LATEST AND PAST UPDATES TO THE VSC WEBSITE
November 04, 2013
Over the pass week, and up until now, I have been making modifications to various pages on the website. For starters, I have changed our gleaning pages buttons on the homepage to "Mel's ATM Projects" and Gary's ATM Project. I believe this change speaks for itself.
On another major note, I have finally creating and added the Java script drop-down menu buttons to each of the pages under the Sequential Solar Observation section to make it easier to find and go to a specific page containing the date you wish to see. The drop-down menus display a date range of images per page. Makes for easy navigation for sure.
Completed addiditonal corrections cand changes
as need to the website.
March
10,
2013
My daily solar imaging project continues as I hope to capture
photosphere shots of Sol as it goes through solar maximum. The project
began on November 07, 2011, and continues to this day. I also am
planning on putting together a movie utilizing all of the solar images
taken during this project. March
08,
2013
With limited time on my hands of late, I FINALLY completed the priming
and painting of the main tube of the VSC/ SAO Jaegers
6" f/10 "Gelinda J. Dawson" refractor! Currently, I
am considering whether to clear the instrument. In the past, I have had
mixed results with the clear coat. Sometimes it would cause the pain to
slightly blister, or the clear coat would react to other polymers that
make contact with it. So I carefully weighing my options. I will make a
decision soon...
February
25,
2013
Completed priming painting of the dew shield for the VSC/ SAO Jaegers
6" f/10 "Gelinda J. Dawson" refractor. Images can be
seen on the home page until I complete its construction overview. I will
be priming and painting the main tube soon September
21,
2012
Much progress on the VSC/ SAO Jaegers
6" f/10 "Gelinda J. Dawson" refractor has been done
of late. So please check out the latest updates on the homepage of the
VSC. In the coming weeks, finishing of the main tube and dew shield will
be performed. August
07,
2012
Today was a great day for the VSC/ SAO! Two years in the making, I
finally would like to report that I have completed the construction
overview pages of the VSC/ SAO Carton 100mm f/13 "Mary Dawson"
refractor. All pages have been posted on the VSC WebHub and can be
access from Mel's Gleanings Page for your view and reading
pleasure.
Also today, I begun creating the race trace for the VSC/ SAO Jaegers
6" f/10 "Gelinda J. Dawson" refractor! This project has been overdue
for quite some time. I can only thank the Lord for enabling me to resume
my efforts on this project.
June
23,
2012
As I had mentioned in my last entry below, I have found the opportunity
to post the Transit of Venus observation images and notes as conducted
by Gary Barabino of the VSC-1 to the Noteworthy Observations
page on the VSC WebHub. Please fine some time to check out Gary's great
images and gist of his experience during this once and a lifetime event.
Unfortunately, this was the last Venus transit to be witnessed within
our lifetimes as of this date.
June
05,
2012
This day marks the last Venus Transit that will be visible from
earth until 2117. Thanks to fair weather at Gary Barabino's VSC-1
Slidell, LA location, he was able to capture the only images for the
Vega. Unfortunately, the weather was not so graceful for us here in
Riverview, or for nearly the entire state of Florida. We were completely
overcast with showers. Though much needed for our lawns and aquifers, it
killed any chance for checking out the last Venus transit in our
lifetimes. Looking past the shortfall, at least one of the VSC sites
photographed the event. Being so blessed, I am very happy to post Gary's
images on the homepage of our WebHub for all to enjoy. I truly look
forward to Gary putting together a synopsis to added to the VSC
Observations page. May
05,
2012
Added new links to the VSC's Resources Links dropdowns. We hope
these additions will serve many. One of the days, hope to
re-categorize these links to make it easier to navigate and to find what
you are looking for less challenging. In an effort
to fund some of our new ATM projects, Gary and I have been selling off
some of our unused astronomical surplus. To help with letting the
astronomical community know about available items for sale, I have
created a webpage which lists them at-a-glance. The page is called
The VSC Store, and can be reached by clicking the Items on eBay
button at the top of our home page. Shortly it will be replaced with the
appropriately named The VSC Store. As your time permits, please
check out our store. Thanks in advance for looking. May
01,
2012
Sorry for the delay in posting updates here on this page, but as many of
you have already seen on the homepage of the VSC, Joe Kane had completed
the dovetail plate for the VSC/SAO Jaegers 6" f/10 "Gelinda J. Dawson"
Refractor. In keeping the ball rolling, I have also received the main
tube components fabricated by Eric Moerman of Belgium. The parts Eric
milled from a single billet of aluminum (per my designs) are the
collimation lens cell with retainer ring, transition piece and
collimation focuser backplate components. Many thanks and great
appreciation to both Eric and Joe for there assistance in this project.
I know Gelinda must be smiling on high. Please continue to check back
for updates on the VSC website covering this very special memorial
project. January
25,
2012
As of today, January 25, 2012, more offsite work for the VSC/SAO Jaegers
6" f/10 "Gelinda J. Dawson" Refractor is nearing completion. Of late,
Joe Kane, a new ATM parts manufacture has completed the fabrication of a
custom design dovetail plate and is in the process of working on a set
of cradle ring adapters for the telescope. The adapter are not complete
at this time, but once they are, they will be powder coated in "Vega
Blue" like the dovetail plate.
Eric Moerman is nearing completion of
the lens cell and focuser backplate for the 6". He reported that the
only steps remaining are the holes and milling of the retaining ring
threads.
November 26,
2011
Added new mission links under the NASA/ESA New, Missions, Space
Events drop-down menu on the VSC home page. Today, November 25th,
2011 at 10:02 a.m., the Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity rover
launched from Cape Canaveral Airforce Station using an Atlas V rocket on
a history mission to discover whether life existed on Mars at anytime in
its evolution. The rover is expected to reach Mars in approximately 8
month, which should be near August of 2012.
My dear friend Eric Moerman of Belgium has donated his skills as a metal
fabricator and will begin making the collimation cell and focuser
backplate components of the build for the VSC/SAO Jaegers 6" f/10
"Gelinda Dawson" refractor soon. The scope is dedicated to my dear
wife Gelinda, who was always an understanding and loving supporter of my
astronomical projects. I pray that this build be the best I have ever
done and will reflect the powerful love I have for her.
W
November
13,
2011
Added a link for the TRIATLAS Second Edition to the "Web Based
Astronomical Maps, Atlases, Charts, Observation Logs/ Data Recording"
drop-down resource links on the home page of the VSC website. This is
one of the finest FREE downloadable star atlases since Taki's!
Please check out the site and download a copy for you personal use. It
is awesome!
Also, for you comet seekers out there, we have added a link under the "Past,
Current, and Upcoming Observable Astronomical Events" drop-down in
the resource links called "Weekly Information about Bright Comets".
It contains a comprehensive list of information pertaining to the
current comets traversing our skies. August
19,
2011
Added several new website links to the Resource Links
drop-downs on the homepage. NOTE: In the near future the Resource
Links section will be categorized more efficient to make it
easier for amateurs to find the websites specific to their needs.
ith
the year of sunspot maximum fast approaching, on November 07, 2011, I
begun a bold effort to start imaging the sun on a daily basis and to
host the images on this website. As your time permits, please check out
the observation regularly for updates on the VSC Observations
page. The observation is called
Sequential Solar
Observations
Finally uploaded the observation images and note for the December 21, 2011 Winter Solstice Total Lunar Eclipse to the Noteworthy Observation page. I believe it to our best overall coverage for an eclipse since the VSC's existence.
On Saturday, August 6th, 2011, I travelled to Louisiana, and while there, I paid a visit to the VSC-2 to see Gary and to give him the new Jaegers 4.3" f/15 uncoated and unmounted objective I purchased in exchange for the Jaegers 4" f/8.25 mounted and coated objective he had. After some careful consideration, Gary has once more decided to make a change and go with the mounted Jaegers 110mm/ 1069mm f/10 mounted objective from Surplus Shed, which he will be sending the Jaegers 4.3" f/15 back as an exchange. Both the 4.3" f/15 and 110mm f/10 are the same price at Surplus Shed. I offered to return his Jaegers 4" f/8.25 mounted achromat, but as with his choice to go "long-throw" with the f/15, he wanted to go with the mounted f/10 instead because it has a cell. Originally it was our intension to have Eric Moerman of Belgium (creator of the 8" clock drive for the VSC/ SAO 10" f/5.6 Fork Mounted Newtonian reflector) to construct cells for our Jaegers 4.3 f/15, but time was of the assents in Gary's case. I hope Gary will be happy with his decision to go with the mounted Jaegers f/10. More updates to come.
July 29, 2011
I received both of the Jaegers 4" f/15 objectives I purchased from SurpluShed today. One of these lens sets is for Gary Barabino. He will be giving me his 4" f/8.25 in lieu of the f/15. I plan to be in the Slidell area soon and will drop off Gary lens set at his residence. These achromats are not coated. I also purchased an 85/1333 Jaegers achromat (coated), which was from a limited supply at SurpluShed. Should make a fine scope indeed.
T
July 25, 2011
I received the 6" f/10 Jaegers objective in the mail from SurpluShed today. Upon inspection, it is definitely uncoated. Looks beautiful on first look. But with all of the disparaging words being conveyed about these objectives, (the last of the A. Jaegers inventory was purchased by Fred at SurpluShed a mouth or two ago) I contacted Fred Lamothe, owner of SS to have him verify that the objective I purchased was Ronchi tested to be of good figure. He said that it is.
December 22, 2010
Both VSC sites (Slidell, LA and Riverview, FL) observed the December 21, 2010 Total Lunar Eclipse! Please check out the images we captured posted on the VSC homepage!
November 12, 2010
I have completed the constructions pages for the VSC/SAP 127mm f/9.4 "Brigadier General Richard Pierce" refractor, which also includes the construction overview of the new North Star II field tripod.
November 06, 2010
In November, 2010, I was given a complimentary pass to attend the Chiefland Astronomical Village's Fall Star Party, thanks to Kevin Reese, a friend and member of the FarrOut Observatory observers group. I attended November 5th and 6th. I will post a report as soon as I can. Thank You Kevin for coming through for me during my troubled times. May God Bless You Fruitfully...
September 29, 2010
In loving memory of my dearly departed wife, Gelinda J. Dawson, who was called to glory by God on this day, September 29th, 2010. May her spirit live within me and forever until we meet again. I will miss her immensely until I do.
September 10, 2010
Added some new web links to the VSC Resource Links drop-downs section.
Expanded the number of columns for the quick access buttons at the top of the VSC home page from 4 to 5.
September 01, 2010
Added some new web links to the VSC Resource Links drop-downs section.
August 16, 2010
Today marks the 40th Anniversary of the Vega Sky Center! A major milestone in our existence. We commemorate this day to all of the accomplishments we have made and are thankful for what this great hobby and pastime has done for us.
Also on this special day, I would like to make the official announcement of a new refractor telescope to be built by Gary Barabino. The telescope will be made using a vintage A. Jaegers 102mm f/8.6 mounted cemented Fraunhofer objective he recently acquired. Gary is currently collecting the components for this awesome scope to be and will start construction soon. We hope that Gary will also convey the build of his scope by showcasing its construction under the pages of the VSC's website, much like I did mine telescopes. What a way to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Vega! We will keep you posted.
July 10, 2010
With the construction of the VSC/SAO 100mm Carton 100mm "Mary Dawson" Refractor completed, First Light was performed this evening. A report can me found on this page on Cloudy Nights: Carton 100mm f/13 Or you can read it on the Vega News!!! page at this locations: Vega News!!!
June 20, 2010
On this day (Father's Day), I (Mel Dawson) suffered a stroke which hospitalized me for a week. Thanks be to God, I was able to make full recovery with little residual effects. As with much that has occurred in my life, a miracle happened, and give all the glory Him.
June 10, 2010
The Cradle Rings, Dovetail Plate and Bar pages have been completed and uploaded under the VSC/SAO 127mm f/9.4 "BGRP" Refractor section of Mel's Gleanings Pages. I will start making the web pages for the new North Star II Field Tripod soon.
May 15, 2010
The OTA construction overview web pages for the VSC/SAO 127mm f/9.4 "BGRP" Refractor are now complete and available for viewing. They can be found by clicking on the Mel's Gleanings Pages button at the top of the VSC home page. In the near future, be on the lookout for most construction overview pages of the Cradle Rings, Accessory Tray, and North Star II field tripod, that are all part of the 127mm telescopes accoutrements.
April 22, 2010
I have completed creating the component design plan diagrams for the VSC/SAO 127mm f/9.4 "BGRP" Refractor. They can be found by clicking the Mel's Gleanings Pages button
Components to construct the VSC/ SAO Carton 100mm f/13 "Mary Dawson" Refractor have all nearly been collected. I am still waiting on the new longer draw tube for the GSO Dual-Speed Crayford focuser that is being fabricated by Brian Choin. It should be completed soon. Check out some of the work of Brian Choin on the homepage of the VSC.
Performed general maintenance and updates as needed.
March 14, 2010
The VSC/ SAO has announced a new telescope project on the Vega News !!! page. The VSC/ SAO 100mm f/13 "Mary Dawson" Refractor. This instrument will be constructed using a brand new vintage mounted Carton 100mm f/13 objective purchase from the acclaimed Sheldon Faworski. One of the finest in Carton's repertoire of achromats. Please stay tuned for more updates.
March 10, 2010
There's a new ATM parts fabricator available to Crayford Focuser aficionados! The company is called Crawford Machine Shop LLC. A link to their website has been placed under the ATM Parts, Supplies & Manufacturers drop-down on the VSC homepage. You may have seen their posts on Cloudy Nights. So pay them a visit!
March 03, 2010
Added an image on the homepage of the moon taken with the 127mm f/9.4 "BGRP" refractor as captured on February 20, 2010. Added more sites to the some of the drop-down menus on the homepage.
February 18, 2010
Added a link to the Astro-Photography Links and Websites drop-down menu on the homepage pertaining to drift alignment. Also, about a week ago I finally sold the 90mm f/11 modified Konus refractor to a gentleman by the name of Brian. Brian plans to use this fine instrument with his grand kids to introduce them to the stars. I can not be any happier about selling this scope. I hope it launches many an amateur astronomer.
February 05, 2010
Mel Dawson has put his 90mm f/11 modified Konus refractor up for sale on Astromart and Cloudy Nights. I has a Antares 90mm Research-Grade objective he purchased from Island Eyepiece and Telescope Ltd. for 199.95. Check out the links to the ads from the VSC homepage.
January 25, 2010
Good friend, honorary VSC member and fellow amateur Curt Walker has started a new ATM business that caters to a widespread assortment of clientele in the design and fabrication of telescope components. It is called Optical Supports. I have added a link to the ATM Parts, Suppliers, & Manufactures drop-down in the Resource Links section on the homepage. Curt also specializes in the fabrication of excellent conical primary mirror supports for R. F. Royce owners and others.
January 22, 2010
Added more websites to the drop-down links under the Resource Links of the VSC's homepage. One in particular I really like is Astronomy Cast. I placed a link under the Online Astronomical Audio and Video Streams + Great Photo Links drop-down. A great website indeed. I think you'll really like it as well.
With Mars at opposition and sky conditions favorable, I plan to get the
127mm f/9.4 BGRP refractor out to see how all of the CG-5 EQ mount
modifications perform. I will be certain to add a Second Light report to
the Vega News !!! page. Stay tuned!
January
19,
2010 The first
task at hand for the VSC WebHub for 2010 was the addition of new website
links to the Resource Links drop-downs on the VSC homepage. Too
many were added to mention here, so please check out the changes as your
time permits. We have also reorder several of the drop-down menu
categories to help amateur find what they are looking for more easily;
we hope. Any suggestions would be appreciated. December
31,
2009 As the 2010
approaches, I would like to wish one and all a safe, and prosperous New
Year! I hope and pray that 2010 is one of the best years of your lives. To end the
your off with a bang, I wrote a report on how I improved the optical
performance of my 127mm f/9.4 refractor in hopes that it will serve
others who are utilizing the same SurpluShed objective. It is called
Performance Upgrade to the VSC/ SAO 127mm f/9.4 "BGRP" Refractor.
The report at present can be found on the Vega News!!! page, but
will be later moved to a new upcoming section called VSC ATM
Modifications and Improvements. December
16,
2009 Construction of the
VSC/ SAO 127mm f/9.4 BGRP Refractor is now complete! Please check
out the Vega News !!! page for details.
November
21,
2009
The contruction of the VSC/ SAO 127mm f/9.4 BGRP refractor is moving forward with the completion of the North Star 2 aluminum faceplates and dovetail plate. Please check out the latest on the Vega News !!! page, which can be accessed for the VSC homepage.
Gary Barabino of the VSC/ VAO has recently assemble a new telescope. The instrument, a 127mm f/9 Yulin refractor is his pride and joy. Please visit the Vega New !!! page of updates and links.
Also, the Vega Sky Center has join forces with the company SurpluShed to help budding and adept amateurs in locating ATM components. Please click on the SurpluShed logos seen throughout our WebHub to pay them a visit. You are sure to find a wealth of hard to find components to serve you astronomical project needs.
October 24, 2009
Added the website of an old amateur friend from my budding amateur astronomy days. The website is called First Light Observatory Astronomy and is owned by Tom Nicolaides. Tom was attending the University of New Orleans when I met him through Gary Barabino while we were giving tours at the universities observatory back in the mid to late 1970's. I recall him owning a Criterion RV-6 Newtonian reflector and going out to what we call Exit 3 off Interstate 10 in eastern New Orleans. Man! ... those were the days. I hope you enjoy visiting his website as much as I have. It is indeed a pleasure to add an old friend's website to The VSC's Favorite Amateur Astronomer Websites drop-down on the VSC's homepage.
October 15, 2009
The Vega Sky Center has joined forces with one of the premiere astronomical parts companies, Surplus Shed! So if you need an objective, or a really nice eyepiece at great prices, please click on the link to their website below, or from various other web pages on our Web Hub. We have also added Sheldon Faworski's Cloudy Nights ATM store under the Resource Links in the ATM, Parts, Supplies, & Manufacturers drop-down. Definitely some major ATM parts deals to be made with these two additions.
September
14,
2009
Added Cloudy Nights user "ukcanuck" website called Skylight Telescopes and iStar Optical website to the ATM Part, Supplies, & Mannufacturers drop-down menu on the homepage of the VSC WebHub. Please check these sites out as your time permits!
August 18, 2009
On August 16, 2009, the Vega Sky Center advanced another year in age as it celebrates its 39th Anniversary! In knowing the weather was slated to be unfavorable, Gary Barabino, and I performed a joint "over the phone" observing session in honor of this milestone. An entry to the VSC Observations section, which documents some of our most noteworthy observing sessions will be added soon.
Over the past weekend, I managed to resume work on my 127mm f/9.4 refractor project by continuing work on the North Star II field tripod. Please check out the Vega News !!! page for details.
Back in June of this year, I purchased an old Tasco 11te-5 Lunagrosso 4.5" Newtonian reflector for $11.50. on eBay. It arrived in pretty poor condition, but it is restorable. I also landed a Tasco 7te-5 on Cloudy Nights, which will be used in conjunction with the one I already have to make one fully restored telescope unit. Both of the these projects will be great undertakings. I cannot wait to get started, but I must first complete my 127mm refractor project..
June 25, 2009
Added Rony De Laet's website to The VSC's Favorite Amateur Astronomer Websites and Observational Astronomy drop-down boxes under The VSC's Astronomical Resource Links section on our homepage.
June 23, 2009
Renamed the ATM Supplies drop-down menu title on the homepage to ATM Parts, Supplies, & Manufacturers. Added new links - fixtureworks - Workholding Technologies and J. W. WINCO, INC. under the ATM Parts, Supplies, & Manufacturers drop-down.
June 09, 2009
Added more up-to-date sites to the NASA News, Missions, Space Events drop-down on the home page. Please find the time to visit some of the websites under this drop-down category.
June 06, 2009
Moved the VSC Amateur Showcase from the homepage to its own separate page. Makes for better organization and navigation.
The construction of the 127mm f/9.4 BGRP Refractor OTA was completed on May 30, 2009. Check out the Vega News !!! page to check out some images of this instrument. The construction of the North Star II Field Tripod will commence soon.
Added a great number of new website links under drop-down of the Resource Links on the homepage of the VSC. Please find a moment check check out them out.
May 21, 2009
Updated link to Gary Russell's website under the ATM Links drop-down on the homepage.
April 28, 2009
Categorized the VSC Favorite Resource Links to make it a bit easier to locate what links visiting amateurs are looking for.
April 26, 2009
Added
Added more websites to the drop-downs on the homepage.
Pages for
the OTA components for the 127mm f/9.4 VSC/ SAO/ BGRP Refractor
have been added to Mel Dawson's SAO Gleanings session.
April
24,
2009 Added Added
Gold Mountain Observing Center, and Poor Man's Crayford Focuser
links to the drop-down menus.
Added a photo of Dennis Farr of the FarrOut
Observatory with David Levy while they were in
Sarasota, FL under the VSC Amateur Showcase and
Vega News! April
21,
2009
an
entry to the Vega News !!! page regarding the construction of the
VSC/ VAO SuperCrew telescope array being performed by my
colleague Gary Barabino. A construction overview of the project will be
created. So please stay tuned for updates as this project evolves.
!!
sections on the WebHub.
Added image of M64 to the VSC Amateur Showcase as captured by Kevin Reese with his Astro-Physics AP140 Apochromatic refractor.
March 18, 2009
Made a few changes to the homepage of the VSC WebHub to help reduce its size. I have removed the VSC Astronomers section from the home page and redirected the buttons at the top of the screen to go directly to Gary's and my home pages.
March 11, 2009
Gary Barabino has posted a 7.5 mm Desert Scope "SEBEN" eyepiece for sale on Astromart. The Astromart ad's link can be found on the homepage of the VSC.
March 07, 2009
Added the "Light Bucket - Online Telescope Rental" to the "Interactive Online Astronomical Site" drop-down menu on the homepage of the VSC. This is an awesome online resource, which will allow amateurs to image (for a fee) their preferred objects using one of several 20" Richey-Chretien reflectors strategically place around the world. Currently, there is a "Test Drive" promotion going on to allow amateurs to try out these instruments for 60 minutes of use. The "Test Drive" promotion will only last until April 1, 2009, so sign up and give this new astronomical resource a try.
March 02, 2009
A new section called "VSC Amateur Showcase" has been added to the homepage of the VSC Astronomical WebHub to show off the works of my friend and colleagues in astronomy. We hope you will enjoy this new section and look forward to showcasing the efforts of many amateurs. We start the section off with an image of Comet Lulin as taken by Bob Stelmock of the Farr Observation Group, for which i am also a member of. Bob attended the Winter Star Party of 2009 and captured this glorious image, for which we wanted to share.
February 22, 2009
I would like to shout out a universe sized Happy Birthday, to my mom, Mary Dawson. I wish she was here to share in my personal glory. I will never forget what you have done in my life, which has made me the man I am today. God Bless, and Happy Birthday, Mom!
Gary Barabino has posted three
February 18, 2009
Gary Barabino has sold his 80mm f/11 modified Grampus refractor with EQ, tripod, three eyepieces, Barlow lens, and star diagonal on eBay.
February 16, 2009
Gary Barabino has posted for sale a 80mm f/11 modified Grampus refractor with EQ, tripod, three eyepieces, Barlow lens, and star diagonal on eBay. Starting price was $59.95, or Buy It Now for 79.95. We have added a link to it on the homepage of the VSC until it is sold.
Added a link to the "ATM Suppliers" drop-down for the Cloudy Nights Classifieds. I do not know why this took me so long. Also added Astro Sky Telescopes & Astro Sky Piers to this drop-down menu.
In the upcoming March/ April 2009 issue of Astronomy Technology Today, Mel Dawson will have his second published article posted called "The "North Star" Field Tripod". In the interim you can check out the construction overview of this wooden tripod on the VSC WebHub from the Vega News !!! page, or directly from HERE.
February 04, 2009
Added additional links to drop-down menus on the VSC homepage. Also moved the VSC Honorary Members, and Vega News!!!, sections from the homepage to their own separate pages. This will aid in reducing load time of the homepage. More work will occur going forward. Hope this will help in making the VSC WebHub a more palatable experience.
Officially declared and dedicated the upcoming 127mm f/9.4 refractor to good friend and amateur astronomer retired Brigadier General Richard Pierce for his support and service to this country, as well as his contributions to this great project. It will be called the SAO 127 f/9.4 'Brigadier General Richard Pierce' Refractor. More on the construction of this instrument will follow.
February 02, 2009
Moved the VSC Affiliations section on the homepage to its own separate page to reduce the time it will take to load the home page. Other changes to the homepage will be made to reduce load time as well.
January 27, 2009
To commemorate the 2nd Anniversary of the construction of the 10" SAO 10" f/5.6 Newtonian, the telescope has now been dedicated as the SAO 10" f/5.6 'Gary Barabino' Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector.
Mel Dawson once again visits the FarrOut Observatory in Dade City, FL to partake in an observing session. You can check out the observation notes by clicking on the VSC Observation button near the top of the homepage, then clicking the Observations of the VSC button. Or, you can go directly to the page by clicking HERE.
January 14, 2009
There is a new comet currently gracing our morning skies. Its name is Comet Lulin (C/2007-N3). In preparation for this upcoming event, Gary Barabino of the VAO branch of the VSC has created a brief report to introduce the astronomical community of this upcoming event. To read Gary's report, go to the homepage of the VSC and go to the Vega News !!! section. The report is called "Recently discovered Comet Lulin Making an Appearance". Gary has also provided some useful link to aid in finding out more about the comet. So check it out when before its too late!
January 07, 2009
Added new websites to several of the Resource Links on the homepage of the VSC WebHub.
January 05, 200
9WebHub maintenance performed. Created a folder called "observations" to separately store the VSC's most noteworthy observing session. Makes for a more organized layout for the webmaster. Made other changes as needed.
Moved the Moon, Venus, Jupiter Conjunction observation written by Chris Turner to the VSC Observations section of the WebHub.
Removed eBay ad from homepage after Mel Dawson sold his Astro-Tech AT-80 refractor.
December 10, 2008
Added
Added a new drop-down box under the Resource Links section on the homepage of the VSC WebHub. It is called Observational Astronomical Links and will basically contain links to sites that touch this very thing. I look forward to adding more links to this new section to help those amateur who enjoy peering through the eyepiece.
December 04, 2008
Familiar to the multitude of visit amateurs to the VSC astronomical WebHub is the animated background of stars behind each page. Well, we have modified the the background to a more star filled and crisper animated background. We hope you will like the change. it is like going from an achromatic, to an apochromatic refractor.
December 03, 2008
Placed an observation report of the Moon, Venus, Jupiter Conjunction as provided by an old VSC friend Chris Turner on the homepage.
November 20, 2008
Adde
November 18, 2008
Added website for Astronomy Technologies under the ATM Supplies drop-down resource links on the VSC homepage.
November 17, 2008
To help in keep the VSC's homepage to a more reasonable length, we have modified and consolidate the contents of the Vega News !!!, Amateur Astronomers of the VSC, and Honorary VSC Members, sections to have two columns instead of one. Hope you like the new format.
November 16, 2008
We have changed the analog time zone clocks located above the Current Solar Images From SOHO section on the homepage to more easily discernable digital time zone clocks. We hope the change will suit the needs of amateurs in the field as well as at home.
November 15, 2008
Upon doing a review of some of the sections of the VSC WebHub, we discovered a myriad of errors which required correcting. In the future I would hope that visits will email the VSC with any issues they run across on the WebHub that warrants fixing. Remember... This is your WebHub as well as ours. This will help to foster a more concise resource of information for all amateur astronomers to enjoy. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to your suggestions in making the Vega Sky Center Astronomical WebHub the best it can be.
Also under the Vega News !!! section on the homepage of the VSC WebHub, we have added an image of M31 taken by Kevin Reese. He will have pages added to the Honorary VSC Members section in the future.
November 12, 2008
More website links added to the "Resource Links" drop-down menus on the homepage of the VSC. And, we will keep them coming.
November 06, 2008
More website links added to the "Resource Links" drop-down menus on the homepage of the VSC. And, we will keep them coming.
November 02, 2008
We have added more websites to the drop-down menus under the Resource Links section on the homepage of the VSC WebHub. To many to mention, so please go through each category to see if anything pops out different from your last visit.
Be on the lookout for a new Honorary VSC Member section for Kevin Reese. He is an accomplished Astrophotographer who also deserves recognition within the astronomical community.
October 28, 2008
After a long time of wanting to create a page for Curt Walker to add to the Honorable VSC Members section of the VSC website, I have finally put it into place. Currently, I have only a smidgen of images for which Curt has produced during his astrophotography escapades, but there are certain to be more added to his page. Curt is also partaking in a new 8" f/5 Newtonian Astrograph project that is sure to draw the interest of many an astrophotographer. To visit Curt's homepage, please click on the Home of the VSC button at the top of this page and then click the Honorable VSC Members. We are sure you will be quite enchanted with the capabilities of this gifted young man.
Under the Vega News !!! section on the home page of the VSC WebHub, we conveyed to the astronomical community that Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson will have a new book released called The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet, slated to be released in January, 2009. A link is provided that will send you to his publication home page. It is sure to be a big hit.
September 08, 2008
We have added Gary Parkerson's name to the list of individuals we gave thanks to for their support to the SAO 10" Fork Mounted Newtonian project.
September 04, 2008
The VSC website is undergoing changes to add dynamic code that provide some nice little touches. Like color changes to buttons when your mouse cursor passes of them.
September 02, 2008
Added new navigation buttons at the top of the home page. They are: Our Beginnings, and Clear Sky Clocks. I got tired of scrolling down to see my Clear Sky Clock. Just lazy I guess.
August 29, 2008
Due to many computer owners going to wide screen monitors, I have modified many of the pages on our WebHub to automatically display in the center of the browser. This makes for a much better view and flow through of the pages within specific ATM projects posted by the VSC. Hope you find this change worthwhile.
We continue to modify the home page of the VSC to make it easier to navigate, as well as more pleasing to the eye. Yes, I know we use bright colors, but we enjoy the contrast. ;-) Hope you benefit from the changes.
August 25, 2008
Added additional websites to various drop-down menus on the home page of VSC. Rearranged the layout of the home page slightly. Past visitors will notice the difference.
August 22, 2008
On August 16, 2008, the Vega Sky Center celebrated its 38th anniversary! To commemorate this pinnacle in the history of the VSC, we have completed a new ATM project. It is the creation of the VSC "North Star" Field Tripod. The tripod was constructed for Gary Barabino to replace his ill fated one for his 8" f/5 Konus Konusky 200 Newtonian reflector. You can check out its construction overview by going to the "SAO Gleanings Page" from the top of the VSC homepage.
The components for the SAO 10" f/5.6 Fork Mounted Newtonians clock drive have arrived from Eric Moerman in Belgium. More on this under the "Vega News !!" section on the VSC homepage.
July 27, 2008
The VSC has created a tribute page for the periodical Astronomy Technology Today. It showcases images of each of the magazines published by ATT. Please go to the VSC home page to access the page.
Gary Barabino has completed work on the 2007 volume of the Vega Astronomical Journals. His efforts are paying off tremendously in restoring our past. As many of you already know, 2005 was the year that Hurricane Katrina devastated the Louisiana - Mississippi Gulf Coast. With the journals nearly being lost in this travesty, it is a miracle, and a blessing, that their recovery and restoration are almost current. Gary will be starting efforts to create the 2008 VAJ in short order.
Be on the look out for a new member to be added to the "Honorary VSC Member" section of the VSC WebHub. His name is Curt Walker, and his section will cover his work in astrophotography, among other projects. Curt's ATM skills have increased tremendously in a short period of time, and his work is worthy to be seen by the astronomical community at large. So please stay tuned. Check out the image of the Orion Nebula he produced below under the the "Resource Links" section. Simply awesome!
July 18, 2008
We have created a new Observer's Data Sheet for those amateurs who would like a copy without the Vega Sky Center logo. It is called "VSC Your Observers Data Sheet" Please feel free to download a copy for your own personal use. It can be found under the Observer's Data Sheets section below. Makes a great way to record those awesome observing sessions for your future enjoyment.
During the week of July 4th, 2008, Gary Barabino of the VSC/ VAO visited the VSC/ SAO. We managed to do some observing while he was here, but it was limited to one day. I hope to get a report from Gary to post under his VAO Gleaning Pages.
A new construction project has just been completed here at the VSC/ SAO. It is a wooden tripod that was designed to replace the damaged tripod for a CG-5 equatorial head owned by Gary Barabino. Please stay tuned for a section under the SAO Gleaning Pages, which will provide a construction overview. This is indeed a solid mount and will serve well any amateur possessing a CG-5, EQ5, or any other GEM. Click the image below for an enlarged view.
July 07, 2008
We have completed creating a separate page for the Astronomy Technology Today in tribute to their support to the VSC and the astronomical community. On this page, it will showcase all of the front cover pages of their magazines as they go into circulation. We hope this exposure will increate their subscriptions, for it has definitely been a long awaiting periodically for which we hope will serve amateurs for many years to come.
Mel Dawson of the VSC/ SAO has built a heavy-duty wooden tripod for Gary Barabino of the VSC/ VAO to replace the damage tripod holding his CG-5 equatorial mount. A construction overview of the unit will be shown under the "SAO Gleaning Pages" soon. Please stay tuned!
Oh! We have not forgotten the addition of Curt Walker to the "Honorary VSC Members" section of the website. We are collecting content to add to this section and hope to have his page ready soon.
May 27, 2008
More links added to the "Resource Links" drop-downs section on the home page! We've included links which show the opposition dates for Saturn, and Mars as an addition to the link to the one we provided for Jupiter. Now there is no excuse for missing these critical planetary milestones. Additionally, a link to a sweet and free downloadable application provided by Microsoft called "Microsoft Research - WorldWide Telescope" under the "Astronomical Software and Downloads" drop-down. And we were not done!... We placed a link under the "Astronomical Clubs, Groups, Societies, ..." drop-down leading to the infamous Ian Ridpath's website, which showcases many of his editorialized publications such as Norton's Star Atlas. To rap it up for this update, the VSC has also added a new drop-down menu called "Miscellaneous Stuff" with the first underlying link being "Windows Live SkyDrive". A handy internet based file storage resource provided by Microsoft. More will follow. Hey! You can share many of your favorite astronomical images with observing buddies!. A great addition to our site indeed. We know you will enjoy these resources as much as we will. Also check out the new link called "Thanks for checking them out.
May 17, 2008
The VSC has added quite a few new websites to its "Resource Links" drop-downs. So please sift through the links to see if you find something interesting, or that would aid in your astronomical desires. We have also added time clocks to the from home page. They are located above the current solar images, and lunar phases section. The section has been renamed "Current US Time Zones, Solar Images, and Lunar Phase". Hope this addendum will be of help to many an amateur.
May 12, 2008
We a
The clock drive for the SAO 10" f/5.6 Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector has been completed! The drive shipment from Eric Moerman should arrive soon here at the VSC/ SAO. More updates to follow.
Stay tuned for the induction of another addition to the "Honorary VSC Member" section of our WebHub. The astrophotography work of Curt Walker will be featured along with some of his other projects.
May 01, 2008
We are pleased to add Ronald Plummer's new astronomical website, "Optical Astronomy.com" within the "Astronomical Online Forums", and "Astronomical Education, and Knowledge" drop-down menus under "The VSC's Astronomical Resource Links" section on our home page. A link has also been placed in the affiliate section on the homepage. Please find some time to go to Ron's website and share your thoughts. We are happy to be affiliated with Ron's website.
April 20, 2008
Gary Barabino is currently working on the 2005 volume of the "Vega Astronomical Journal" The SAO 10" Fork Mounted Newtonian reflector is on the verge of being motorize. The above items have been mention in the "Vega News !!!" section on the home page of the VSC WebHub.
March 21, 2008
The VAO and SAO performed a joint remote observation session on March 16th, thru March 17th using our meager Jason 313 Discoverer refractors. In utilizing some of our more pristine performing oculars with these instrument, we were able to pull out some of the best capabilities of the objective these little scopes had to offer. Much better than the Huygen eyepieces that come standard with them. As a follow-up to the session, I put together a web page covering the session. It can be found under the "Note Worthy Observations Recorded by the VSC" section on our WebHub. Here is a direct link: Joint VAO-SAO Observing Session - 03/16-17/2008
March 03, 2008
We are proud to announce the creation of a new section called "Noteworthy Observations Recorded by the VSC". This new section will host some of the VSC's noteworthy observances of celestial objects. With detailed information and commentary, we hope everyone will enjoy seeing and reading the observations we record. They may even kindle fires of inspiration and spark interest in the great hobby of astronomy among the young and old! We truly hope they do. Be on the lookout for a new section called "The VSC Celestial Wonders", which will cover a multitude of general observations divided into sections (i.e. Planets, Double Stars, Open Star Clusters, Globular Clusters, etc.) They will come in the form of sketches and astrophotography. Sort of an addendum to the "Noteworthy Observations Recorded by the VSC" section.
The SAO observed the Total Lunar Eclipse of February 20 - 21, 2008. You can find a detailed overview with images under the "Noteworthy Observations Recorded by the VSC" section.
More website links have been added to the drop-downs. This section (located on the homepage) has been renamed from "Favorite Links" to the more appropriate name of "Resource Links".
Restructuring of our Astronomical WebHub continues. Some of the changes are as follows: The main link to the pages of the construction of the SAO 10" f/5.6 Fork Mounted Newtonian has been moved from the homepage and placed under the new "SAO Gleaning Pages" section, which is accessible from the homepage. I decided that Gary and I should have separate sections representing both of our private home-based observatories. Especially since we both live in different cities in the USA. Gary's section is call "VAO Gleaning Pages". This also will personalize our individual projects and efforts.
New homepage navigation buttons have been instituted. This change we aid in the esthetics of the WebHub. Hope everyone likes the modification.
Gary Barabino continues to work at a feverish pace completing the Vega Astronomical Journals ravaged in the wake of Hurricane Katrina back on August 29, 2005. Thus far, Gary has resurrecting 18 of the volumes. He is currently working on the 1998 volume and is hope to finish restoring the 1999 volume by March 08, 2008. Godspeed, Bambina!
February 03, 2008
Restructuring and reorganizing of the website continues. More work will be performed to make it even better. Please stay tune for future updates and new features.
February 02, 2008
More sites added to the VSC's "Favorite Links" drop-downs on the homepage. We have added "CalSKY" and "NGC/IC Project Database" to the "General Astronomical Data, and Information" drop-down. Also added "CalSKY" to the "Online/ Web Based Astronomical Maps, Charts, Observation Logs/ Data Recording" drop-down. In addition, we instilled the "Nation Mosaic - Full Resolution" USA precipitation real-time map to the "Weather, Time, and Satellite Tracking Sites" drop-down. Additional how-to and DIY sites were added.
February 01, 2008
We are in the process of reorganizing our website. The changes will involve cleaning up our home page and reducing its size to aid in navigation to the websites internal features, stories, and information. We hope the changes will foster an enjoyable experience for our visitors. Changes will occur on an impromptu basis, so we hope everyone visits often. As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or have suggestions, please email us at: vsc-astronomers@vega-sky-center.com
January 30, 2008
Check out the "Vega News!" section on our homepage for information on G. Barabino's efforts to restore the VSC's VAO Astronomical Journals. This major project will focus on the restoration of our past history as documented since August of 1970. Nearly lost in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina's wrath, they are current being meticulous preserved. Look for more web pages portraying their restoration as "Bam" takes on this monumental task.
January 26, 2008
Added additional websites to drop-down menus on the homepage. This includes a wealth of new ATM Suppliers, and others. Check them out at your leisure.
January 24, 2008
Moved Gary's Hurricane Katrina presentation and PAS articles from the VSC's homepage to the "Gleanings from the Vega Astronomical Observatory" (Gary's Observatory homepage). Go to Gary's homepage by accessing it from the VSC's homepage. Hope you enjoy... There is much more to come from the VAO!
January 15, 200
8Added new websites that allow visitors to check weather conditions and to get accurate times in their respective locations worldwide. Check the "Weather, Time, and Satellite Tracking Sites" drop-down box on the VSC's home page for new links. Hope these will help amateur's effectively in far away lands throughout the world. Enjoy!
October 20, 2007
Recently, Gary Barabino gave a presentation on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on family and hobby of astronomy back on August 24, 2007. Now that the presentation is behind him, the September edition of the PAS-Times has been released and contains a short article in review. It can be accessed from the VSC homepage.
A new drop-down section has been added to the "The Vega Sky Center's Favorites Websites" called "Astrophotography Links and Websites". Rather than list all of the sites we have in place currently, why not check out the list yourself! Many more links in this section will follow.
The October, 2007 issue of "Astronomy Technology Today" is on the market. Get your copy today!
September 02, 2007
We have posted a link to Gary Barabino's MS PowerPoint presentation entitled "The Vega Observatory - The Katrina Experience" under the "Gleanings from the VAO" page on our website. It is also accessible from a link under the "Vega News!!!" section on the home page. We have also added a link to the PASTimes August, 2007 edition that covered the presentation. This is a "must see" for all amateurs. Modified parts of the home page to make it appear more organized and have a better flow.
September 01, 2007
To aid amateurs interested in downloading the "VSC Observer's Data Sheet", we have changed the document to PDF format. This will alleviate the need for an unzipping application required by the previous file we stored on the site. This file can be opened with the free version of the Adobe AcroReader application. We hope this change will make downloading and saving the file more convenient for our visitors.
August 31, 2007
Added new button called "Vega News !!!" to the navigation buttons at the top of the home page of our website. Place a sequence of photos of the Total Lunar Eclipse of August 28, 2007 as taken by Mel Dawson during the event under the Vega News !!! section on the home page.
August 27, 2007
Added Jack Herkamp's "Waning Moon II" private observatory website link to the "The VSC's Favorite Amateur Astronomer Websites" drop-down box.
August 23, 2007
Gary Barabino will be giving a presentation called "The Vega Observatory - The Katrina Experience" to the Ponchartrain Astronomical Society in New Orleans, LA at the University of New Orleans Science Building in room 1001 on August 24, 2007, at 7:30 EDT. This presentation will focus on the destruction and resurrection of Gary's private Observatory and his efforts to rebuild his collection of telescopic instructions as well as his collection of Astronomical Journals. This is indeed a milestone in the VSC's history! We hope this event will help other amateurs in keeping steadfast in their dreams and aspirations in their day-to-day lives.
July 16, 2007
Changed First Quarter photo taken by G. Barabino to his photo of the craters Ptolemaeus, Alphonsus, and Arzachel just past First Quarter on 11-12-2006 using his 4.5" Tasco Luminove and Gateway DTC-50 digital camera combination.
July 15, 2007
Changed Last Quarter photo taken of the Moon on 01-21-2006 using my 90mm Konusmotor Refractor and Olympus C-4000z combination to a closeup photo of the First Quarter Moon taken with my 4.5" f/8 Cosmos/ Grampus Newtonian Reflector and SP-500uz combination.
July 14, 2007
Added the "Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area" "Clear Sky Clock" to the home page. "ScopeStuff - Telescope Accessories and Hardware" website was added to the "ATM Suppliers" drop-down box on the home page. Included "RTGUI +S - Real-Time Astronomy Program" to the "Astronomical Software" drop-down. We have include "ScopeTrader Live! Astronomy Videos" link to the "Online Astronomical Audio, Video, and TV Streams..." drop-down box on the home page. Enjoy!
June 30, 2007
Added "AstronomyClubs.com - the KNOWLEDGE in NUMBERS" to the "Astronomical Clubs, Groups, Societies, Planetariums, Magazines, Books, and Trivia" drop-down box. This is a great site that aids amateurs in finding astronomy clubs in their respective living areas within the United States, Canada, and the United Kindom.
June 29, 2007
Added link to "Stellarium" a 3D planetarium software website to the " "Astronomical Software (Free Downloads!)" drop-down box on the home page. This is a really nice software package that is totally free open source. So download a copy NOW! Also added a link to "ASTRONOMYBUFF - Astronomy You Can Use" website to the "General Astronomical Information..." drop-down box on the home page.
June 27, 2007
Re-categorized several of the links under the "The VSC's Favorite Websites" drop-down boxes. Added a new drop-down category called "Past, Current, and Upcoming Observable Astronomical Events" to the Vega's favorite websites. Renamed "General and Real-Time Astronomical, Data, and Images" to "General Astronomical Information, and Data", after re-categorizing the drop-down boxes.
June 17, 2007
After paying a visit to the FarrOut.org Observatory, a great group of fellow amateurs and remote observing facility just to the east of Dade City, FL, I had to add this link to a couple of drop-down categories on the home page under the Vega's Favorite Websites section - "Astronomical, Groups, Societies...", and the "The VSC's Favorite Amateur Astronomer...". All it took was one visit to this locale to fall in love with it. Simply awesome!
June 16, 2007
Moved "Home Page Navigation" buttons to the top of home page. Added "Top of Page" buttons throughout the home page to aid in maneuvering on the home page.
Changed my (SAO) "Clear Sky Clock" on the home page from "Brandon, FL" to "Alafia River State Park, FL". This new location is closer to my home.
June 10, 2007
Improved the entrance to the web site by adding "Home Page Navigation" buttons near the top of the home page under our logo and title. This will allow website visitors the ability of quickly going to specific sections on the home page. This will definitely aid in ease of maneuvering the site.
Renamed the "Telescope, and Astronomical Reviews" drop-down box title to "Astronomical Ratings, and Reviews"
Added the "AstronomyRatings.com" website to the "Astronomical Ratings, and Reviews" drop-down menu on the home page.
June 09, 2007
Added "Registax 4 Help Manual" to the "Astronomical Software..." drop-down list. Added "IP4AP.COM" link to "Astronomical Education..." drop-down menu. The site offers classes in Astrophotography.
Added "AstroShorts.com" to the "Online Astronomical Audio, Video..." drop-down menu. They host great videos pertaining to astronomy and space science.
Also added "INIFINI-TEES" website to the "ATM Supplier" drop-down menu. They offer really nice astronomical T-Shirts and caps. Added "AstroTrac" to the "ATM Suppliers" drop-down. A nice drive system for cameras and small telescopic instruments.
Added "Barry Crist - Maker of Miniature Ornamental Telescope Replicas" of prominently known telescopes to the "Home-Made ATM Projects..." drop-down menu.
Added "Protostar" to the "ATM Supplies" drop-down menu collection. They offer spider-vanes and secondary holders, as well as telescope tubes.
Added "Eyepiece Reviews" site to the "ATM Suppliers" drop-down menu.
June 04, 2007
Shuffled around some of the sections of the home page to create a better flow since it is getting a bit busy. In the future, content on the home page of the VSC will be split into separate pages to reduce clutter.
May 12, 2007
Added
Added "Windows to the Universe" website to the "Astronomical Education, and Knowledge" drop-down menu on the home page.
Added the "Astro E2/ Sukaku (XRS) X-ray Spectrometer", "Spitzer Space Telescope" links to the "Astronomical News, Space Events, and Missions" drop-down list on our home page.
Posted and sold on eBay two eyepieces. A 8mm GSO WA and a 11mm GSO UWA eyepieces.
May 05, 2007
Added eBay store for "SurplusShed" to the "ATM Supplies" drop-down box under the "Vega Sky Center's Favorite Websites" section on the home page.
April 21, 2007
Updated and
added new photos to Gary "Bam" Barabino's telescope collection
on the VAO telescope pages. You can check them out here => 
Added photos depicting the completed Sirius Astronomical Observatory's 10" f/5.6 Fork Mounted Reflector to construction pages.
April 11, 2007
Performed URL repairs to several of the links under Drop-Down boxes and removed dead links.
Added new Drop-Down Box called "Astronomical Online Forums", which will grow with time. Currently we have added "Cloudy Nights", "Astronomy Daily", "60mm Telescope Club", and "Bad Astronomy".
Added photo of Gary Barabino to front of website.
Added various new sites to several of the Drop-Down Box categories such "ATM Supplies", and "Astronomical Software..."
February 26, 2007
Added
Added new links to "ATM Suppliers" - "R. F. Royce Precision Optical Components", and "Olivon Scopes and Optics".
February
21, 2007
Submitted an article on the construction of the Vega Sky Center's "Sirius Astronomical Observatory" 10" f/5.6 Dawsonian-Bourge Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector to Gary Parkerson, Managing Editor of the new astronomy magazine, Astronomy Technology Today. The article will appear in the premiere issue of the mag slated for April, 2007. Please subscribe by going to http://www.astronomytechnologytoday.com .
February 12, 2007
Added two new categories to the "The Vega Sky Center's Favorite Websites" section on the homepage . They are "The VSC's Favorite Amateur Astronomer and ATM Websites" and "Home-made ATM Projects & Equipment Sites". Under the first we have added two new links: "ALCOVE Database - by Gamze & Haldun I. Menali", and "Messier Marathon". Under the second, we have added one: "ALCOVE Database - Haldun I. Menali's 8" Newtonian Project". These list for these sections are guaranteed to grow rather quick, so continue to stay tuned.
Other major modifications to "The VSC's Favorite Amateur Astronomer and ATM Websites" today include the addition of the "StarryHost - Unforgettable School Assemblies in Astronomy" to the "Astronomical Education, and Knowledge", the "Tampa Bay McIDAS Weather Satellite" to the "Weather, Time, and Satellite Tracking" Drop-Down lists. Change the phrase "Welcome to the Website of the" to "Welcome to the Astronomical Web Hub of the" on the homepage of our VSC website.
February 05, 2007
I would like to report that the main construction phase of the SAO 10" Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector has been completed! With the addition of pages covering the Finishing and Assembly processes located under the "" page, we have concluded one of the most important projects ever performed by the Vega Sky Center. A definite milestone in the VSC's history has been made. Keep an eye out for photographs of the completed telescope project.
January 0
8, 2007Added "SKY-MAP.ORG" website to the "Astronomical Maps, Charts..."
January 0
7, 2007Added "
Added the "STEREO Solar Mission" website to the "Astronomical News, Space Events, and Missions" Drop-Down List.
January 0
5, 2007Added the "HINODE (Solar-B)" website to the "Astronomical News, Space Events, and Missions" Drop-Down List.
Made corrections to the Fork Mount Base top view design diagrams under the "Component Design Plans" page for the SAO 10" Newtonian Reflector.
January 0
2, 2007Modified "Desert Scopes" eBay store URL under the "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down list.
Created and added top view design (opaque and x-ray) diagrams for the Fork Mount Base to the "Component Design Plans" section under the construction section/ pages of the 10 inch f/5.65 SAO Newtonian Reflector.
January 01, 2007
Added "Stellarview eBay Store" website link to the "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down menu on the home page.
December 30, 2006
Added "Fundamental of Astronomy..." website link to the "Astronomical Education..." Drop-Down menu on the home page.
Added "EXCELSIS Equipment Reviews" website link to the "Telescope, and Astronomical Equipment Reviews" Drop-Down menu on the home page.
Corrected link to "Orion Telescopes" URL under the "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down list on the home page.
Added "William Optics" website link to the "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down menu on the home page.
December 2
7, 2006Added
Added "Bad Astronomy" website link (created by Phil Plait) to the "Astronomical Clubs, Groups, Societies..." Drop-Down menu on the home page.
December 23, 2006
Added Australia's Amateur Astronomy Community website "IceInSpace" to "Astronomy, Clubs, Groups..." Drop-Down menu
Added translation of website to Russian. See Russian flag under the "Translate Entire VSC Website" section on the home page.
Moved the "Latest Updates to the VSC Website" section from the home page to its own separate page.
Submitted membership request to "Amateur Astronomy" via WebRing. See the affiliates section on the home page.
December 21, 2006
Removed "DBA Astronomy Products, and Services" from the "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down list above. They have recently merged with "Anttlers Optics". "Anttlers Optics" is not on the Drop-Down list of ATM Suppliers on the VSC website.
Added "Nightfire Scientific" main website and their eBay store to the "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down list on the home page.
Added links to "Jamie Beckett's" new novel, "Burritos and Gasoline" at the bottom of the home page.
December 16, 2006
The VSC gains membership acceptance into the "Astronomy Ring" Web Ring (see affiliations on the home page).
Added two new real-time views of the solar surface as captured by the SOHO EIT (Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope), under wavelengths of 195 Angstroms for the extreme left image, and 304 Angstroms on the extreme right image. (see Current Solar Images on the home page)
Added "eZipSky" link to the "General and Real-Time Astronomical Information..." Drop-Down list on the home page.
December 15, 2006
Added "Stellafane", "St. Petersburg Astronomy Club", "John Dobson's Official Website" and "The Local Deep Sky Observers" links to the "Astronomical Clubs, Groups, Societies, Planetariums, Magazines, Books, and Trivia" Drop-Down list on the home page.
December 5 - 12, 2006
Added "Taki's Star Atlas" link - a collection of free downloadable PDF file based star charts. Go to the "Astronomical Maps, Charts, Observation Logs ..." drop-down menu under the "...Vega Favorite Websites" section above. This is an awesome atlas! Thanks to Thomas Jensen of the "60mm Telescope Club" for the tip.
Added subscription link for the "60mm Telescope Club" Yahoo Group under the "The Vega Sky Center's Affiliations" section on the home page.
Added subscription link for the "Telescope" Yahoo Group under the "The Vega Sky Center's Affiliations" section on the home page.
Added subscription link for the "Telescope Making" CrickRock Group under the "The Vega Sky Center's Affiliations" section on the home page.
Added current image/ link of the Sun, as provided by SOHO to the "Current Astronomical Events ..." section on the home page.
Addition of translations for several countries (see Flags at top of home page) around the world to view our website in different languages. We hope to add more countries as they become available.
Added "ASTROWIRE" billboard, which contain links to current astronomical and space events. It is updated weekly. So, check it out often!
Astronomically centered ads that help visiting Amateur Astronomers find some of the best equipment available from prominently established companies.
Added "Destiny (Curved Vane Telescope Spider)" website link to the "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down list on the home page.
Added "Vixen Direct" website to "ATM Suppliers" Drop-Down list above. Vixen has a big sale going on for the 2006 Christmas Holiday Season!
Added "How to determine Microscope Eyepiece Focal Length" to the "Astronomical Education, and Knowledge" Drop-Down list on the home page.
Thanks for visiting our Astronomical WebHub !!!