Saturn 2011 05 09 in avg seeing

Chomping at the bit for good seeing I braved a couple nights of average seeing with no clouds or rain to grab this decent shot.

I installed some fans on the cell and practices my collimation techniques in weeks prior and still have some work to do, as the tiny star test in the lower left corner can attest to.

Here's a video from the next night, to be posted later in better collimation but worse seeing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQb5AdQoW38

Click to enlarge

I did forget about the meridian flip, i'm N/S reversed!  SORRY

Star Parties

20110424
Mike and Mitch Duke at Mike's house
C14 and Akule

Mars 2009 - 2010 FINISHED!

I had taken it upon myself to go out as often as possible for this apparition.  As long as it was clear, I was out imaging.  Most nights were mostly poor as is frequent in the winter around here.  This was the 1st time using a 5x PowerMate in my C8i.  I long planned to get a large aperture, fast f-ratio Newtonian, and now do.  Having this plan in my mind it seemed fitting to use it this season on a bright, but small planet in Mars.  Here's some highlights that haven't seen the light of day in the past year...

As always, click for larger size and here's the whole Mars 2009-2010 season (http://maphilli14.multiply.com/photos/album/102/Astronomy_-_Solar_System_-_Mars_2009_-_2010)

My attempt at getting Phobos and Deimos using an obscuring bar made from aluminum foil.  I only got Deimos...next apparition, both with animation and a 14"!

and the mouse over version!  http://maphilli14.webs.com/Astronomy/8-Webs/SolarSystem/Mars/2009-2010/index.html

and one more

I do apologize that some of my orientations are N-up and some are S-up.  Worse than that, some are just plainly mislabeled!!!

Akule's new skin!

I don't have the mirrors in just yet, but it LOOKS AWESOME!!

Akule's 1st *real* shot at Saturn

After some long streaks of poor Astronomy weather but good people weather (aka warm and breezy) we finally got a break here in NC.  I put a simple indoor/outdoor thermometer on the mirror to measure the air and mirror temp.  I need some active cooling.  I couldn't keep the scope less than 2.5°F above ambient.  Still, the forecast of 4/5 seeing worked well and I am VERY happy with the results.

As always, click to zoom and here's the rest of the Saturn 2011 season.

http://maphilli14.multiply.com/photos/album/179/Astronomy_Solar_System_Saturn_2011

Also, here is the telescope's vital stats, details, construction and photos

http://maphilli14.webs.com/akulesvitalstats.htm

Akule 1st light!

Technically 2nd, but 1st under the stars on the mount.
I've since moved the focuser to the underside and don't need to get as high on the ladder or could even user a shorter ladder or step stool.

Akule ready for use

A sneak peek of 1st light through the skylight