Guten Tag from Germany / Austria - Forums

Topic starter

Aug 24, 2023

Fellow Photographers,

as many of you, I started out years ago on my own.
Knowing astrobin for as long as I have been doing this beautiful hobby, I finally got the "balls" to register and play with the grown ups, because many pictures on this platform are outstanding!

I am 40y old, commuting between Frankfurt and Austria and I work as a pilot on the Airbus 320 for a major german airline group.

Don't get me wrong, Aviation will always be my true love, but space and astrophotography are right behind. :-)

I am looking forward to inspiration and to get to know people with the same view ...🔭✨😉

Simon

PS.:
The stuff I use:

• 8" Newton Skywatcher
• TS61EDPH II Apo
• HEQ5 pro Mount
• ZWO AM5 Mount
• Lacerta MGEN2 Autoguider
• ZWO AEF
• ASIAIR pro
• Omegon 154Wh Powerbank

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Harlan King

Aug 25, 2023

Welcome!

I also use a Skywatcher newtonian (150PDS). Recently acquired it and am loving it so far!

Well Written Respectful

Simon S.

Topic starter

Aug 25, 2023

Harlan King:
Welcome!

I also use a Skywatcher newtonian (150PDS). Recently acquired it and am loving it so far!

Yeah, its quite easy to use and very "rookie-friendly". 🤣

Ruediger

Aug 25, 2023

Welcome on board

CS
Rüdiger

enta

Aug 25, 2023

Welcome Simon,

I'm from the Frankfurt area as well (Wetterau), I'm confident you will find a lot of like minded people here.

CS
Sascha

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Simon S.

Topic starter

Aug 25, 2023

Welcome Simon,

I'm from the Frankfurt area as well (Wetterau), I'm confident you will find a lot of like minded people here.

CS
Sascha

I am sure of that.... it is a new region for me to live in. So, new area, many new colleagues at work, but I have my favourite hobby to relax :-) I do live in NI, so there is always a drive to a good spot, but with the AM5, its really easy.

enta

Aug 25, 2023

Hey Simon,

if you got a night of spare time, there is the "Sternenpark Rhön" a short drive away around the "Wasserkuppe" with one of the darkest skies in Germany.
If you have to drive to a site anyway, maybe add the extra time and try it out.
I've been there to watch the perseids and it really is a nice area for AP.

Helpful

Simon S.

Topic starter

Aug 25, 2023

Hey Simon,

if you got a night of spare time, there is the "Sternenpark Rhön" a short drive away around the "Wasserkuppe" with one of the darkest skies in Germany.
If you have to drive to a site anyway, maybe add the extra time and try it out.
I've been there to watch the perseids and it really is a nice area for AP.

Awesome.... thanks for the info. I'll check it out and appreciate your advice ☺️👍 Its actually ten minutes less drive than the place I used so far (close to Zeitlofs). :-)

enta

Aug 25, 2023

That's cool, they have special AP areas with electricity, wind protection and all.
People are adviced to turn off their headlights when they enter the area and only drive slowly with daytime light.
They're really keen to keep it as dark as possible, the surrounding villages have very few dim nightlights.

Only been there once but will go back for sure.
Unfortunately my equipment is quite heavy and on the brink of a stationary setup

Simon S.

Topic starter

Aug 25, 2023

That's cool, they have special AP areas with electricity, wind protection and all.
People are adviced to turn off their headlights when they enter the area and only drive slowly with daytime light.
They're really keen to keep it as dark as possible, the surrounding villages have very few dim nightlights.

Only been there once but will go back for sure.
Unfortunately my equipment is quite heavy and on the brink of a stationary setup

Oh, I know what you mean. Thats why I bought the "little one". ;-) I wouldn't want to carry the eq5 any longer than I have to. I created a "grab and go" kit for the car and I am very happy with that solution. Thanks for the tip with the special areas, I absolutely will check it out some time 👍

Georg N. Nyman

Aug 25, 2023

Hi and welcome!

I am located in Lower Austria, near Tulln and I am as you very passionate about astrophotography - and, my advantage, as I am 74 and therefore for quite some time retired, I can spend nights easier than others for astrophotography.

If you have questions and/or need some advise, do not hesitate to contact me!

CS
Georg

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Michael Fleischer

Aug 25, 2023

Hi Simon.

Na dann herzlich willkommen auf Astrobin und natürlich bei diesem unglaublich tollen Hobby.

Beste Grüße aus Niederösterreich
Mike

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Sabine Leidinger

Aug 25, 2023

Hi Simon,
welcome to Astrobin!

I too use an 8" Newton, love the spikes!
Looking forward to seeing some pictures from you.

Greetings from Upper Austria.

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Marc V

Aug 26, 2023

Willkommen to Astrobin!

Greatings from Québec!!

Michael Gruenwald

Aug 26, 2023

Best wishes from another traveling Austrian… well and a few years older I am, left Austria just when the iron curtain came down…

did my soaring license at the long ago abandoned Donauwiese in the 70s, and then after finishing my degree at the Universität Wien I obtained my PPL in Trausdorf… great memories indeed!

still commuting to Anchorage Alaska where I still do some work, semi retired now, but finally have the time to deal with my scope(s) and camera(s)

welcome!

mike

Simon S.

Topic starter

Aug 26, 2023

Sabine Leidinger:
Hi Simon,
welcome to Astrobin!

I too use an 8" Newton, love the spikes!
Looking forward to seeing some pictures from you.

Greetings from Upper Austria.

Hi

Yup, I really do miss the Spikes when I take pictures with the Apo... :-D