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If he wires it and uses an extension cord to go from the house to a plug on the outside of the building, it would be considered temporary wiring, not unlike plugging in a tool. This would remove any chance of trouble when not actually using the obs. I did mine that way to avoid digging a ditch.

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This is exactly what I was going to do until I talked to the previous owner of our home and found out that there was viable wiring already running directly under the spot where I'm erecting my observatory. I think the extension cord is a simple and effective solution.

David

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A few scopes and mounts.
Proud Member; PAS NOLA,

Life expectancies would go WAY up if green vegetables smelled like bacon...

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Lol...naw, Geoff. Ive been too busy just trying to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Its been awsome so far. Theres a few bumps here and there, but it is fantastic not having to move stuff around anymore.
The wife's gother bedroom back, and has already put a curio (sp?) cabinet where the dob use to sit. Now instead of a big ole black tube watching over us sleep, its creepy dolls and stuff.

Ive been taking notes and writing down what I see and trying to make little sketches of my views, its something that has (I think) helped me see more.

Since Ive had my observatory ive seen Jupiter (I watch it every night now!) and have also noticed this think called the 'Milky Way' almost directly overhead. ive never seen it here, but now that im in my little dark cave, the view is much better I believe.

Im loving it!

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I am honored that you have seriously considered my suggestion for the name of your Observatory! I really feel that Sleepless Nights Observatory is fitting for all you have gone through. As many others have said, Great Job!!!! You are going to enjoy many nights under the stars, and no worries about hauling that big old Z12 back in.

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Thank you, Walt! Your name just kind of stuck with me, and I tend to call it "sleepless Nights Observatory' even to myself.
The wife on the other hand says that since im so twisted and dark most of the time, she thinks it doesnt suit the Heavy Metal/dark side of me.

I like it.

Since ive been going out there, Ive seen three Unknown Flying Objects (dont laugh!) that I was able to track very briefly, Im sure they are either sattelites, or space debris left in our orbit, but to me they are UFO's.....not with little green men, but things that are not stars, planets, or airplanes.

The other night (7/6/08) at about 3-3:30 a.m. after noticing that one of Jupiters moons had vanished, I thought I saw a little black spot on the face of Jupiter and wondered if I was seeing a moon crossing in front of it.

Ive also made notes and pathetic attempts to draw M27, M71, M57 (Ring Nebula-that was easy to draw!), and Sunday night was able to find m13, M97, C6(NGC 6543) C55 (Saturn nebula), and M11 The Wild Duck Cluster which I spent considerable time watching.

Oh, and the Blinking Nebula C15, which seemed to be playing tricks with me, because it did seem to be blinking until Id avert my vision beside it somewhat then I could see the whiteness of it again. Very cool!

So far, its been awesome.

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Sleep is the Cousin of Death

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It's a very counter intuitive thing to do but try not to swing at a wasp or hornet, doing so usually generates an attack response in them ... so the swatter is generally a bad idea. Usually when they land on you they are usually just exploring, but when they are aggravated then yeah they can be looking for a spot to sting you. I've found that gently blowing on a non aggravated wasp will usually get them back on their way.

Going on a daily "patrol" using one of the commercial long distance spays can be very effective around a house or in an observatory. If you end up with a large nest inside the observatory then while kind of nasty one of the commercial whole room "bombs" may be necessary. They aren't pleasant but at least they prevent you from having to do battle with the little darlings up close and personal like.

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When I swing...

I try NOT to miss on the first swing...

else you are right... it tends to *BLEEP* them off... if you don't get em on the first swing... get OUT of there! (and let em calm down)...

but I won't spray (or bomb) inside or out... too much risk (IMO) to all my optics...

I find best to just "keep up on things" - daily hygiene and all that...

they ARE just bugs, after all... albeit nasty stingy ones!

clear enough skies

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Dave
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