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Astronomy Questions and more for LGDSO members and visitors alike! / Sidewalk Astronomy May 2019... IT'S A GO!
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on May 11, 2019, 10:38:01 am »
I'm pleased to announce that tonight's Sidewalk Astronomy at Riverview High School (Sarasota, Florida) is a "GO!"

While the forecast isn't calling for "crystal clear" skies, the conditions do appear to be favorable enough to get in at least some observing throughout the evening.

In addition, the Planetarium theater at the school will be open while we're there, and free shows will be offered with seating available on a first come, first serve basis.

Hope to see you tonight!
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Astronomy Questions and more for LGDSO members and visitors alike! / Omega Centauri event - CANCELED
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on May 04, 2019, 03:20:27 pm »
As much as it pains me to have to do this, tonight's Omega Centauri Observation event is canceled due to the prediction of thunderstorms throughout the evening.

The accompanying screenshot is the forecast for 9-10 p.m., and we'd be right in the middle of that weather.

Our next scheduled event will be next Saturday, May 11th at Sarasota's Riverview High School. That event is of course, also weather-permitting.
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Astronomy Questions and more for LGDSO members and visitors alike! / Sidewalk Astronomy April 2019... IT'S A GO!
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on April 13, 2019, 03:31:09 pm »
Weather update for tonight's (Saturday, April 13th) Sidewalk Astronomy at Robinson Preserve:

We are a "go!" 😁

Although we're expecting no rain, it's almost certainly not going to be a 'crystal clear' night. 😕

That said, my expectation is for a lot of high--but very thin--clouds throughout the evening, which will allow us to observe most of the brighter objects.

See you out there after sunset!
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Astronomy Questions and more for LGDSO members and visitors alike! / Re: Sidewalk Astronomy March 2019 ((( CANCELED )))
« Last post by Andy Pyatt on March 16, 2019, 08:30:14 am »
Thanks for the quick call on cancellation.
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Astronomy Questions and more for LGDSO members and visitors alike! / Sidewalk Astronomy March 2019 ((( CANCELED )))
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on March 15, 2019, 06:57:50 pm »
As frustrating as it is to cancel events due to unfavorable weather conditions, the forecast for tomorrow's (March 16th) Sidewalk Astronomy at the Celery Fields has given me no other option.

The cloud cover estimates for the entire evening range from 80% (lousy), to just over 90% (even lousier).

We will try again, next month (Saturday, April 13th) at Robinson Preserve in NW Bradenton.
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Astronomy Questions and more for LGDSO members and visitors alike! / Sidewalk Astronomy March 2019
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on March 12, 2019, 03:25:33 pm »
Our next Sidewalk Astronomy event is scheduled for this coming Saturday, March 16th at the Celery Fields.

Sunset is just after 7:30 p.m., but the weather forecast (as I write this on Tuesday afternoon) is looking pretty grim.

So unless something changes rather radically between now and then, 90%-plus cloud cover for the entire evening may just turn this into a no-go event.

Keep your fingers crossed... and I'll keep you posted with updates.

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Equipment for Sale/Trade / 10" Meade LX200 Classic for sale
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on February 28, 2019, 07:12:23 pm »
FOR SALE:  10" MEADE LX200 (CLASSIC, NON-GPS)

I am selling my long-time "workhorse" scope, a 10" SCT that as many of you already know, offers very nice optics.

Included in the package are the following items:

10" Meade LX200
Carrying case (Meade custom-fit soft-sided case)
JMI Electronic focuser
Spare diagonal
1/2 dozen assorted eyepieces
Meade illuminated reticle eyepiece
(Orion brand) white-light solar filter
(Orion brand) Dew shield
AC adapter
Finderscope

There's more, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

I'm offering it via LGDSO before going "outside" to classifieds with a wider audience.

The first $1500 takes everything above.
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Astronomy Questions and more for LGDSO members and visitors alike! / February Sidewalk Astronomy weather update
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on February 16, 2019, 01:23:29 pm »
Just a brief word about tonight's (SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16th) Sidewalk Astronomy at Riverview H.S.

It's a "go."

Expect overcast skies in the late afternoon to break up by 6ish.

We should have *mostly* clear skies until around 9, and from 9 to 10, we may get a bit of high, thin clouds moving in.

At least, that's the way I'm reading it!  ;-)

See you out there!


Jonathan
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Equipment for Sale/Trade / Custom Eyepiece & Star Chart Case
« Last post by George Fleenor on February 12, 2019, 08:59:05 am »
Free to good home!

I have come into possession of a 28” L  x 21” W x 8” D custom built eyepiece and star chart case. The case was made by Tom Clark of Techtron Telescopes during his early days in Astronomy and the formable years of The Local Group. For this reason, I would like to see the case stay within the membership of the Local Group and passed on accordingly. The case has holders for both 2” and 1 1/4” eyepieces, Star charts, books, etc. It even has a lighted arm that can be positioned for viewing contents. The photos show what appear to be legs. It does not have legs. This was simply a short table I used to sit it on for photographic purposes. If you are interested in this please contact me through this listing or at geofleenor@gmail.com

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Equipment for Sale/Trade / Heavy Duty Scope Buggy
« Last post by Jonathan Sabin on February 06, 2019, 02:41:26 pm »
Heavy Duty Scope Buggy for Sale - $325

This is not one of those 3-wheeled carts with small, plastic casters that will only function on very smooth surfaces.

This is a very heavy duty SIX-wheeled tripod holder with 10" pneumatic tires. Want to take it on your lawn? No problem!

Also, unlike the "locking casters," this scope buggy features three heavy screws that lift the wheels off the ground. (On soft ground, it's highly recommended you place about a 4" x 4" square of wood under each screw in order to distribute the weight and any prevent the scope sinking into the soil.)

In the photographs, the tripod belongs to a Celestron CPC 1100 (11" SCT). It will easily handle a larger scope--and if the tripod legs extend wider than what's shown, it's also not a problem, as the buggy is in its narrowest configuration. It will open up quite a few inches to accommodate a tripod with a "wider stance."

The replacement cost for this item is well over $700.

The first $325 takes it home!

If you're interested or if you have any questions, please reply, or call me at 941-518-8695.

Jonathan
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