7120 replies to this topic

[Ionthesky]

Also glad to see the thread still has a heartbeat.  I haven't looked at CN in a couple of weeks (or so), and was glad to see some new posts here.  Welcome aboard, Jeff!  

 

Richie, good idea on the nylon bolt for focus tension .  Haven't done that yet, but it's on the list. 

 

Haven't been out much with the scope yet this year -- weather has been lousy.  When the sky is clear, it's either windy or very cold.

 

Happy new year to all!

[Ionthesky]

Hi Will,

 

I don't remember which eyepiece in this instance, but if the seeing allows, I can always see the GRS with a 4-6 mm eyepiece or equivalent (e.g., zoom plus Barlow).  The seeing in my area varies a lot, and there are definitely times when I can't see it, but usually I can.  The first time I ever saw the GRS was with a 4mm Plossl.

 

I don't think there is anything special about my mirror, because I also have a Bushnell Aries 5 (same scope, different paint) that also shows it. If you are taking all the appropriate steps (cooling the telescope to ambient, avoiding heat plumes, careful collimation), then the seeing in your area must be limiting.   

 

I'd be curious to know if other OneSky users are able to see the GRS and shadow transits.  Maybe others will chime in.

 

Thanks for your comment.

I've only seen the GRS once with the OneSky, and that was at a club event in central NY.  Where I live, I've never had that scope outside when the seeing allowed me to use an eyepiece shorter than 7mm without the image getting too soft.  Maybe it's a matter of not having had it well enough collimated or maybe it's my eyes, but I've never been able to see a transit on Jupiter with it (though I've tried when transits were occurring).  

[rhetfield]

I have seen the GRS with a 4.5mm, but it is low contrast these days and needs a rare good night in my area.  Seems to be easier at sunrise/sunset when the sky is brighter.  The shadows on transits are some of the easiest things to see with a 4-6mm there is - very good contrast.  Have only seen the actual moon transit once with an 8" dob.  That was very hard.

[cookjaiii]

I have seen the GRS with a 4.5mm, but it is low contrast these days and needs a rare good night in my area.  Seems to be easier at sunrise/sunset when the sky is brighter.  The shadows on transits are some of the easiest things to see with a 4-6mm there is - very good contrast.  Have only seen the actual moon transit once with an 8" dob.  That was very hard.

Thanks for weighing in on whether you can see the GRS with the OneSky. I think most users will be able to see it if atmospheric conditions permit. 

 

I noticed that the color of the GRS seems a little washed out this year.  The color and contrast of the GRS seems to vary from apparition to apparition and that may be a function of the width and color of the Southern Equatorial Band.  The SEB varies a lot.  A couple years ago it was light and narrow making the GRS really stand out, but this year the SEB is wide and dark, and the GRS blends into the background.  

 

The nightly variations of Jupiter and it's moons make it a fascinating target.  I look forward to it's opposition every year.

[cookjaiii]

After a long stretch of cloudy nights, I enjoyed another stellar night out with the OneSky.  The sky was exceptionally steady, and Jupiter's moons looked like dots with perfect Airy disks.  The Northern Equatorial Band showed irregular borders and a sort of lumpy distribution of color throughout.  After a few doubles, open clusters, and nebulae, I found a new one (new for me, anyway) - the intergalactic wanderer globular cluster.  I could just barely see that one.  I tried for Leo's triplet, but they were lost in the light dome to my south.

 

There is something so relaxing about going out without a plan and just touring around the sky with a zoom and a Barlow.  I've been storing the OneSky on my back porch under a cover so it's always thermally equilibrated and ready for action.

[cookjaiii]

There are numerous posts about mounting a finder scope to the OneSky.  Here's a method that I don't remember seeing described here before.  (My apologies if someone has already posted this idea, but I just can't bring myself to review all 275 pages to confirm its novelty!)

 

I drilled and tapped holes in a Vixen-style dovetail clamp and attached a finder shoe to the side.  Clamping this to the OneSky's dovetail allowed me to mount a small (6x30) RACI finder scope at a spot that doesn't upset the balance point too much.  Plus, it's easily removable and doesn't require drilling holes in the OTA.  One downside is that I had to remove the safety bolt on the end of the dovetail for this to work.  

 

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[SporadicGazer]

  ... I drilled and tapped holes in a Vixen-style dovetail clamp and attached a finder shoe to the side.  Clamping this to the OneSky's dovetail allowed me to mount a small (6x30) RACI finder scope at a spot that doesn't upset the balance point too much.  Plus, it's easily removable and doesn't require drilling holes in the OTA.  One downside is that I had to remove the safety bolt on the end of the dovetail for this to work.  

FYI- ADM has a Vixen-type dovetail saddle (clamp) intended for attaching accessories like this.  It's probably pricier, but it is more compact so you might not have interference problems.

[Richie2shoes]

There are numerous posts about mounting a finder scope to the OneSky.  Here's a method that I don't remember seeing described here before.  (My apologies if someone has already posted this idea, but I just can't bring myself to review all 275 pages to confirm its novelty!)

 

I drilled and tapped holes in a Vixen-style dovetail clamp and attached a finder shoe to the side.  Clamping this to the OneSky's dovetail allowed me to mount a small (6x30) RACI finder scope at a spot that doesn't upset the balance point too much.  Plus, it's easily removable and doesn't require drilling holes in the OTA.  One downside is that I had to remove the safety bolt on the end of the dovetail for this to work.  

Paracord wrapped around the handle?  That's a good idea also!

[Ionthesky]

Paracord wrapped around the handle?  That's a good idea also!

Sharp eye, Richie!  I didn't notice the paracord until you pointed it out.  Yes, good idea, Cookie!

Dave 

[Ionthesky]

Slightly off-topic, but are any of you planning to attend NEAF this year?  AWB had a booth last year, and it would be a good spot to check in with each other and show our support.

[SporadicGazer]

Slightly off-topic, but are any of you planning to attend NEAF this year?  AWB had a booth last year, and it would be a good spot to check in with each other and show our support.

First, AWB is listed as having a booth this year (too.)

 

Second, I hadn't thought about it, but should I be planning to attend?

 

Thx!

[Richie2shoes]

Can't make NEAF this year.  PTO off for the eclipse is taking precedence.

[Ionthesky]

First, AWB is listed as having a booth this year (too.)

 

Second, I hadn't thought about it, but should I be planning to attend?

 

Thx!

It's a long trip for you, Dave, but it would be great to meet you there!  They have some good programs and speakers lined up.

[SporadicGazer]

It's a long trip for you, Dave, but it would be great to meet you there!  They have some good programs and speakers lined up.

Thanks.  I checked logistics and it would be a challenge, so maybe not this year.  But it looks really cool, if only they had a west coast version.  Sad thing is I'll be in Tucson, on the tail end of an eclipse tour, and Lunt will be in NY.

[cookjaiii]

Slightly off-topic, but are any of you planning to attend NEAF this year?  AWB had a booth last year, and it would be a good spot to check in with each other and show our support.

Nice idea!  It's about a two hour drive for me, so I usually attend one of the two days.  I met Mike Simmons there a couple times and saw his presentation about the origins of AWB.

[Ionthesky]

Nice idea!  It's about a two hour drive for me, so I usually attend one of the two days.  I met Mike Simmons there a couple times and saw his presentation about the origins of AWB.

Waiting for Mike to check in and comment on this...we know he's always lurking in the shadows...lurking... 

 

I'd love to meet the man who got this all started!

 

NEAF is about a two-hour drive for me, too (that's why I want to stay over and do both days...last year it was just too much for one day).

 

On a different note, a local club member was giving away a OneSky.   I just missed out on it, as I was going to give it to a young lady in our congregation who's very excited about space and astronomy.  Instead, I'm working on a Dob base for a 115mm Newt that I "fell into".  C'est la vie...

Edited by Ionthesky, 09 March 2024 - 09:27 AM.

[MSimmons]

Waiting for Mike to check in and comment on this...we know he's always lurking in the shadows...lurking... 

 

I'd love to meet the man who got this all started!

I won't be at NEAF this year. Also, I'm no longer associated with AWB. I've started a new initiative, Astronomy for Equity, focusing on using astronomy to improve lives, communities, and society (astro4equity.org), doing the things I started AWB for but that aren't being done their anymore. I'll be in Morocco at the time of NEAF at the conference of the African Astronomical Society where I'm a speaker. I'm part of AfAS helping them in using astronomy to help students, etc. Then likely on to Ukraine where I've sent telescopes to astronomy students, taking a small group to encourage them along with a documentary filmmaker to share with the world.

 

Mike

Edited by MSimmons, 09 March 2024 - 12:14 PM.

[Ionthesky]

Good to hear from you, Mike (as always)!  I wish you the best in your activities, and safe travels.  Maybe see you next year...

[WillR]

I won't be at NEAF this year. Also, I'm no longer associated with AWB. I've started a new initiative, Astronomy for Equity, focusing on using astronomy to improve lives, communities, and society (astro4equity.org), doing the things I started AWB for but that aren't being done their anymore. I'll be in Morocco at the time of NEAF at the conference of the African Astronomical Society where I'm a speaker. I'm part of AfAS helping them in using astronomy to help students, etc. Then likely on to Ukraine where I've sent telescopes to astronomy students, taking a small group to encourage them along with a documentary filmmaker to share with the world.

 

Mike

Mike, 

 

The reason we bought the OneSky over other scopes as our first telescope was because of the initiatives you started, and because we understood part of the proceeds were used in astronomy out reach in Africa. It was inspiring to share the use of a simple, well designed small telescope with people around the world. And the views are quite good!

 

Going back to the AWB website just now, they do say : “The best thing about the OneSky is that with every purchase, all the proceeds go to building astronomy-based STEM education programs and sending resources around the world!” But you say they are not doing the initiatives you started any longer? Can you explain?

 

Anyway, kudos to you.

Edited by WillR, 24 March 2024 - 09:42 AM.

[MSimmons]

Mike, 

 

The reason we bought the OneSky over other scopes as our first telescope was because of the initiatives you started, and because we understood part of the proceeds were used in astronomy out reach in Africa. It was inspiring to share the use of a simple, well designed small telescope with people around the world. And the views are quite good!

 

Going back to the AWB website just now, they do say : “The best thing about the OneSky is that with every purchase, all the proceeds go to building astronomy-based STEM education programs and sending resources around the world!” But you say they are not doing the initiatives you started any longer? Can you explain?

 

Anyway, kudos to you.

Will,

 

Take a look at their current programs and decide for yourself. They refer to previous programs and AWB's history throughout the website and tell people to "Check out our programs throughout AWB's history on our archive website." That's the website from before 2020 when I was running AWB. The photos on the Programs page are all from before then, too. They list the AstroArts program we built as an "archive", along with other programs. Observing events listed are another organization's program, Globe at Night. There is nothing listed regarding current STEM education programs or sending resources anywhere. The only program I see that would benefit anyone is the glasses recycling program (again describing what we did in 2017 recycling many thousands) where they've raised $400 (we did it with volunteers). I ran a program to donate glasses to schools in 2017 where we sent out 100,000. Basically, everything is about what AWB used to do.

As for international work, there is none listed. I'm still involved with countries around the world and the contacts I made through the years. There are other organizations doing great international work that I still collaborate with such as the IAU's OAO, OAD, and OAE, African Astronomical Society, etc. in creating new programs to benefit people and societies through astronomy, which is my focus now. The work continues around the world but I don't ever hear anything about AWB.

Compare the "archive" with the current website and let me know if you find anything different.

Mike
 

[cookjaiii]

Will,

 

Take a look at their current programs and decide for yourself. They refer to previous programs and AWB's history throughout the website and tell people to "Check out our programs throughout AWB's history on our archive website." That's the website from before 2020 when I was running AWB. The photos on the Programs page are all from before then, too. They list the AstroArts program we built as an "archive", along with other programs. Observing events listed are another organization's program, Globe at Night. There is nothing listed regarding current STEM education programs or sending resources anywhere. The only program I see that would benefit anyone is the glasses recycling program (again describing what we did in 2017 recycling many thousands) where they've raised $400 (we did it with volunteers). I ran a program to donate glasses to schools in 2017 where we sent out 100,000. Basically, everything is about what AWB used to do.

As for international work, there is none listed. I'm still involved with countries around the world and the contacts I made through the years. There are other organizations doing great international work that I still collaborate with such as the IAU's OAO, OAD, and OAE, African Astronomical Society, etc. in creating new programs to benefit people and societies through astronomy, which is my focus now. The work continues around the world but I don't ever hear anything about AWB.

Compare the "archive" with the current website and let me know if you find anything different.

Mike
 

So, what the heck happened? 

 

For years I've been involved in helping AWB by fielding questions from new owners.  I've gone as far as sending people replacement parts and eyepieces out of my own personal stock to save AWB from having to process returns.  I thought I was supporting a worthy cause. 

 

If AWB doesn't have any active programs, what ARE they doing?

 

Don't get me wrong, I still love the scope, and I still enjoy helping newbies get over the occasional hurdle, but if AWB has become just another commercial entity, I'm less inclined to go the extra mile.  

 

If anyone from AWB reads this, please feel free to weigh in on this disturbing information.

Edited by cookjaiii, 25 March 2024 - 07:47 PM.

[MSimmons]

So, what the heck happened? 

 

For years I've been involved in helping AWB by fielding questions from new owners.  I've gone as far as sending people replacement parts and eyepieces out of my own personal stock to save AWB from having to process returns.  I thought I was supporting a worthy cause. 

 

If AWB doesn't have any active programs, what ARE they doing?

 

Don't get me wrong, I still love the scope, and I still enjoy helping newbies get over the occasional hurdle, but if AWB has become just another commercial entity, I'm less inclined to go the extra mile.  

 

If anyone from AWB reads this, please feel free to weigh in on this disturbing information.

 

Please take a look and decide for yourself. That's what I see and what I hear (and don't hear). You and others may feel differently. I just know that from my perspective it's not something I'd be involved with and it's very different than what I'm doing now, either in continuing previous programs or starting new ones to fill existing gaps.

 

As for what happened, I'll just say that I wasn't involved in the changes. If you want more information than that please PM me. There aren't any secrets but this isn't the place to go into it.

 

Mike

[davstrom]

The comet is supposed to be about its brightest now. Anyone have advice on decent places this weekend in the SF bay area (peninsula and south bay best) that would give a decent just-after-sunset view?

[WillR]

The comet is supposed to be about its brightest now. Anyone have advice on decent places this weekend in the SF bay area (peninsula and south bay best) that would give a decent just-after-sunset view?

I can’t help you with location except to say get as low a western horizon as possible. Find a spot where you can look west over the ocean, so you won’t be fighting a light dome. Bring binoculars, which is how I first found it. You will be fighting a lot of moon. Use Sky Safari and make sure the comet is in the data base. You want to catch it as late as you can when it’s a bit darker than right after sunset, but before it is hopelessly low in the muck.

 

I was lucky enough to find a great spot on a hill recently that’s maybe two miles from home and has an unobstructed view west. I have observed the comet a few times from there and watched it move past Hamal and closer to Jupiter.

 

Good luck!

[OskiBear]

ditto Will's advice. I caught it about a month ago, from the parking lot at Foothill College (off 280, for those of you Bay Area cognescenti). Low, abt 15 deg above the horizon, I was lucky w/ a 5 min exposure with a Seestar. 

 

Maybe there's somewhere on Skyline where you'll get a clear view of the horizon? Of course, weather gods .....

 

Rich