Orpington Astronomical Society

Society => Announcements, Meetings, Events => Topic started by: mickw on Jun 18, 2010, 08:03:12

Title: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jun 18, 2010, 08:03:12
Mike I seem to remember you getting a confirmation from Rother Valley regarding the corner plot.

Is there a need for folks to book as individuals also ?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jun 18, 2010, 09:29:59
Yes people will need to book as she needs the names for when people arrive.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mac on Jun 18, 2010, 11:42:19
Wont be able to make this one (possibly)
as its looking like this is the week we move.

Fingers crossed we can get an eariler move.

If so i'll be there.

Mac.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jun 18, 2010, 13:34:34
I will be going, do I have to book hookup or are there enough in the corner plot position, assuming that is where we will all be? 
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jun 18, 2010, 13:41:02
Have booked myself in
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: RobertM on Jun 18, 2010, 14:40:28
There aren't that many hookups in the corner Fay, so whoever has them may have to share them out.  Last time there were quite a number of extension leads plugged into Mikes supply and that didn't cause any problems.

btw. I won't be able to make this one.

Robert
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jun 18, 2010, 15:37:28
The lady said there were 2 hookups & she has splitters.....

Oh Robert, shame you can't come!
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mac on Jun 18, 2010, 16:45:10
I've got a 100m extension if someone wants to take it.

Let me know and i'll wire it up.

Mac.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jun 18, 2010, 19:05:34
I'm planning to come.  Would like hook up/shared hook up.
I had better book, had not realised we had to book individually.

QuoteI've got a 100m extension if someone wants to take it.
Might be a good idea to take this Mac.  Is this a 100m hook up extension or 100m extension lead.

Is it wound on a reel thingy, if so it might take up too much space for me to take it.  If it's loose I can probably fit it in unless some-one else wants to take it.

carole

 
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mac on Jun 18, 2010, 19:41:45
its 100m of cable on a drum.
Needs a plug and socket fitted.

I'll pop out and get a plug and 6 way socket.
and bring it next week.

Mac.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jun 18, 2010, 20:14:57
If it's on a drum Mac I don't think I'll be able to fit it in, it's all a tight enough fit as it is.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mac on Jun 18, 2010, 21:46:32
If you want to untangle 100m of cable can someone video it please. :cheesy:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jun 19, 2010, 10:13:49
I've booked, with hook up, but explained they may need to use their splitters so we can share it.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jun 29, 2010, 09:27:12
So who is coming?

So far we have confirmed from Fay, Mick, Carole and I.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jun 29, 2010, 09:35:06
Can't wait to see Carole turn up with a Pod on the roof rack  :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jun 29, 2010, 10:04:36
 :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: julian on Jun 29, 2010, 11:57:01
 :lol:
I Have also booked
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jun 29, 2010, 13:07:06
I'll be there with company.....

Will book this week....


Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Tony G on Jun 29, 2010, 15:24:16
 :(

I won't
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: The Thing on Jun 30, 2010, 19:53:00
I'll be there, must get round to booking!
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 05, 2010, 11:01:29
Don't forget to book!!!

What time you folks getting down there?

I won't be down till about 7.30pm

Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 05, 2010, 11:08:41
Hi,

Were not going now, have fun.

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 05, 2010, 12:16:56
Quote from: Space Dog on Jul 05, 2010, 11:08:41
Hi,

Were not going now, have fun.

Chris


Has someone upset you?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 05, 2010, 12:56:04
QuoteWere not going now, have fun

It's a public campsite and you'll be welcome.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 05, 2010, 14:43:59
Hi,

No I'm ok just not heading out this weekend.

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jul 05, 2010, 16:16:52
I'm planning to be there 3.30 ish. 
Is any-one else going to be there at that time as I don't know where to set up, or is it obvious?

Don't want to pitch my tent and then find every-one else is going somewhere else.

Carole
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 05, 2010, 16:43:54
Carole, it's dead easy. Enter the field and head across it till you get to the far right corner. Pitches 14 and 15 are where we will be. Set up anywhere you like. They are the pitches to the left of the opening in the trees. Make sure you've booked.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 05, 2010, 17:01:09
I'll be there around noon.

It is Blacklands isn't it ?   ;)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: PhilB on Jul 05, 2010, 18:55:21
Quote from: mickw on Jul 05, 2010, 17:01:09It is Blacklands isn't it ?

Brave move, mick. Good to see man who can strike out on his own  ;)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 06, 2010, 10:41:30
I have registered with the lady and aim to be there just after lunch.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 07, 2010, 08:18:38

I'm registered. 
Will arrive around 7:30pm.
Hoping for clear skies ...
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 07, 2010, 17:30:50
Apparently there's some guy who like camping out and about at the moment, be careful.

Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 07, 2010, 18:17:15
Thank God we've got Fay and Carole to sacrifice  :twisted:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: PhilB on Jul 07, 2010, 18:20:29
No! Don't .... remember the "cross my Palm with silver" thread
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 07, 2010, 18:25:45
OK, now I'm scared  :o
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 07, 2010, 18:26:03
Who is this guy who likes campng about? Do you mean the murderer??
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 07, 2010, 18:28:04
Sssshhh - he might hear  :(
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: PhilB on Jul 07, 2010, 18:34:53
Has anyone thought to check if he's booked?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 07, 2010, 18:37:14
 :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 07, 2010, 18:58:04
Phil, you coming out to play the weekend ?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jul 07, 2010, 19:04:05
QuoteThank God we've got Fay and Carole to sacrifice

What!!

:evil:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 07, 2010, 19:18:38
Carole stop making such a fuss, it will be OK, You can trust me I've got a bus pass  8)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 08, 2010, 06:20:09

The gunman is at large in Rothbury - not Rother Valley ...

Mark
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Ian on Jul 08, 2010, 07:02:21
Mark, you don't actually *know* that.

Or do you????  :o
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 08, 2010, 11:41:26
Its ok Fay he has declared war on police men, so thats the forum police in for it, mind you they don't go camping that often so I guess everyone is safe.

Mick, that stipper you ordered had better look out though.

Chris
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 08, 2010, 11:55:42
Oh thanks Chris - You've spoiled the surprise  :roll:

:lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 08, 2010, 12:26:11
The weather forecast for this weekend is looking promising :)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 08, 2010, 21:51:52
Quote from: Mike
The weather forecast for this weekend is looking promising :)

So the French pastis won't go opaque this time then ...
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: PhilB on Jul 08, 2010, 22:19:33
Quote from: mickw on Jul 07, 2010, 18:58:04Phil, you coming out to play the weekend ?

Aiming for September, Mick. Should have got my kit organised by then.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 08, 2010, 22:41:06

They haven't found him - now he could be anywhere - Rothbury, Rothwell, Rotherham,  Rotherfield, Rotherhithe or even Rother Valley DSC ...
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 08, 2010, 22:52:24
Quote from: MarkS on Jul 08, 2010, 21:51:52
So the French pastis won't go opaque this time then ...

I'm sure that stuff would go opaque in any conditions.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 09, 2010, 08:54:43
QuoteAiming for September, Mick. Should have got my kit organised by then.

Looking forward to it, but you'll soon be needing snow gear  ;)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 09, 2010, 08:59:41
Quote from: Mike on Jul 08, 2010, 22:52:24
Quote from: MarkS on Jul 08, 2010, 21:51:52
So the French pastis won't go opaque this time then ...

I'm sure that stuff would go opaque in any conditions.

It all depends how much of it you drink before making the observation...
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 09, 2010, 13:27:14
Don't forget your sunscreen and sunhats this weekend. Looks like it's going to be a scorcher.

Who fancies a trip on the steam train saturday to Bodiam Castle?

Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 09, 2010, 17:33:27
Have fun guys looks like your going to get at least two good nights :-)

And get in the shade!!!!
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: RobertM on Jul 09, 2010, 18:42:12
Yes, enjoy yourselves have a good DSC.  I'm looking forward to seeing some great images.

PS. Make sure the food is the only thing that gets cooked - no bodies or cameras please !

Robert
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: PhilB on Jul 09, 2010, 21:17:15
Quote from: mickw on Jul 09, 2010, 08:54:43
QuoteAiming for September, Mick. Should have got my kit organised by then.
Looking forward to it, but you'll soon be needing snow gear  ;)

Ah, snow flakes floating in your tea. Lets hope it doesn't rain. From what I heard when the weather gets bad at this location you need a boat
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rick on Jul 09, 2010, 22:42:01
Hope you're getting a good view of tonight's noctilucent cloud display...
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Tony G on Jul 10, 2010, 08:09:58
I did. :D
First time I'd actually seen it, and wasn't sure if it was just normal cloud. but seeing that it has been mentioned without prompting on here, then, that must have been what I was watching.
Hopefully we'll have another display tonight, and I can maybe get a photo.

Tony G
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 10, 2010, 09:43:52
I saw it too, but I was in my camp bed in the garden with a Budwieser and therefore did not get up to get the camera :-)

Even R noticed it.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 10, 2010, 11:52:47
Quote from: Rick on Jul 09, 2010, 22:42:01
Hope you're getting a good view of tonight's noctilucent cloud display...

Oh yes we did. Will upload pics soon. We also saw them again at around 3.30am when the sun started to come up.

Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 10, 2010, 13:28:32
Image by Julian....

(http://www.earthshineelectronics.com/Images/noctilucentDSCJuly2010.JPG)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 11, 2010, 20:05:09

Sunset from Rother Valley DSC

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4783394401_c4f1109a76_b.jpg)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 11, 2010, 22:29:59
What a great weekend! Two clear nights and fantastic weather. Those who didn't attend missed a good one.

Mick and Duncan have stayed on for another night.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jul 11, 2010, 23:21:43
A great site.  VERY hot, and excellent skies.

A couple of pictures from the camp

(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10047/normal_IMG_0179.jpg)

(http://gallery.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/albums/userpics/10047/normal_IMG_0180.jpg)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 12, 2010, 09:43:54

Stunning sunset Fay!  The image came out really well - did you use the tripod for it?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: RobertM on Jul 12, 2010, 10:04:53
Have to agree, what a beautiful Sunset.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 13:29:51
Yes Mark. I have just gone out & bought the tripod & the top bit! I took a few pictures but  I had a lot of dust on the X Nite, so should be better next time
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 13:40:03

Just found my x2 panorama. I used Julian's tripod & he advised me with the settings. I think it was ISO200, F5.4 cannot be sure yet, will check it out,  Canon 350D

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4786562520_c9759c109a_b.jpg)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mac on Jul 12, 2010, 14:05:36
Nice panorama,

One other bit of info when you are doing a panorama,
make sure you chose a manual white balance, otherwise you will get different colours between the images  as you pan the camera around.

Mac.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 12, 2010, 14:23:36
Yeah there is a line in the middle of that pic. What software did you use to create it ?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 16:37:44
I can't see a line & I have looked at it blown up............................as I do a lot of these days! :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: PhilB on Jul 12, 2010, 16:42:20
I didn't see it either, before it was pointed out. If you look you can see a light band just to the right of the picture centre. it's a good image anyway
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 17:45:41
Blew it up really large on desktop & still cannot see the join
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 12, 2010, 17:53:18
Look at both halves of the image, they are different in colour. Like Mac said, it lo0oks like you didn't lock down the white balance.

What software did you use?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 18:05:44
Mike, if it looks different in colour, it is because I only recognised the 2 pictures as a panorama after I had processed, have deleted the originals  OOOOOH!
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 12, 2010, 18:10:37
Mick and I spent a very relaxing evening having a chat and watching very interesting clouds roll by as the sun set. I saw a few bats as well as several beers.

We gave up any hope of astronomy after being teased by Vega and even the back end of Cygnus gave us a brief appearance, and having been told the BBC were forecasting torrential downpours all the gear got put away.

We had a bit of rain in the night but the morning was dry. The field surface started to soften slightly but that didn't bother the bunnies! Packed up and away by 9:30 with Mick close behind.

A great weekend. Same again in August?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 12, 2010, 18:34:06
Glad to hear it. Yes we need to organise a date for August.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 18:34:56
A very good weekend. Glad you & Mick had a relaxing few hours & made the most of it. I had a sleep when I got home, after putting everthing away & then felt dead the rest of the day right up to bed time, I thought recovery was a bit of a long shot!!!!
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 18:35:53
Ok, I have done this from scratch, is it better?

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4786754977_2962870080_b.jpg)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 12, 2010, 18:40:26
That's better.

I presume the software you are using is a secret ;)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 18:48:07
Thats good. No secret, Panorama Maker 3. Think it may have come with the Canon
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 12, 2010, 20:02:58
From scratch you say, that's cool.


What happened to all the noctilucent pics ?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 20:05:53
It was Mark & Julian that has done those, I did not have the camera out that night.

Mick, that picture with you in it, surely not drinking from a bottle???????? :D
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: mickw on Jul 12, 2010, 20:15:36
QuoteMick, that picture with you in it, surely not drinking from a bottle????????

Certainly not - are you suggesting I'm common ?

That was my stand in  ;)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 20:17:20
 :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 12, 2010, 21:03:46
Quote from: Duncan on Jul 12, 2010, 18:10:37
Mick and I spent a very relaxing evening having a chat and watching very interesting clouds roll by as the sun set.

How romantic :-)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 12, 2010, 21:08:34
Noctilucent clouds from Friday night. The exposure was increased a couple times so the sequence is not smooth, but it was off the cuff  :gaffer:

(http://ancientlight.amateur-astronomy.org//DSC%2020100710%20Rother%20Valley/Noctilucent%20Clouds.gif)

The last frame. It was a really clear night. it was 23:29 BST.
(http://ancientlight.amateur-astronomy.org//DSC%2020100710%20Rother%20Valley/PICT9038_SM.jpg)

Here's some other shots:
Mark doing a tango with his TAK.
(http://ancientlight.amateur-astronomy.org//DSC%2020100710%20Rother%20Valley/PICT9002_sm.jpg)

Mike and Julian having an Argument Arduino.
(http://ancientlight.amateur-astronomy.org//DSC%2020100710%20Rother%20Valley/PICT9040_sm.jpg)

Fay's scope with mine behind.
(http://ancientlight.amateur-astronomy.org//DSC%2020100710%20Rother%20Valley/PICT9001_sm.jpg)

All taken with Minolta Dynax 7D with standard 35-105 zoom at 35mm  and long shutter release cable  and around 15-25s ISO400 f5.6 on Manfrotto Carbon One tripod with video head.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 22:01:34
Is Mark wearing a cathetar?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 12, 2010, 22:11:48
I think he powers the mount with a cigar plug up his jacksie (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jacksie). Add a few drops of weird french stuff and you could probably power a town!  :twisted:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Carole on Jul 12, 2010, 22:13:12
 :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Rick on Jul 12, 2010, 22:19:09
Duncan, those NLC shots, and particularly that last frame, are excellent.  8)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 12, 2010, 22:23:04
Glad you made the word "jacksie" clear Duncan, with the link :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 13, 2010, 08:56:56
Thanks Rick, they were fantastic clouds and the evening was incredibly clear, I love being able to see the stars come out as the clouds fall into darkness.

Next time I will start with a longer exposure and use the cameras' interval timer and just let it run. I was pushing the remote cord every now and then while trying to get my guiding working - not ideal.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 13, 2010, 20:03:49

Duncan

That (off the cuff) noctilucent animation is excellent!  Haven't had a chance to check mine yet.

Not so sure about the picture of me and my cathetar.

Mark
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 19, 2010, 17:49:02
2 pane panorama from Rother Valley taken on my phone
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4809336518_63544a8b11_b.jpg)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 19, 2010, 20:17:08
Taken before I arrived obviously :)
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Fay on Jul 19, 2010, 20:20:21
why do you think that Mike?
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Mike on Jul 19, 2010, 21:47:32
I think the fact that my car, tent, trailer or equipment is not visible in the image gives it away.
Title: Re: July DSC - July 9th to 12th
Post by: Tony G on Jul 19, 2010, 22:56:44
Quote from: Mike on Jul 19, 2010, 20:17:08
Taken before I arrived obviously :)

And me!

Tony G