Astrofest 2004

After last-minute work on the scope, we arrived at Astrofest 2004 at approximately 6pm and set up the scope and camp before dark.  We got great views of many objects and were able to share them with lots of fellow observers.  Here are some selected pictures from that weekend.

Two pictures of the 30" at sunset on the first night of real observing.  The second picture includes Mike Conron (left) and myself (right).

30in sunsetmikemike30

Here's a picture (using the IR nightshot mode of my camere) of me at the eyepiece, giving my approval of the images.  Next is a great sunrise picture taken by Mike Conron.

thumbsupsunrise

Here's a daytime shot (below, left).  The red straps are to help damp the truss tube vibrations.  The tubes will likely be filled with foam in the future.
Finally, a picture of (left to right) our friends Louis and John, and 30" co-creator Mike Conron on the right, preparing for our first night of serious observing.

daytime30 and friends

We had a great time at Astrofest 2004, despite high clouds that persisted for most of the first night and early parts of the next two nights.  The mirror cell, spider and secondary holder appeared to work quite well, as does the general movement of the scope.  The truss poles vibrate a bit, and it appears we have some further work to do on the secondary mirror, but overall it was a quite successfull first observing run.  The tracking platform works well and was of great assistance in showing other Astrofest attendees the views through the scope.  Now we just have to find some really dark skies....

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