Space Forum / Amateur Astronomy / November 2004

I know the Toucam is a favorite among planetary imagers, but I have often
wondered why the Astromeccanica KC-381 planetary camera hasn't also become
favored.  According to some comparison specs I've read, this camera has the
greatest sensitivity of the webcam type cameras (in fact, ...

I have an LXD78-SN8 in the central valley of California.  It rarely gets
below freezing here.  Do I still need to cool the scope down if I'm going
from room temp(72f) to 35 at the coldest?  If so, how long is sufficient?
Thanks.

A test, between:
Tak FCT-100
TMB 100 f8
Zeiss 100mm f10 APQ

I've often wondered about this.  What I've found with
decent scopes is that they tend to provide maximum detail at
around 40-50x per inch.  Additional magnification may not
degrade  the image much, but it doesn't add any detail.

Looking for a beginner 'scope for my family. Would the Orion 4.5" dob be a
reasonable choice?
Thanks for your opinions.

Just curious whether Cassini is to take pictures of the Iapetus.
Reading 2001: A Space Odyssey now ;-)
Roman

My new site is ready:
Ephemeris of:
96153 asteroids
513     comets

Surely it's the same principle in reverse, what am I missing?
Gaz

Just wondering if anyone here has any good urls for building/ all ready made
setups for video astronomy equipment.
First off, I admit I am very new to this. I have expeimented with what most
would consider toy telescopes and had good success. Being that I have a

What does the discriminating amateur astronomer recommend in the current
mid-priced Digital SLRs for astro imaging? My budget is $1500.
My inclination is:
Canon EOS D10 (or D20??)

The 80mm Meade model 312 that I borrowed came in a Tilton carrying case
when I got it. Apparently, the inside surface of the carrying case is
shedding some kind of plastic or rubber dust and it is getting all over
the telescope. Maybe it is harmless, both to the scope and the user,

7450 From: dhennig2 <dhennig2@t...>
Date: Tue Nov 23, 2004 1:00am
Subject: Re: 92mm Fluorite - clarification on definitions?
 Something here is really frustrating me.

More on power use;
He claimed powers up to 6000x on his telescopes.
He regularly claimed to have used powers beyond
1000x.  His favorite scope was a 7."

Is anyone in the group actively and regularly engaged in comet hunting?
Is comet huntng still practical in the current robo-scope landscape?
If you are engaged in this aspect of amateur astronomy, could you ring
in and share your experiences, techniques and motivation?