|
INTRODUCTION
Something
that most amateur astronomers want is to have some sort of building
they can use as an observatory - it was something we have always wanted since
we got interested in astronomy in our different ways (40 or so years
ago).
During early 2010 we achieved that ambition. No more
struggling to get a tripod, heavy mount and weights and tube erected in
an attempt to do some observing. No more wasted time getting all that
equipment set up and waiting for it to settle down to the external
temperature. Now it is a case of unlocking the roof and sliding it back
-and we are operational within a few minutes. Details about the
observatory
are here.
The main interest is solar
astronomy so a really large telescope was not a requirement - the Sun
is a source of ample light!
We went for a 150mm
Sky-Watcher f/8 refractor - ideal for solar projection to allow the
safe observing of the detailed development of spots and groups and to
allow accurate daily relative sunspot (Rs) counts as well as
plot the heliographic position of spot phenomena over a solar cycle.
The 150mm is also enough to pursue other astronomical
interests - lunar occultation timings
and variable star observing, for example.
The
telescope also allows us to get some other views and we record our
observations at the Observations link on the left hand column.
This website is
undergoing development as it appears so new bits and pieces will be
added along the way, especially on the Observations page.
We hope you will come back again and if you like us let your friends know.
Brian & Jan
Contact us here.
|