Cell Phone AstroPhotography

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Spherical Cow

Below is a frame from a video taken as the moon drifted through the field of view (6-inch reflector, moderate power eyepiece).

Clavius. I recognized it instantly!

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

I have had the opportunity to look through the telescope that was the first to ever have a television camera attached to it. And to the best of my understanding it may be the one to have more people view the sky through its eyepiece than any other.

I've looked through the Northumberland refractor on several occasions, most recently earlier this year. For a time the Northumberland was the largest refractor in the world. After a century or so of research usage it has now had at around eighty years of amateur astronomers using it. No idea how many observers but it must be at least in the thousands.

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by xilman

After a century or so of research usage it has now had at around eighty years of amateur astronomers using it. No idea how many observers but it must be at least in the thousands.

The scope that I have looked through commonly has several dozen people a night look through it. At times of peak interest it can/has accommodated ~600 people a night. It has a 300mm objective and has been in service since the mid 1930's. There was a gap during the 2000's for about 2-3 years where the facility was renovated, but after that the numbers stayed close to 600 people a night months on end (shuttle buses were employed as the local parking lot was too small and there was even for a short period where reservations were needed.)

[Spherical Cow]

As a teenager back in the 60s, our small astronomy club was lucky enough to get tickets for a public night at Lick Observatory, and were able to look through the 36-inch refractor. Incredibly, that night was precisely when the rings were edge-on. We didn't see even a faint line across the planet, or any hint of the rings. On the one hand, we were thrilled at seeing such an event through the second largest refractor in the world, but on the other hand, actually seeing the rings through the second largest refractor would have been tremendous, too. I believe public nights then were once a month at the most; possibly once a quarter.

Norm

[Spherical Cow]

Saturn's rings, that is....Sorry. Not enough coffee yet.

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

The scope that I have looked through commonly has several dozen people a night look through it. At times of peak interest it can/has accommodated ~600 people a night. It has a 300mm objective and has been in service since the mid 1930's. There was a gap during the 2000's for about 2-3 years where the facility was renovated, but after that the numbers stayed close to 600 people a night months on end (shuttle buses were employed as the local parking lot was too small and there was even for a short period where reservations were needed.)

Fair enough. I concede that one.

Have you looked through a 17th century telescope? I have, though sadly not at an astronomical object.

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by xilman

Have you looked through a 17th century telescope?

No, but I have stood inside the Peirce-McMath solar telescope. And been in an observatory dedicated by none other than Albert E.

Reminds me, I need to book a half-night rental on the 60" or the 100" scopes nearby.

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

No, but I have stood inside the Peirce-McMath solar telescope. And been in an observatory dedicated by none other than Albert E.

Reminds me, I need to book a half-night rental on the 60" or the 100" scopes nearby.

Willy-waving, part 2.

I've clambered around on the Serrurier truss of the WHT on La Palma, looking down at its 4.2m mirror. Somewhere I have photographic evidence for this claim.

Speaking of WH, I've also closely inspected one of his telescopes. Unfortunately only primary speculum remains so until a diagonal and eyepiece is provided it can't be used visually. The speculum is in remarkably good condition given that it is around 200 years old and hasn't been repolished for most of that time.

[Spherical Cow]

Originally Posted by xilman

Willy-waving, part 2.

I've clambered around on the Serrurier truss of the WHT on La Palma, looking down at its 4.2m mirror. Somewhere I have photographic evidence for this claim.

Speaking of WH, I've also closely inspected one of his telescopes. Unfortunately only primary speculum remains so until a diagonal and eyepiece is provided it can't be used visually. The speculum is in remarkably good condition given that it is around 200 years old and hasn't been repolished for most of that time.

Wow- I can't compete with either of you. Been to different observatories plenty (Lick, Kitt Peak, etc.), but nothing to compare with a 4.2 m or something made by Herschel. Went to Mt. Palomar when the 200-inch was the largest in the world, and to me as a pre-teen, that was hallowed ground. Still have a photo of myself on the steps, vowing that I would grow up and to be the director of Mt. Palomar. The innocent dreams of youth....

Norm

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Spherical Cow

Wow- I can't compete with either of you. Been to different observatories plenty (Lick, Kitt Peak, etc.), but nothing to compare with a 4.2 m or something made by Herschel. Went to Mt. Palomar when the 200-inch was the largest in the world

200" ~= 5m so you have the edge on me there. Assuming you can claim to have climbed on it.

[Spherical Cow]

Originally Posted by xilman

200" ~= 5m so you have the edge on me there. Assuming you can claim to have climbed on it.

True- I was only in the viewing gallery for the public, separated by a large window. I was not even technically in the same room, much less climbing around on it. You definitely get more points for that.