A big update! A big update!

So it is has been a while since I have updated the blog. A lot has happened. The LX200 I was using finally died. The RA motor system went out and I decided to part it out. Now today I have a new Orion 8in SkyQuest XT Dob. I am excited to use the dob and am excited that I have a scope that doesn’t have anything electronic to break. I am not going to make this blog a review since it is still early in the ownership, but overall I am satisfied... but there are some items that will be modified.

I have decided to start observing all the Messier objects with it as my first project. I have seen them all once or twice at least in my life but it has been years since I have used a scope without GOTO. I am going to enjoy star hopping and using charts again. I also got a solar filter and completed my first solar disk drawing.

I know I have said this many times, but I am really going to try and make this a monthly blog. I know it will be tough, but I am going to do it. I think making it a goal much like my observing projects will help.

So that is all I have for now but keep checking for there will be updates I promise.

(No really I do!)

Time for an update

Well it has been since last April that I posted a blog. Well in that time I have finished the Carbon Star Observing pin and moved to the Local Group Galactic Neighborhood pin AND the Double Star pin. Both pins of course being from the Astronomical League.

This winter has been horrid for observing. I did get out in January, but it is looking like February is going to be a bust. I was out of work last week only going back to work on the Friday before President's Day. I had Walking Pneumonia. I would not wish that on anybody. Not only did I miss some observing I also missed the Mercedes Marathon here in Birmingham. I have run either the Marathon or Half or Marathon Relay every year since 2005. It was hard breaking the streak.

So hopefully I will get some observing in. I am only a few observations into each pin. Hopefully the weather will get better soon. We have had more snow in the last four weeks then in the last 13 or so years I have made Alabama my home.

So wish me so clear skies and check back soon for some telescope stories!