Astronomical League Special Outreach Program. This is the bottom of page 31 in the League's December 2022 Reflector Magazine.

Lunar Observing Program

Astronomical League Observing Program Lunar Observing Program. This is the bottom of page 30 in the League's September 2022 Reflector Magazine. 

Do you have a guard-cat?

Andrew in March of 2010 was helping me build the bridge.  We have not done anything else to it since that time ... until today.  I replaced five boards and pressure washed it. When Andrew came over tonight, I had him go out to the bridge and we got a picture.

 

Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve observing

 Last night, Ann, Rob, and I went out to the Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve to represent the Raleigh Astronomy Club.  These were some of the most well behaved children I have meet at an event.  While it was cloudy, it was also looking better as the night went on.  About 8:15 or so, the clouds really cleared out and I used my 6" Intes on the moon with camera to take the picture below.  There is an event called the Lunar X that happens for about four hours a month.  I was able to capture it on some of the snapshots.

I also was able to stack 1000 frames and create this picture (warning, this picture is HUGE!)

Staunton River Star Party - Spring 2022

 

I attended the last few days of the Spring 2022 Staunton River Star Party.

Below is where I stayed and view out the front porch.  It was difficult to have to "rough it" while I was there.

While there, I did eat out once at the local diner.  Funny name and all the food had goofy names like Pluto Hotdogs, etc.

It was very windy, so most scopes were put away, disassembled or like the 30" dobson in the background, let the wind blow it around like a weather vane.

Evidently, someone wanted to see God tonight.  Geez!

This is my setup love the truck, love the green cart that Vickie just gave me.

First Picture with new camera for telescope

Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42)
Celestron 8" EdgeHD
Advance VX Mount
0.63 Reducer
ASI533MC Pro

I purchased a new camera for my astronomy hobby and while I have no aspirations of being any type of photographer, I usually save a picture or two from the night's activity.  This is the first picture that I took.

Awesome Truck!

I have been asked about my setup with the telescope presently.  This is how it normally looks when I am out.  I am aware how awesome the truck is, make sure and notice the red LED lights in the back as well.

I got the Beyond Polaris Observing award

 I need structure for my astronomy hobby, so I joined the Raleigh Astronomy Club.  One of the benefits is that you get a membership to the Astronomical League as well.  There is a whole list of Observing Programs, and these are some of my new favorite activities.  I finished one of these a few months ago and got the award for the Beyond Polaris Observing Program. This is the beginning of page 34 in the League's March 2022 Reflector Magazine.

Stargazing in North Carolina

 

Welcome to North Carolina Stargazing.  You spend 1/4 of your time getting ready to observe, 1/4 of your time actually observing, and 1/2 of your time cleaning it all up afterwards.  This is beginning of spring, pollen makes this even worse.

Exactly Right