The lunar eclipse of November 8 was observed in the Southwest US at around 3am Mountain time. This is the last observable total lunar eclipse for quite awhile, maybe a couple of years, so I could not let this one pass unobserved! Weather was spotty so I had to wait for breaks in the clouds. This image was taken from Las Cruces, NM
We say goodbye to Orion’s Belt Remote Observatory! Looks very strange with no equipment in there. The property was sold earlier this month. On to darker pastures with better seeing!
Before shutting down the observatory and packing everything up I did figure out the 10 Micron mount and confirmed that it looks to be the best performing mount I have owned thus far in this weight class! Plans are now underway to replace the mount currently being used for the 16″ scope with a 10 Micron GM3000. I will devote another post to a “10 Micron test report” to cover more details on this.
The above raw subframe of M15 shown above has to be one of the best I have seen considering the very average seeing conditions!
Meanwhile up in Pie Town NM, the “Delta” Observatory is nearing completion. This will house the Officina Stellare 400mm scope. The next structure “Epsilon” will operate the 14″ newtonian
Two views of “Delta” from the outside. Move in date is scheduled for the middle of next month! Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading!
DrDave