New Guy

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Wed May 27, 2009 10:31 pm

Hello all,

New member of the boards here, Billy Mag Fhloinn. I've alway had a passing interest in astronomy, but am finally chasing it up, and hopefully making it a real hobby (although from the look of some here, obsession may be more appropriate!). I was talking to your esteemed secretary and moderator Frank, and since I live in Murroe, was thinking of dropping by an observing session in Boher, if it's alright with the participants. Failing that, I'll be over to Mary I to a monthly meeting. I'll be looking to get my first scope soon, so I'll be asking advice. I'm thinking of 6-8 inch Newtonian for starters (budget restrictions are part of the decision), but am open to all ideas.

I also mentioned to Frank that I have a background in Archaeology, and have made a replica of the Nebra Sky Disk. If you haven't heard of it, give it a look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebra_sky_disk

Anyway, it's a fascinating piece, and helped spur my interest into the night sky. I'll bring the replica long sometime, if anyone's interested.

Hope to see you all sometime soon.

Le meas,
Billy.

Dave Lillis · Post by **Dave Lillis** » Wed May 27, 2009 10:46 pm

Obsessed we are!!
Hi Billy and welcome !
We're an active group of star gazers and try to get out most weekends that are clear.
funnily enough that could be this weekend, we have 2 sites we go to, one in Boher as you mention and the other in the Burren. The Burren is not as mad as it might sound and is equidistant for some of our club members to Boher.
Our next meeting is next week so maybe we'll see you then if not this weekend.

Conan Mc Donnell · Post by **Conan Mc Donnell** » Wed May 27, 2009 11:04 pm

Hi Billy,

I have an 8" Newtonian and have been very pleased with it so far. not expensive and not too bulky.

Good images and a good (serious) starter scope.

Might see you Sat Night in Boher

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Thu May 28, 2009 12:47 am

Hi Billy.
Welcome along!

stephen gleeson · Post by **stephen gleeson** » Thu May 28, 2009 8:42 pm

Hi Billy your very welcome, hope to see you Saturday night.

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Thu May 28, 2009 8:47 pm

Bah,

looks like I'll be away this Saturday night. Got a gig, and these days you take the work when you get it.

Hope to see ye all sometime soon anyhow.

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:49 pm

Hello all,

I'm back. I'll be along to the next meeting, eager to learn.

In the mkeantime, I went and got a 6 inch skywatcher Newtonian. Not as big an aperture as I'd like, but I'm sure a good starter scope. I've taken it out for a few test viewings in the last while, but have yet to get alignment down to a tee. I've been defeated by the weather each time, so contented myself with observing the moon low in the sky for now. I'm sure I'll olearn more.

I also downloaded Stellarium, and am trying slowly to get used to what's where in the night sky.

I look forward to meeting you all sometime soon.

Le meas,
Billy.

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:53 pm

Nice on,
see you at the next meeting.
Bring her along if you like!

Dave Lillis · Post by **Dave Lillis** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:36 pm

Nice one Billy, the scope is a great starter scope, I wish my starter scope was that.
See you at the meeting in august.

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 12:23 am

I'm just back from a gig on Cape Clear island, and wow, the seeing there is incredible.

For those of you that haven't been, or are not sure where it is, Cape is the furthest point south in Ireland, a small island of the Cork Coast, about 45 minutes ferry journey from Baltimore. Due to its offshore location, far away from the lights of the mainland, it seemed to me to be one of the cleanest night skies I ever saw. I've only ever seen clearer in Inis MÃ³r Ãrainn, or in DÃºn Chaoin in West Kerry.

Amazing stuff. I wish I had my scope with me, but it's hard enough lugging instruments without juggling a scope too. Maybe next time though...

Le meas,
Billy.

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 10:15 am

Hi Billy.
Yes. That neck of the woods is amazing alright.
I used to go to Barleycove quite often and the skies there
Are great. I've been to Cape Clear during the day alright but
Your post is making me think an overnight trip there mighr be worth it.
We got a local ferry ( no cars) but I wonder is there a ferry that does?

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 10:16 am

Hi Billy.
Yes. That neck of the woods is amazing alright.
I used to go to Barleycove quite often and the skies there
Are great. I've been to Cape Clear during the day alright but
Your post is making me think an overnight trip there mighr be worth it.
We got a local ferry ( no cars) but I wonder is there a ferry that does?

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 1:13 pm

Alas, there's no car ferry. Only passenger, or cargo. They have a crane that'll bring bigger boxes and loads, but you can't drive vehicles on. Maybe Valentia or somewhere like that might be more suitable, where you can drive onto the island. You can't beat Cape for atmosphere though.