Fred Ley

I hope that they continue to monitor this event in order to see how the particle diperse in space. I remember those bad boys from watching the original Star Trek series here in Athens back in 1969. It was broadcast ERT and later on YENED. I still have collection of books and comics from back then. Oh no, that make me a Trekkie. Yeah! -Fred

Hi, Came across an interesting article of what is described an "suspectedasteroid collsion". For those interested here is a link to that article and a very interesting photograph. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/science/asteroid-20100202.html -Fred

Hah! Here we go again... This always seems to happen when the Democrats are in the White House. The Space Program always seems to have its neck on the chopping block. I always thought that they should take 20% of the defense budget and apply it to space exploration. We should have had bases on the Moon decades ago. That's ok, in four years there'll be a Republican adminstration and then we might go back to the Moon and, dream-dream, Mars. I'll take either one, they bothe begin withe letter "M" and are four words in length. -Fred

Hi, I may be off topic here, but there is a nice book titled "Greek Astronomy" that focuses on the ancient astronomers/scientists of antiquity. The book is written completely in English. Below is an image of the front and back of the paperback book. -Fred

Hi! Astronomy bumper stickers are really nice. In the 80's there was quite a few circulating and then there was quite a few circulating when Halleys Comet returned. I have a small collection that I can scan and post her for those that may be interested. I need to locate them first. One bumper sticker I recall was "I Am Proud To Be A Supernova Remnant" Clear Skies, Fred

HI, If anyone has a really severe case of apertur fever and a big wallet too, then check out these little beasties at the Orion web site in California at http://www.telescope.com/control/dobsonians/truss-tube-dobsonian-telescopes Stumbled across them this morning while looking at their latest catalog. -Fred

Any new observatory is always a welcome addition to the world of astronomy. By adding another otical instrument to the many that are already scanning the skies will help increase our knowledge and stimulate and shape new minds in the realm of the sciences. This project should be a great springboard to help fire the imaginations of these young scientists to be and assist them on their path for a quest of furthering their knowledge and ours too. Building is easy, maintaining the momentum can be challenging. With teamwork the impossible can be achieved. Lets go.... I hope that this project proves to be successful beyond imagination. -Fred

Well, I just back inside after trying to view the ISS pass over Athens and got clouded out. I hope the sky will cooperate on the 24th. -Fred

I have Bobs Knobs on my LX200 and they work just fine. Rest assured that the investment is well worth it. -Fred

I went to the noon showing today and enjoyed the movie. The 3D effect was very nice, I found it to be just right. Wearing glasses was kind of odd at first, but I got used to it. -Fred

Hi, Besides having famous astronomers, observatories, celestial objects, telescopes and other interesting items in this field depicted on postage stamps, it is by no means limited just to postage stamps. Bank notes and coins also depict astronomical themed events from time to time. Below is a coin issued by the Vatican for the International Year of Astronomy. There might some astro-numismatists out there that might enjoy this. Clear Skies, -Fred

Hi, If I understand the question correctly, here is my reply. If one removes the optical tube assembly form the fork mounting and later on wants to remount the optical tube assembly back onto the fork mount, there will be a problem with the alignment of the tube and the aiming accuracy of the electronics. The optical tubes are adjusted to synchronize with the pointing accuracy of the system at the Meade factory. In 2003, Meade was charging $400.00 to realign a 10 Schmidt-Cassegrain. I guess that one can do it with many attempts if they feel inclined to do so. -Fred