Re: (SNES) Daytime Planet Sighting Primer

["Les Coleman" <les11@cox.net>]

> After reading your well written primer, I'm thoroughly convinced that it is a
> combination of having nothing to focus on at infinity (and the subsequent loss
> of contrast), along with the pesky saccades drift problem.  Now that I've said
> all this, does anyone have any suggestions to help overcome these problems
> while trying to spot a daytime Iridium?  I normally hold a piece of cardboard
> alongside my face to act as a sun shield, while also wearing a pair of neutral
> density gray sun glasses to cut the sky glare and improve contrast.  Alas, so
> far, neither of these tools seems to be adequate....  You'd think something as
> bright as -7 mag would stand out boldly!!

Ed,

I've been letting the old gray matter cogitate for a while. I think I do have a couple of
ways to help relieve the focusing ar infinity and saccades drift problems.  The object at
infinity really doesn't have to be at infinity, only tp trick the eye. One way which may
work is to use a distant tiny object nearby. A plane would be ideal if it would stay put,
but a distant limb of a tree or perhaps a distant radio tower might work.

If you are willing to go the high tech route, I have a sure fire way. Get a TELRAD (or
similiar sighting device). Mount it on a tripod, or otherwise keep it firm. Aim it at the
right part of the sky. TELRAD's use a half silvered mirror and some lenses to project a set
of reddish concentric bullseyes on the sky at == FANFARE and DRUMROLL == OPTICAL INFINITY!
The only trick is getting the gadget pointed roughly correctly. I have my TELRAD mounted on
a sleeve which fits over my QUESTAR (it looks like a trailer truck rideing on a
Volkswagon). I can use the QUESTAR's setting circles to get a pretty good alignment.  Given
the TELRADs 4 degree field, it should be nearly ideal. I'm going to try it fairly soon on
Mars.

Les Coleman
=====
Post to the entire list by writing to snegazers@brainiac.com.
Unsubscribe by mailing to majordomo@brainiac.com with the message body
"unsubscribe snegazers"