Fred Ley

I havn't been to Spetses in years, first time there was in 1968 and the last time I was there was in 1977. The only place in Attica that is suitable for observing, that I have discovered, is at Rhamnous. The Eastern sky in 1995 was nice and dark. Of course if you looked to the west, you were blinded by the light pollution of Attica. I find Mt. Kitheron to not be very good due to the light pollutiuon from the greater Athens area. The best area that I know thus far is in the middle of the Peloponnese. Looking through a 16-inch Dobsonian with a 24mm wide Field eyepiece, the Horsehead Nebula looked as bright as M42. Also, looking at galaxies was interesting. Expecting to see three galaxies I ended up seeing quite a few more. All this with no filters of any kind. Actually, the creation of a group that could purchase and maintain a true "dark sky" site, perhaps with a donation of land usage from the government, and maintained by a membership amongst us amateurs would go a long way in bolstering and maintaining an interest in astronomy among individuals. One would have a place to go anytime that one would want to go when the observing bug bites. Having a building to shelter people, electricity could be brought in or provided by a large generator, small observing pads could be constructed too. It is just an idea, but it may be possible to bring it fruition, just the rounding up of persons that would be willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. I would be willing to help to the best of my ability. So, any takers? Fred

I was curious if there are any major star parties on any islands out in the middle of nowhere. Since most cities in Greece are in close proximity to light pollution, an island environment would be an ideal place to observe from. Basically a short drive out of an island town or city and once those eyes get dark adapted, behold the universe is laid out before us. -Fred

Looks like a real nice system. Of course I would love to purchase a Classical Cassegrain system from him, at least a 12.5-inch. It would be a killer lunar and planetary scope. -Fred

Not to many more of those liftoffs left. I'll miss the double sonic booms that the shuttle makes when coming in to land. I was reading that they will have 13 people up there when the shuttle docks with the ISS. Definitely will watch the liftoff. -Fred

Yes, truly, He has risen. Jesus destroyed death with His ressurection. Health to All and have a wonderful day. Clear Skies, Fred

I noticed a few images, posted by seven4seven, of aircraft transiting Athens airspace on this thread and that reminded me of a similar image that I have. It was taken from the grounds of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. The two aircraft were heading in a southernly direction. Enjoy! -Fred

You may also want to address the following two issues. 1. To have a telescope permanently by the ocean will expose it to salt air which is corrosive and can effect some of the materials that the telescope is constructed from. 2. If you plan to use the instrument solely for terrestrial observing, do take into account that if you will be prone to using high magnifications on a warm day, the heat waves will also be amplified by the magnification. I do not know if you inend to primarily stay with lower magnifications. A good quality spotting scope may be what will accommodate your needs and you can take it with you to other places too. So, that's my two cents worth. -Fred