Hi Albert,
Having just returned from Chile, the only problem with a 13" scope is that it's a lil small. I'm serious: Mark, Tom, and I were constantly lamenting we did not have our bigger Dobs with us! (At least I know my next ATM project).
As far as resources go, I would highly recommend John Vickers' CCD Atlas: South... The pics aren't 'pretty,' but they'll give you an idea of what might be interesting to point your scope at. He misses a few objects (mostly planetaries, I think), but not many. Write next to the images the corresponding page numbers of Uranometria and SA 2000 (or whatever atlases you are bringing) so you won't have to do that while you are down there (like I did).
rnapo <rnapo@No-Spam> wrote:
Albert, that looks like an outstanding travel scope, rugged, compact and light
weight.
Hope you guys have a wonderful trip "Down Under".
All the best,
Rich
> In two weeks, Bob Jardine, David Kingsley, and I are heading to Australia
> for a dedicated observing vacation. Here is the scope I will be taking.
> http://ultralightscopes.com/MarkIVtravel.htm
>
> The scope saw "first light" at Plettstone this past weekend. I was very
> pleased with its performance. I'm making a couple of minor adjustments to
> insure it makes the journey without damage.
>
> I observed from New Zealand almost exactly a year ago. I didn't prepare well
> enough and didn't see as much as I would have liked. I'll be more prepared
> this year, taking Uranometria South, M. Morel's "LMC Visual Atlas 2000", M.
> Paul's "Southern Galaxy Trios", and some "Eye Candy" lists.
>
> Albert
>
Received on Fri Mar 18 20:58:57 2005