This was a response to an article in my local town newspaper. The article talked about improving your outdoor lighting without mentioning the harm to the night sky. This is the response I sent. It was published a week later.
Jeff Albro Creations and musings…
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Astronomy Links
September 20, 2010 — JeffAstromart is a very active used equipment classifieds. Also has reviews and forums. Cloudy Nights has forums, classifieds, and lots of great astro equipment reviews.
Starmap PNG Generator
September 20, 2010 — Jeff
This is a program I wrote to take a database of stars and output a starmap in png format, like this image of Orion. It does linear mapping, meaning as you move away from the equator you get more and more distortion. (Click for large image of equatorial area.) Language: Python Requirements: Python 2.2 or [Read More →]
Six Inch Dobsonian
February 1, 2006 — Jeff
AutoCAD Drawings are now available See how I get this scope into carry on luggage! Background: It all started with long hair. When I was 16 I had long, shaggy hair, and my mother *hated* it. She said she wanted me to cut it. I said I wanted to build a telescope. Several hundred dollars [Read More →]
Six Inch Dobsonian – Carry-On Luggage
February 1, 2006 — Jeff
I finally took my scope on a trip! I took a regulation carry on suitcase, with external handle, and made a custom foam and plywood case system on the inside. I used 1/4″ birch plywood, 1/2″ foam camping pad, and a Briggs and Riley Ultralight Carry-On. The Briggs and Riley, although expensive, has very good [Read More →]
Six Inch Dobsonian – Dimensioned Drawings
February 1, 2006 — Jeff
These drawings for my One Trip Dobsonian are not complete, and are guides only. You will need to spend some time with them, the article, and the pictures. Make sure you really understand how it all goes together before cutting wood. Balance is critical with this scope. An F4 primary will work but an F5 [Read More →]