First and Last? Astro from 2008

 
Got the telescope out yesterday and proceeded to spend ages trying to setup. Eventually got bored of Polar Alignment and just stuck a camera on top and tried shooting Orion.

Problems:
a) still haven't got the hang of Polar alignment - need practice
b) top / DEC motor on AP900GTO is not functioning - need to figure out why
c) Loads of Skyglow (even pointing away from London) - need to remember how to EASILY get rid of it in post-processing

Apples

 You wouldn't believe the backlog of photos I have to blog.... this one is from the Harvest Fayre at RHS Wisely.

Some updates also to The Pinnell Family blog - take a look!

35000FT HELLO

	From: BILL , [While Flying on Virgin] Subject: 35000FT HELLO JUST WATCHED 'IN BRUGES' ON THE PLANE. IT WAS FAR FROM COMEDY! VERY GOOD. BUT DARK. BTW BLOGGING MID ATLANTIC IS WAY TOO HARD MR BRANSON! BILL -- This email has been sent from 35000ft onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight.

Trying out Twitter Sidebar

See if sidebar shows my twitter feed!

Solar eclipse

Chris brought his solarscope projection gadget into work on Friday. We
all gathered round his desk at 10.15am to watch the partial eclipse of
the Sun

I wish I'd had my big scope and camera setup for it!

Here's a snap I took with the iPhone.

Testing blogging from iPhone

Took the 'bent up Box Hill

After some furious, tiring peddling (and wobbling at low speed) I managed to get the grasshopper to the top of Box Hill this morning.

Lovely view, beautiful weather.

The return journey was much easier but I still need to get the hang of fast twisty descents - its great when you get it right - but was often being too cautious breaking heavily into corners and trying to steer to much rather than lean more.