My Starry Night - Images from the Dark Side

Waiting for nightfall can be quite pleasant.

A typical sunset in the paradise of Michigan.

AP Mach1 on a customized CGE Tripod. I fabbed a plastic riser to complete the package. The Scope is a TS-Optics 130mm carbon fiber f/5, with 3" Baader steeltrack Focuser. Camera is a Sbig ST-4K OSC CCD.

The plan is to have a POD onsite in the next year or two. I would then piggyback and seconf Scope, probably a C5 ith F6.3 reducer and SBig ST-4k with AO-8 installed.

Sope, Mount and conrtol table. Just waiting for dusk...

Mount and Scope in place, 2010.

It's a simple intallation, to aid quick tear down. Paver stones with small markings on the sand help pre-stage the mount. The AP Polar Scope does a great job of getting the Polar Alignment good enough to support 20-minute duration guided subframes.

Earlier imaging, using a C9.25 on CG5. I also had C8 and C11 SCT Scopes available at that time. All those SCT Scopes have been sold. I have the TS-Optics Refractor, C5, OOUK Ma, C127 MAK amd to AT8RC c/f RC available for service at the Cottage.

Close up of the original typ Cottage set up. CG5 was the Mount used. I had C11, C9.25, C8 and C6 SCTs to pick from. All those are gone, leaving a C5 as the only SCT left in inventory.

The SS Badger, a coal powered Car Ferry travelling between Michigan and Wisconsin. The image was captured through the 4" Oberwerk Binoviewers, and afocal Canon Powershot Camera.

Freighter travelling the shipping channel. The chanel is about 12 to 14 miles from the Cottage. The image is csptured through the 4" Oberwerk Binoviewers with afocal Canon Powershot Camera.

Coast Guard Crusier. You can almost make out the distinctive stripe in this image. Again, imaged at around 12 to 14 miles through 4" Oberwerk Binoviewers with afocal Canon Powershot Camera.

Imaged during the Chicago to Mackinaw Island Yatch Race.

Another image during the 2011 Chicago to Mackinaw Yatch Race. The Boats are probabl 12 miles off shore.

No point in setting up tonight!

I did mention storms somewhere, right?

It's not nice to fool with mother nature...

There is a Frieghter on the horizon [the shipping channel area] heading towards under the storm back. It probably was an intersting ride for the crew.

An idlylic summer day on the Lake. Note the Hummingbird Feeders and Party Lights.

You have to live days like this. :-)

Another typical sunset....

More sunsets...

Artwork by He-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed...