Astronomy and Camping

[Ron & Dee]

We Camp once a month for my Astronomy Club's new moon star parties. Not really sure how many stargazers are around but thought I would post my series of Saturn images that I shot since my early entry into Astronomy. I need one good image this 2014 season to go with what I have.



Saturn is starting to get into position for some good viewing. Nothing beats looking at Saturn through a telescope

[StarGazer-1]

Long time no read!!I haven't been on here because we sold our old trailer about a year or more ago. We are in the process of purchasing a longer and much better upgraded one this week. We are planing on going to Kansas one night, Rushmore one night, three at Glacier National Park, three at Yellowstone and one night in Denver for the trip back here to Frisco this July and of course I'm bringing my scope along! We are very excited for getting this trailer and to going to the parks.

[StarGazer-1]

We will soon be proud owner of this new trailer!

[Ron & Dee]

WOW Nice looking rig, I'm sure you are going to enjoy it.

They do astronomy in Yellowstone, I'm not sure about Glacier. Enjoy your trip, looks like a good one.

Ron

[Old Radios]

Alas, I think I've finally decided to downsize. Going to sell my 8" Meade as it's too much to carry in the RV. Can't really get good use of it at home as there is too much ambient light so Have decided to sell it and get something half it's size to carry in the RV. Don't need computer control as I don't have a problem finding objects and hardly ever us mine.
I figure whatever smaller telescope I get, it will still be better all around than using the 8" I have now with the light pollution.
The search is on for a nice compact scope.

[anbrusten]

Originally Posted by StarGazer-1

Anybody here who likes astronomy? When my family and go camping, I like to bring my Meade 10" LX200GPS telescope along to do some observing in the dark sites of the campgrounds. I really like Palo Duro Canyon near Lubbock, Tx. cause when it's clear I can see most of the Milky Way.

We love it, but live in NW, when we get to travel I have a 14" F4.5 mirror im having built into a custom truss mount setup to take to AZ and around with us, tho Central Oregon is great viewing .

[Ron & Dee]

Originally Posted by Old Radios

Alas, I think I've finally decided to downsize. Going to sell my 8" Meade as it's too much to carry in the RV. Can't really get good use of it at home as there is too much ambient light so Have decided to sell it and get something half it's size to carry in the RV. Don't need computer control as I don't have a problem finding objects and hardly ever us mine.
I figure whatever smaller telescope I get, it will still be better all around than using the 8" I have now with the light pollution.
The search is on for a nice compact scope.

Some of our club members have downsized to this scope NexStar 6SE GoTo Schmidt-Cass Telescope | Telescope.com: Celestron I've looked through them and they are really good. Small, light weight, some even call them a grab and go scope.

Ron

[Old Radios]

Originally Posted by Ron & Dee

Some of our club members have downsized to this scope NexStar 6SE GoTo Schmidt-Cass Telescope | Telescope.com: Celestron I've looked through them and they are really good. Small, light weight, some even call them a grab and go scope.

Ron

Thanks Ron. I will check it out.
I was looking at a smaller Meade but it was only 90mm. Very portable but I don't think I'd be happy with the amount of light it would gather.

[Old Radios]

After reading all the reviews and figuring out storage requirements I bought the Meade 90mm. Very compact and had the hardshell case. I can carry it in a small backpack if I want. Will try it out and maybe pick up a used 125mm eventually. Very good reviews on the optics so it will be interesting to see how it performs in the mountains.

[StarGazer-1]

Well we have had a change of plans. We are now going to Marfa, Tx. to hopefully see the "lights" then on to Persidio, Tx. for a jeep tour. Then up to Carlsbad Caverns then to Palo Duro Canyon. Of course I'm bringing my telescope!! I'm planning also to see lots of heavenly lights with my scope.

[Ron & Dee]

Well we have had a change of plans. We are now going to Marfa, Tx. to hopefully see the "lights" then on to Persidio, Tx. for a jeep tour. Then up to Carlsbad Caverns then to Palo Duro Canyon. Of course I'm bringing my telescope!! I'm planning also to see lots of heavenly lights with my scope.

Have fun and hope you get some clear nights.

We leave for north Ga Fri, hope to have some clear skies at least for part of the trip. My scope is always with me

Ron

[StarGazer-1]

Long time no text! I'm going camping this weekend (3 day) to Cooper Lake State Park and taking my telescope to get some views of Lovejoy.

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by StarGazer-1

Long time no text! I'm going camping this weekend (3 day) to Cooper Lake State Park and taking my telescope to get some views of Lovejoy.

if the skies are clear it will be great. Was there last April and that is one dark park when the sun goes down! :thumbup:

[StarGazer-1]

That's good to know! Thanks.