Looking at the Sun directly is dangerous: it will damage your eyes. You need to use approved optical systems to view the Sun, both with and without telescopes or binoculars. I highly recommend that you work with a local astronomer or a local astronomy club to get set up with the equipment you need in... Continue Reading →
The 2019 Perseid Meteor Shower is Here!
The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower Each August, the Earth passes through a stream of comet debris from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The comet will not be back our way until 2126… so… I wouldn’t wait up for that one. Along the orbital path, the comet has left behind small bits and pieces, most no bigger than a... Continue Reading →
Earth’s Aphelion and Perihelion
The orbit of the planets around their corresponding sun is elliptical in shape. The other interesting thing about this arrangement is that the sun will be at one of the ellipse’s foci, meaning, that at one point in the orbit, the planet will be further away from the sun than at other times of its... Continue Reading →
Märklin Switch Mechanisms (Motors) and the Digital World: A Fix
A well known Märklin train issue is with their switch motors. The turnouts on their HO system can be motorized and even digitalized with accessories that they have made available. The switch motors can be used in both the analog world or in the digital world. In the analog layout, the switch mechanism must have... Continue Reading →
CCD Imaging: Q&A
Introduction: As information changes, this article will be updated. It is always UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Every now and then an amateur astronomer asks me what equipment they will need to do good CCD imaging, or what the techniques are for good imaging. The questions lead to more questions, more answers, and a lot of typing! Compiled... Continue Reading →