I am in Mississauga and I am a member of Mississauga RASC, but I am happy to connect with any folks in Peel Region and surrounding areas. I often go up near Fergus for a darker sky too, so if you’re around there, feel free to say hi, too!
Mississauga -- and Fergus too, for that matter
Well Written Respectful Engaging
Neat, where do you go near Fergus? I grew up in Fergus and live in Guelph now.
There is a church called Mimosa United Church and I go to their parking lot. There are only trees in one direction and it is pretty flat otherwise.
Mississauga ! And hating it !! Ha ha !
hahah! Yeah the LP here is rouuuugh. I only do narrowband at home for that reason. Fergus area is where I head for broadband. Not that there are many clear skies this time of year haha
Hi Beverly,
I too live and image under the light dome in the west end of Mississauga. I don’t travel to image as I have a C925 and an Ioptron CEM70 mount, so too heavy to realistically image away—I have a roll out home built cart so I can roll it out onto my driveway. I do mostly NB but also BB targets with filters, and recently started doing planets too. I’m a member of the Mississauga RASC as well.
Yes, winter weather is not kind for us here. Weather in November was horrible, I only got one night, but December has been okay, 3 good nights so far. One advantage to imaging at home is I can setup quickly if the skies start to clear—but I don’t depend on weather forecasts, they are too flaky. I look at this site to see the clouds: http://www.cleardarksky.com/maps/satellite/Sarnia.html
I watch and try to predict if the sky will be clear. Generally I do quite well predicting maybe 5 hours out, sometimes more depending on what the clouds are doing. And the IR is quite sensitive, even light haze can show up.
Good to meet you so to speak!
Rick
Helpful Respectful Engaging Supportive
Hi Rick :) If you went to the December Potpourri meeting you may have seen me. I only have my balcony really, but the ASIAIR has an alternate polar alignment for when you can’t see north that has made my life easier. It is a fairly heavy mount (HEQ5) but until I get a planetary scope the rest is light. I have a wagon though, so it isn’t too bad to cart around other than getting things into and out of the car. I wish I had a yard to set up a nice observatory, but we take what we can get! Nice to “meet” you as well :)
Well Written Respectful Engaging Supportive
Actually, I haven’t made an in person meeting yet, there always seems to be something to stop me. Maybe after 35 years of work in way too many meetings, I’m not enthused about them—though I do catch up online with topics that are of special interest. And the Toronto centre does on-line meetings, so I do join those of interest too, or watch them later.
Imaging is tough to do from a balcony, not just the blocked view, but the vibrations. I can see why you travel to image. Yes, I’m so lucky and I never thought of it when my wife and I moved to our new location, but our driveway has a great view south, so I feel very fortunate.
I have “met” so many wonderful people on AB, so again really great to meet you. And I love to help others, so if you ever need help with astrophotography I’m always glad to lend a hand.
Rick
Respectful Supportive
I appreciate it!