My new buddy.

It's not news. Anyone following me on Facebook knows the Pronto was effectively replaced with a New Snot on the Block. Well, it's not really like that, unless you're an old bitter Refractor. Here's an image of the Tele Vue 76 at Saddington Park in Mississauga.

And we're back...

Yes, I know, I haven't blogged much, if at all. A lot of things have happened since I have been gone and a new "buddy" was added to the arsneal of telescope, namely the Tele Vue 76 APO Refractor...it also doesn't mean the TV Pronto retired. It has enjoyed a new life as my partners telescope.

At one point I almost deleted this blog, but figured it still had valid information so no, it won't be deleted. It nearly got renamed "The Tale of Two Tele Vues" but that really isn't practical either.

I hope to have guest writers too...but we will see.

Soon I will post my brief impressions of the TV 76. Not a whole lot more could be said about it that has already been said, but I will offer my impressions. It is sure a big winner in my books, but I will explain later.

Take care

M:)

Cloudy Night Link: Endeavour STS-130 images courtesy of Malcolm...

Yes, Malcolm got to go to Florida to witness the launch of Endeavour STS-130 and also back in Toronto imaged a few passes...very cool Malcolm!

See the images here

M:)

Addendum to a post: A case for the quick set up...in Winter (or why astronomers should never HIBERNATE!)

I was talking about a quick set up

I also want to add that, not only is the cold a factor in your portability, it's about taking a risk. In Ontario this time of year, skies are forecast to be clear but may be less than ideal...SO...you probably don't want to drag that hernia causing scope out when you know that observing might "only be an hour or so"...

Less than ideal is the norm in winter months. Lake effect clouds (or worse) wreaks all kinds of havoc. I mean lets be honest, Southern Ontario is like one giant penninsula. But when it is clear and you know for sure that the conditions are more than ideal, then maybe the big scope will work...but as you know, when it's clear, it's usually quite chilly to downright freezing (see the first post)

M:)

Refractor pic of the day

I shared this on Cloudy Nights and on Facebook...
The old Refractor in Mississauga...just before observing started...