - 12/23/12 07:05 AM

just enjoy life

edj

Post Extras:

thomas68
sage

Reged: 01/25/11

Loc: North west Indiana

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: edwincjones]
#5585191 - 12/23/12 08:08 AM

More quiet nights observing!

Tom

Post Extras:

Doc Willie
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/31/10

Loc: Mid-Hudson Valley, NY, USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: thomas68]
#5585232 - 12/23/12 08:57 AM

I resolve to serve as president of my astronomy club to the best of my ability.

Post Extras:

Tim Gilliland
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/28/09

Loc: Sand Springs Okla.

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: David Pavlich]
#5585243 - 12/23/12 09:05 AM

Quote:

More imaging this year.

David

Post Extras:

azure1961p
Postmaster

Reged: 01/17/09

Loc: USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: kfiscus]
#5585247 - 12/23/12 09:10 AM

Quote:

Two words: Horse Head

Think that's one word.

Pete

Post Extras:

azure1961p
Postmaster

Reged: 01/17/09

Loc: USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: azure1961p]
#5585252 - 12/23/12 09:17 AM

Ok my New Years Astro Resolutions:

1. Finish my equatorial platform for my dob.
2. Get a full set of TV oculars plossls for my bino viewers.
3. Give the old reflector a face lift: new end rings, new spider secondary holder and recoat mirrors.

Observationaly: 1. See more detail on all four Galilean moons
2. See mars polar cap on a 4" disc
3. Elongate a 0.25" double with my 8"
4. Revisit springtime galaxies with my newly recoated
Mirrors.

Pete

Post Extras:

Dave74
sage

Reged: 10/23/12

Loc: Gelatinous, MA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: azure1961p]
#5585404 - 12/23/12 11:16 AM

Attend stellafane.

Start attending local group meetings

Sketch lunar features.

Happy Holidays and Clear Skies, everyone

Post Extras:

opticsguy
super member

Reged: 02/02/09

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Dave74]
#5585417 - 12/23/12 11:27 AM

1 Make a decision for design and construction of an observatory. Come help me pleeeeze . . . . :-)

2 Chase more eclipses

3 Observe more with my astro friends.

Post Extras:

FirstSight
Postmaster

Reged: 12/26/05

Loc: Raleigh, NC

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: opticsguy]
#5585422 - 12/23/12 11:31 AM

I firmly resolve to be more resolute. OK, aside from being cute with words, what I mean is being more resolute to take whatever opportunities to observe that I have, even if it means heading out into cold weather to do so and all the extra clothes that takes.

It's so much easier to be an armchair observer here in Cloudy Nights than a real observer outside in 28 degree temps.

Edited by FirstSight (12/23/12 11:32 AM)

Post Extras:

petely
journeyman

Reged: 01/06/11

Loc: England

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5585576 - 12/23/12 12:59 PM

Quote:

- Thin out the herd...

Gulp! I hope that nobody on here is part of "the herd"

My resolution (to add to the list of last year's resolutions ... and the year before) is to build my observatory.

Post Extras:

azure1961p
Postmaster

Reged: 01/17/09

Loc: USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: opticsguy]
#5585577 - 12/23/12 01:00 PM

I can't say one or two were ever a problem for me.

Pete

Post Extras:

Qwickdraw
sage

Reged: 03/03/12

Loc: Ann Arbor, Mi

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Pinbout]
#5585600 - 12/23/12 01:15 PM

Quote:

Quote:

What's yours?

to finish the projects I've started

and to start new projects I haven't.

I really want to build my 10in f8

The chair?

Post Extras:

Feidb
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/09/09

Loc: Nevada

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Qwickdraw]
#5586327 - 12/23/12 09:52 PM

I don't make resolutions. However, as for 2013, since the world didn't end, I'm going to continue what I've been doing. Seeing as many new faint fuzzies as I can. The Herschel 2500, finish the Herschel 400-2, the northern hemisphere Collinders, the Palomar clusters, the Skiff & Luginbuhl catalog, any others catalogs I come up with.

Continue the Las Vegas Astronomical Society Observer's Challenge and hopefully bring in new participants from around the country... the world.

Get out as many good weather nights as I can.

Continue showing the tourist objects at outreach events. Hopefully inspire others to take up the hobby with a sane perspective.

Continue writing about my astronomical experiences on my web site.

Be a general pain to the astronomical community.

Post Extras:

wky46
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/12/05

Loc: west Ky.

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: petely]
#5586377 - 12/23/12 10:24 PM

Mines to build a dedicated observatory instead of wheeling it out of an old and kinda dirty, shed. This past year I've bought about '2000 of rough sawn 1" oak/poplar and assorted finished pine boards for my barn and implement/animal shed repairs. It goes quick but I'm gonna try to dedicate some of that for the observatory. If I can't, the lumberyard's not too far from me

Post Extras:

shrevestan
professor emeritus

Reged: 04/19/12

Loc: Shreveport, LA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: wky46]
#5586390 - 12/23/12 10:30 PM

Going to try to get the Messier list done. I've seen over 3/4ths of them, but it was with a a go-to scope.

Post Extras:

Pinbout
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/22/10

Loc: Montclair

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Qwickdraw]
#5586443 - 12/23/12 11:25 PM

Quote:

The chair?

ah...what's wrong with the chair?

Post Extras:

lintonius
member

Reged: 12/13/05

Loc: south-central Utah

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5586570 - 12/24/12 01:17 AM

"Stop growing older."

Only one way to stop that, Jon, and I'm not ready yet! ;^)

I just want to get back into observing regularly again!
Spent the last 2 1/2 years building our new house and moving...
and just haven't had a lot of time to get out with the scopes.
I'm under beautiful dark sky now though, and while the naked eye views
are incredible themselves, I'm ready to get the optics back into full swing!
Happy New Year, indeed!
Linton

Post Extras:

star drop
Snowed In

Reged: 02/02/08

Loc: Snow Plop, WNY

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: lintonius]
#5586745 - 12/24/12 08:08 AM

Petition congress for establishing a no fly zone over my area. Yesterday afternoon was clear and then the contrails began to form and fill the sky. No observing once again.

Post Extras:

Javier
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/03/09

Loc: 15 Minutes west of the Manhatt...

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: star drop]
#5586824 - 12/24/12 09:14 AM

My only astro resolution is to stop buying astro gear. I don't need any more gear but every now and then stuff just "shows up"

Post Extras:

herrointment
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/12/11

Loc: North of Hwy. 64

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Javier]
#5587833 - 12/24/12 10:29 PM

I'd like to work less and enjoy my time on Earth more. Any extra scope time would be most welcome.

Post Extras:

lintonius
member

Reged: 12/13/05

Loc: south-central Utah

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: herrointment]
#5587840 - 12/24/12 10:33 PM

Our time on Earth ends with little, or no, notice.
Carpe noctum!
Linton

Post Extras:

Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: lintonius]
#5588142 - 12/25/12 06:45 AM

Quote:

"Stop growing older."

Only one way to stop that, Jon, and I'm not ready yet! ;^)

LintonL

That is one method of getting better views of the stars, assuming of course the appropriate outcome... But I was thinking of just suspending the aging process a bit...

Good job on your move... your skies should be dark and clear much of the time...

Merry Christmas

Jon

Post Extras:

jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan

Reged: 02/28/06

Loc: Petaluma, CA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5591096 - 12/27/12 12:15 PM

Mine?

Sell, sell, sell. Whittle down on the gear front - a process begun in 2012. Consolidate down to tried and true, high quality equipment for each role.

Finish up the handful of Hershel 400s I'm missing. Complete all 110 Messiers in a single Marathon session using a 3" scope (though that looks like it will be tough in 2013 given the early dates for the MM).

Lastly, I really need to clean my primary! I have a dedicated tub, plenty of distilled water, sterile cotton, latex no-powder gloves, etc., but every weekend I had planned to do it over the last 6 months, something has come up or the weather hasn't cooperated.

Regards,

Jim

Post Extras:

MG1962
sage

Reged: 08/13/11

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#5591142 - 12/27/12 12:45 PM

To make 1000 variable star observations

To never let a clear night pass me by

Post Extras:

GeneT
Ely Kid

Reged: 11/07/08

Loc: South Texas

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5591687 - 12/27/12 07:36 PM

Learn to enjoy the equipment I have without always looking for something better--mainly in the area of eyepieces.

Post Extras:

GeneT
Ely Kid

Reged: 11/07/08

Loc: South Texas

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#5591696 - 12/27/12 07:40 PM

Quote:

Whittle down on the gear front

I'll take your Pentax 5mm XO eyepiece.

Post Extras:

GeneT
Ely Kid

Reged: 11/07/08

Loc: South Texas

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: herrointment]
#5591700 - 12/27/12 07:42 PM

Quote:

I'd like to work less and enjoy my time on Earth more. Any extra scope time would be most welcome.

At age 60 I just got tired of being tired. So, I retired. I am now almost 70. I have really enjoyed the past 10 years, especially since I now have time for astronomy.

Post Extras:

herrointment
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/12/11

Loc: North of Hwy. 64

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: GeneT]
#5591798 - 12/27/12 08:45 PM

Good for you, Sir.

I hope I can be as fortunate!

Post Extras:

bigstormgirl
super member

Reged: 01/02/12

Loc: NW Indiana

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: GeneT]
#5591799 - 12/27/12 08:47 PM

After I bought my dob, I ended up buying an ED80, guider, Goto/EQ mount and Nebulosity in order to learn some AP with my T2i. Haven't taken it out once. Always took the dob out when nights were clear and just relaxed with the views. It's almost like I'm so intimidated by the whole AP thing process. So, I'm seriously going to try to set everything up when spring comes and see what happens. It almost gives me the shakes just thinking about it.

Post Extras:

galexand
super member

Reged: 07/10/12

Loc: Bloomington Indiana

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5594078 - 12/29/12 10:21 AM

In 2013 I'll huff and I'll puff and I"ll blow the clouds away!

Oh who am I kidding.

Post Extras:

CelestronDaddy
sage

Reged: 08/22/09

Loc: Central Texas

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5598591 - 12/31/12 07:09 PM

For me it is getting back to one of my first loves, Astronomy. I need to get out and spend time observing, read more quality astronomy subject matter and try to absorb more into my middle aged brain than I've been doing

Well.... more time observing anyway! g..... Tony

Post Extras:

CelestronDaddy
sage

Reged: 08/22/09

Loc: Central Texas

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: galexand]
#5598610 - 12/31/12 07:18 PM

Quote:

In 2013 I'll huff and I'll puff and I"ll blow the clouds away!

Oh who am I kidding.

Can you also blow a little down here in Central Texas??

Good post and it gave me a chuckle.... Tony

Post Extras:

John Kuraoka
sage

Reged: 12/12/12

Loc: Sunny San Diego, CA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: CelestronDaddy]
#5598776 - 12/31/12 09:27 PM

More front-yard observation time with the kids.

Finding a way to take our telescope on our Sierra camping trip. It's a tiny scope, but believe me, with four people and a dog in a subcompact car, it'll be a serious packing challenge.

Doing more with binoculars, since we have a bunch of 'em lying around.

Post Extras:

stkoepke
sage

Reged: 01/11/08

Loc: Abilene, Texas

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: John Kuraoka]
#5598885 - 12/31/12 11:06 PM

My observatory will finally be built. Yeah 2013!
Then the real fun begins...I can get LOTS more observing time.

Post Extras:

drbyyz
sage

Reged: 11/04/12

Loc: Summerville, SC

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: stkoepke]
#5599770 - 01/01/13 02:54 PM

Take more time looking at stuff instead of just going object to object. Getting a sketchbook and keeping better notes.

Post Extras:

tecmage
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/13/10

Loc: Groton, CT

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: drbyyz]
#5600464 - 01/01/13 10:28 PM

Get the AL Lunar II and Solar System observations done.

Post Extras:

JayinUT
I'm not Sleepy

Reged: 09/19/08

Loc: Utah

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: tecmage]
#5600477 - 01/01/13 10:36 PM

Since clouds are always in the way I am selling it all and sticking with birding and photography.

Post Extras:

Seldom
sage

Reged: 08/05/12

Loc: Southwest Utah--Elev. 5700 ft.

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: JayinUT]
#5600503 - 01/01/13 10:57 PM

Too bad Jay. I've just had two perfect sub-zero nights. My resolution is to find enough folks in Iron County to make an astronomy club.

Post Extras:

JayinUT
I'm not Sleepy

Reged: 09/19/08

Loc: Utah

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Seldom]
#5600533 - 01/01/13 11:26 PM

Oh, and I'm just venting. It all cycles so for this year I just put down continuing to work on the H2500 and my planetary nebula list I've made. No new equipment or eyepieces for me. Making an equatorial platform is on my to do. Be careful as in 2 years I just may look on moving south.

Post Extras:

Qwickdraw
sage

Reged: 03/03/12

Loc: Ann Arbor, Mi

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: GeneT]
#5600768 - 01/02/13 06:52 AM

Quote:

Learn to enjoy the equipment I have without always looking for something better--mainly in the area of eyepieces.

sacrilege I tell you !

Post Extras:

csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: drbyyz]
#5600938 - 01/02/13 10:18 AM

Quote:

Take more time looking at stuff instead of just going object to object. Getting a sketchbook and keeping better notes.

It's amazing how much more detail you will see, when sketching targets! It's also a lot of fun!

Post Extras:

faintfuzzy
newbie

Reged: 01/02/13

Loc: Atlanta, North

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: csa/montana]
#5601645 - 01/02/13 05:42 PM

I would like to get out more away from this big dome of light pollution and try to be more of assistance to others interested in amateur astronomy.

Post Extras:

Atl
sage

Reged: 04/13/12

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: opticsguy]
#5608705 - 01/06/13 04:03 PM

Get a 16".

Post Extras:

Starman1
Vendor (EyepiecesEtc.com)

Reged: 06/24/03

Loc: Los Angeles

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Atl]
#5610412 - 01/07/13 03:11 PM

1.Observe the Moon and planets from my patio a little more.
2.Start observing the asterisms on the download list from the Saguaro Astronomy Club. After 50 years of observing, I'm shocked at how few of these I know.

Post Extras:

kfiscus
professor emeritus

Reged: 07/09/12

Loc: Albert Lea, MN, USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Starman1]
#5610697 - 01/07/13 06:41 PM

Well- I guess I'm done stargazing for the year. My resolution was to get the Horsehead and I got it on my first try and without a filter (Z12) on January 3.

I will try to finish the Caldwell List. I'm 2/3 done.

Post Extras:

Lou3
member

Reged: 07/19/12

Loc: PA, USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: opticsguy]
#5611588 - 01/08/13 09:37 AM

My resolutions are:

- no obsessing over gear. I have my astronomy binoculars, and I know what telescope I'll buy later this year.
- join my local astronomy club (doing so today)
- get my son started on the Sky Puppy Program
- finish the Constellation Hunter Northern Skies Program and Binocular Messier Program
- start the Universe Sampler Program
- start sketching
- spend at least a couple of weekends observing at Cherry Springs

Post Extras:

AB9MS
member

Reged: 10/19/12

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: Lou3]
#5612693 - 01/08/13 08:51 PM

Build a $600 RoR observatory. If time/money permits start grinding my first mirror.

Post Extras:

JimMo
I'd Rather Do It Myself

Reged: 01/08/07

Loc: Under the SE Michigan lightdom...

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: AB9MS]
#5612738 - 01/08/13 09:15 PM

I resolve to stop complaining about Michigan weather. Starting now.

Post Extras:

FordGalaxy
member

Reged: 07/06/11

Loc: Virginia, USA

Re: 2013 astro resolution? new

[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5613998 - 01/09/13 04:14 PM

-Mercury, Uranus and Neptune
-taking a decent planetary picture through my dob
-getting to Spruce Knob's summit for observation (bortle 1/2 site)
-actually interacting with other astronomers

Post Extras:

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