Pembrokeshire Astronomer

Just as you're about to observe... here come the clouds! A familiar tale for all astronomers....not any more, here in Simpson Cross. A couple of weeks ago one of our neighbours kindly offered a pile of scrap wood for our fire. It just so happened most of the scrap wood was the remains of his 8x6 foot garden shed. I managed to salvage enough wood to make a start on an astronomy shed. I had two complete side panels, and enough wood to build the two remaining sides. The building started on what must have been the hottest days of the year so far. Somewhere I had heard it was the hottest April in the UK since 1911 ! The two sides bolted together quickly but the structure was still swaying quite a bit. Good job there was no breeze that day. After fixing the remaining two sides the structure became really strong.... It might just stand up to the Simpson Cross  winter gales. I was going to make a roll of roof with support posts, but as the observatory is only 6x5 foot

I'm happy to report the weather behaved itself yesterday. We arrived early and having made sure to pack the car with all the equipment I needed, I began  confidently to assemble the scopes. Just one problem.....I had forgotten one "minor" item...the actual sun filter!!! ... Luckily we only live 3 miles from Newgale so Helen was able to quickly go home and pick it up. It wasn't long before Phil, a member of the Preseli Astronomy & Science Group arrived. This was our first meeting, we had talked via the PASG forum, on several occassions. It was great to finally meet up. Phil arrived armed with two refractors ... A  meade 70mm was to be his main solar scope...and it proved to be a good choice for solar work...infact it  had the edge over my Tal reflector. We carried out a few tests with each scope... Refractor Vs Reflector.. There did seem to be slightly better contrast with the refractor. Such a portable refractor is ideally be suited for solar w

                               Yesterday my solar filter sheet turned up. It took ten minutes to fit it to my filter holder, and another five hours for the skies to clear sufficiently to allow me to test it. Around about 16h30m UT the skies were perfect for observing with the Tal1. I well see why astronomers get hooked on observing the Sun.  It was mesmerising as it hung there shimmering with life giving heat. I've always been a night time astronomer, the Sun always took second place to the moon and stars. From now on, observing our nearest star is going to be high on my list. First image with the new solar filter. Helen and I went to our local bootsale in Haverfordwest yesterday morning, where I picked up for £1 this digital camera. It has a 3.1Mp chip and a video mode that captures AVI's. After setting up the Tal and solar filter, I managed to capture this image. I've added a bit of colour with Paint shop Pro. Also, the video setting on the camera allow

I thought it time to make myself a solar filter for the TAL telescope. Before I say anything...please be careful when viewing the Sun, only use approved sun filters and projection methods. Even looking at the Sun with the naked eye for a few seconds can cause damage.   I found this out the hard way about 32 years ago. I still have the small scar on my left retina to prove it! As the prices of ready made filters range from £40 to £90 for my particular telescope, I decided to make one incoporating the Baader solar film, which cost £18. I would buy the ready made item, but at the moment all my pennies are going towards my next project, that of building my observatory. The initial idea for my construction method is described here:- http://www.baader-planetarium.com/sofifolie/bauanleitung_e.htm    with slight alterations made by me. I've placed an order for the solar film. But I bet with the bank holiday post, I'll probably receive delivery next tuesday