NOAA Satellite receiver

Today is day one of the new receiver. Putting up the antenna was the last part of the puzzle. The receiver came from www.geo-web.org.uk and cost NZ$400 the antenna is second hand but almost new from Gary Moles in Palmerston North at $140. The images are currently going to www.binoscope.co.nz/wxtoimg/noaa.html but may be hosted on the Auckland Astronomical Society site one day. Below is the very first image it produced. The satellite pass is very low only getting 28 deg above the horizon which is why it is so noisy.

Raising the floor

For many years users of the Kumeu Observatory have cursed the 150mm (6") drop in the floor between the entrance and the middle storage area. Alistair had a huge job moving his 18" dob in and out. Others couldn't store instruments where they wanted and teh door area became cluttered. I just spent two days mid week putting in a false floor so it's all level. The change is huge making the whole space feel bigger and more connected. Moving of the telescopes is now easy. One day we will get vinyl laid to complete the job.

MOA 2010-BLG-020

MOA 2010-BLG-020
RA: 17:52:49.88
Dec: -30:36:06.42
Optics: Celestron C14
Focal length: 2634mm
Pixel Scale; 0.70"/pixel
Camera: SBIG ST7 XME Deluxe
CCD: KAF-0402ME class 1
Filters: Wratten #12
Exposure: 300 sec
Observers: David Moorhouse

No images taken, cloud all evening

MOA 2010-BLG-050

MOA 2010-BLG-050
RA: 18:01:26.30
Dec: -28:38:33.83
Optics: Celestron C14
Focal length: 2634mm
Pixel Scale; 0.70"/pixel
Camera: SBIG ST7 XME Deluxe
CCD: KAF-0402ME class 1
Filters: Wratten #12
Exposure: 300 sec
Observers: David Moorhouse

Seven images taken all night due to cloud.