by James Turley
Arrived 1545, 43F, 71 percent Left 0100, 34f, 98 percent
Everything wet. Always.
Rivers running down my tripod legs. Watch that PickNPluck in that Sliver Friend EP case... a great wick for moisture.
No finder scope for new old C8. Can't find anything at 2000m f/10, of course. 15 minutes to align Vega and Altair. Finally synched SS2K. C8 riding fine on the GP-DX.
C8 First foggy light. I was pleased, and very lucky to have SCT Maestro Phil Chambers work his magic on the collimation. Seems that my corrector and/or secondary has rotated. Phil was able tweak the three screws enough however to give me some most impressive views, mostly in Auriga, Jupiter, Orion, the Ring Nebula. Thanks Phil!
Caron erects his Giant Mount for his 6" "StarFire" in the middle of the lot. Forgot his power. Luckly, James has a spare 17 amp Power Station for his use.
Albert shuts down early. Dewed out.
Cool, some astro kids! I loved hearing the laughter of Andrew's and Paul's charming daughters in the background darkness. Youthful energy and enthusiasm enhances everthing for me. Just having them hanging out, asking questions, telling me stories, makes a fine counterpoint to heavenly pursuits.
Eavesdropped on a 7" Mak/Newt vs 6" Vintage AP Planetary fun duel between Paul and Kevin. Wow! Too close to call, both on new G11's.
Binos drenched.
Last one to leave.
OH YES...a Newly Painted Gate. $1800 of taxpayer money to paint the gate, according to Ranger Matt. Now, Ranger Matt and Ranger Wilson are happy.
My take on the dew is that gravel/dirt parking lots suck a few days after a rain. To verify, I checked the humidity at the Paved parking lot up the hill..it was 77% vs 98% at MB. Moisture is rising from the dirt, gravel, long after the rain. The skies above MB were steady, and the planets rock solid.
That's why Dino Point on tarmac was BONE DRY and Whiskey Hill on gravel/dirt/moss was bone wet.
Just a theory, but partially confirmed. Something to keep in mind about LSA. Hmm...20F and rain Fri.