Astronomy Log

Cheap Astro Stuff at AstroBoot

Posted on: April 22, 2010 /

Categories: Astronomy News

Just found the AstroBoot page on ScopesNSkies site last night, after seeing someone mention a cheap webcam in a forum. Who knows what cheap astro goodies have already been snapped up. I did manage to spend about £25 on bits and bobs, then went back this morning and spent another £10. The funny thing is

Moon and Venus

Posted on: April 18, 2010 /

Categories: The Moon

What great weather we have been having lately, could it be anything to do with there being no planes flying at the moment due to the icelandic volcano erruptions? After spending the day listening to talks, looking at telescopes and viewing trade stands at Kelling Heath I decided to come home and do some imaging.

Solar Activity 13th March 2010

Posted on: March 13, 2010 /

Categories: The Sun

Writing this blog post from actually inside the observatory today, now I have sorted out my internet access, by using a powerline adaptor which passes the network data through your home electrical wires and is a lot more stable than wireless. especially if you are any distance away from the house. Did not expect to

Practical Astronomy Book Review

Posted on: March 9, 2010 /

Categories: Astronomy Books

Practical Astronomy is a straight forward guide to the hobby of astronomy. If you are a beginner to astronomy then this is a perfect book to pick up and read. The book begins by introducing you to astronomy and teaching you the night’s sky and how to guide yourself about. There is also a chapter

Netgear DGN3500 Review

Posted on: March 3, 2010 /

Categories: Equipment Reviews

I have been waiting for a Netgear Gigabit modem/router for ages, and at last one has been released. It’s called the DGN3500. At the time of writing it seems to be retailing for around £110 delivered, but I did not want to pay this much, so I decided to buy it from Pixmania for £81

Moon Image in Daylight

Posted on: February 22, 2010 /

Categories: The Moon

I managed to get out before the snow set in and the clouds appeared today (Sunday 21st Feb). I went out at about 4pm when it was still light, but the moon appeared directly above me. I took this image with my cheap refractor but this time I also used my Televue 2x Barlow as

Small Sun Spots

Posted on: February 21, 2010 /

Categories: The Sun

Today it’s snowing, but yesterday I managed to view the Sun and do some imaging – crazy weather! Usually when viewing the Sun at the moment it’s a very uninteresting sinle coloured disc, but today (20th February 2010) I was amazed to see two small sunspots on the face of the Sun. With this being such

Great Orion Nebula Image

Posted on: February 15, 2010 /

Categories: General

I tried guiding again the other night for the first time in ages. I went back to imaging with the LX200 and guiding with my cheap refractor. I took this image of the Orion Nebula for 2.5mins with my Canon 450D and Astronomik CLS filter attached directly to the Meade LX200 10″ scope. The initial

Pluto Turns Red

Posted on: February 5, 2010 /

Categories: Astronomy News

Images taken from Hubble have shown Pluto changing colour. Nasa says the dwarf planet on the edge of our solar system is becoming increasingly red. Its illuminated northern hemisphere is also getting brighter. Nasa’s scientists believe these are seasonal changes – as the planet heads into a new phase of its 248-year-long seasonal cycle. “These

Stargazing with Binoculars Book Review

Posted on: January 21, 2010 /

Categories: Astronomy Books

Stargazing with Binoculars with Robin Scagell and David Frydman Stargazing with Binoculars is the latest book from Philip’s (as of Spring 2008). Using binoculars is a great way to begin your astronomy hobby before you go out and spend money on a telescope, especially now that you can buy some powerful binoculars for little money.