Astrofest 2004
After last-minute work on the scope, we arrived at Astrofest 2004 at
approximately 6pm and set up the scope and camp before dark. We
got great views of many objects and were able to share them with lots
of fellow observers. Here are some selected pictures from that
weekend.
Two pictures of the 30" at sunset on the first night of real
observing. The second picture includes Mike Conron (left) and
myself (right).
Here's a picture (using the IR nightshot mode of my camere) of me at
the eyepiece, giving my approval of the images. Next is a great
sunrise picture taken by Mike Conron.
Here's a daytime shot (below, left). The red straps are to help
damp the truss tube vibrations. The tubes will likely be filled
with foam in the future.
Finally, a picture of (left to right) our friends Louis and John, and
30" co-creator Mike Conron on the right, preparing for our first night
of serious observing.
We had a great time at Astrofest 2004, despite high clouds that
persisted for most of the first night and early parts of the next two
nights. The mirror cell, spider and secondary holder appeared to
work quite well, as does the general movement of the scope. The
truss poles vibrate a bit, and it appears we have some further work to
do on the secondary mirror, but overall it was a quite successfull
first observing run. The tracking platform works well and was of
great assistance in showing other Astrofest attendees the views through
the scope. Now we just have to find some really dark skies....