150912 - Okie-Tex 2015
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click image to enlarge
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ASTRO:
type=starscape; North end of Milky Way galaxy in background OTHER: Andromeda Galaxy visible just above the telescope and right of the MW IMAGE: location=Okie-Tex Star Party 2015; BrtlCls=1; moon=0% (new); exposure=DSLR OSC: 1x30s, f/2.8, ISO3200 EQUIPMENT: camera=Nikon D90 (stk); optics=NIKKOR 10.5mm "fisheye"; filter=(none); mount=simple tripod SOFTWARE: acquisition=(in-camera) processing=PhotoshopCC |
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Silhouette of Pearre ("Perry") Chase looking skyward through an 18" Dobsonian Reflector telescope while attending the 2015 Okie-Tex Star Party. This particular model is made by Obsession Telescopes, Ltd. Dobsonian's are a variation on the Newtonian reflector design, where its primary mirror is very large and heavy; so, the scope is made to stand low to the ground, and with its secondary mirror mounted a long distance away from the primary mirror. This one stands about six (6) feet tall. When pointed directly overhead (near to the celestial zenith), a step-stool must be used to look through the eye-piece. Dobsonians with 25" or 30" primaries can stand in excess of eight (8) feet tall when focused near the zenith.
In the hobby / craft of Astronomy, there are two (2) basic approaches used by amateur astronomers, ...observation, and imaging. Here, Pearre is engaged in the first of these - observation. Many observers tend to favor this aspect of the craft; because, they love the thrill of literally seeing with their own eyes the wonders the night sky has to reveal. Because of their large apertures, Dobsonian telescopes offer the ability to see details not apparent in other types of telescopes. (Their owners often refer to them as "light buckets".) Imagers, on the other hand, also tend to favor their aspect of the craft; seeking enjoyment from learning and using advanced, computer controlled technical equipment, and of seeing the colors and details that come from photographic images resulting from their efforts. Generally, telescopes can be "rigged" for one (observing) or the other (imaging); but not both.
It is interesting to note in this image that, although Pearre has his Dobsonian pointed toward a different object, the Andromeda Galaxy is plainly visible just above the 'head' of his scope.
The OkieTex Star Party is one of several dozen similar events held across North America each year. They can be somewhat thought of as 'conventions' for amateur astronomers. This one is an annual event hosted by the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, and is renown for its dark skies (Bortle Class 1).
In the hobby / craft of Astronomy, there are two (2) basic approaches used by amateur astronomers, ...observation, and imaging. Here, Pearre is engaged in the first of these - observation. Many observers tend to favor this aspect of the craft; because, they love the thrill of literally seeing with their own eyes the wonders the night sky has to reveal. Because of their large apertures, Dobsonian telescopes offer the ability to see details not apparent in other types of telescopes. (Their owners often refer to them as "light buckets".) Imagers, on the other hand, also tend to favor their aspect of the craft; seeking enjoyment from learning and using advanced, computer controlled technical equipment, and of seeing the colors and details that come from photographic images resulting from their efforts. Generally, telescopes can be "rigged" for one (observing) or the other (imaging); but not both.
It is interesting to note in this image that, although Pearre has his Dobsonian pointed toward a different object, the Andromeda Galaxy is plainly visible just above the 'head' of his scope.
The OkieTex Star Party is one of several dozen similar events held across North America each year. They can be somewhat thought of as 'conventions' for amateur astronomers. This one is an annual event hosted by the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, and is renown for its dark skies (Bortle Class 1).