Last updated: 30 September 2002 |
Subject: Star Party Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 5:07:58 From: golfing18@msn.com (Michael Knapp) I am not sure if you have seen the weather forcast for the Springfield area for the weekend. If you have not.....so far things are definately looking good. There is a pretty strong cold front coming through mid-week and should be exiting on Friday. This should clear out the sky and the atmosphere just in time. I've heard high temperatures on Saturday around 68 degrees. Let's hope this does not change. I hope to meet you at the party. Regards, Mike Knapp
Subject: Mighty ETX Star Party 2002 Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 18:36:36 From: tylerica@yahoo.com (Tyler and Erica Buckner) My wife and I will be attending the Star Party. We plan on camping both Friday and Saturday nite. I will have my little ETX-70AT in tow! Looking forward to meeting you... Tyler Buckner
Subject: Confirmation?? Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 3:46:44 From: mlyancey@comcast.net (Michael Yancey) I have received a letter from Sangamon Astronomical Society that shows they received my check for registration and t-shirt order. Does this qualify as a conformation letter? This is all I have received from them. See you soon, Mike Y.Mike here: That's it!
Subject: RSVP Sent: Monday, September 16, 2002 7:42:38 From: hess@jwcc.edu (Don Hess) Just wanted to let you know we are officially registered (wife and I) for the Star Party. We'll be camping in an RV on-site so we can spend the whole weekend. Finally got the ETX unpacked and tried it our for the first time last night- just looked at the moon, but as a pure novice looking through a quality scope for the first time, I was simply amazed at the detail, and quite impressed! We're really looking forward to a huge learning experience, and hope we aren't too much of a bother asking people all the questions we'll be asking! Don Hess Director Transportation & Public Safety Programs John Wood Community College 1301 South 48th Street, Quincy, Illinois 62305-8736 217.224.5362 217.224.0740fax http://www.jwcc.edu/instruct/truck http://www.jwcc.edu/instruct/police http://www.jwcc.edu/instruct/fire
Subject: Registration Sent: Sunday, September 15, 2002 18:26:27 From: rory.white@sev.org (rory white) Please Be advised that I have finally mailed in my registration for the Illinois S.A.S. star party. I'll be tenting that weekend. Will your Meade ETX activities be at a particular "observing field" ? Looking forward to a great weekend! Rory White, Temperance , MIch.Mike here: Regarding our locations, check in with the registation desk when you arrive at the Site.
Subject: Star Party Sent: Monday, September 9, 2002 9:41:47 From: mlyancey@comcast.net (Michael Yancey) I have registered to come to the Illinois star party. Ill be by myself, but plan to meet up with a couple Yahoo buddies. I will be bringing my ETX 90 and my 10" LX200 GPS scope. We plan to camp out for the whole show. Hope to meet you there. Clear Skies, Mike Yancey
Subject: Mighty ETX Star Party Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 21:15:00 From: francimj@trinity-health.org (Michael Francis) I plan to attend the Star Party Oct 3-6 . I will be there all 3 nights. My wife will be coming with me, and we will be camping in an RV. I will pay the fee of $35 as required. I am fairly new to astronomy so I don't have enough background to give a talk. I will be bringing my ETX-125EC that you have so graciously helped me learn how to use with your excellent web site and e-mail responses. I am coming from Sterling Heights, Michigan, which is about 9-10 hours away by car. See you there. Mike Francis
Subject: Registration Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 01:40:04 From: jkalemis@earthlink.net (James Kalemis) I have registered. Thanks. James Kalemis Chicago, IL
Subject: interested to go Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2002 17:50:20 From: rory.white@sev.org (rory white) Yes, I'm interested in attending the ETX star party in Illinois. Would probably drive there Friday and stay until Sunday and bring my little 90. My main interest is to talk with other users and pick up pointers on set-up and usage of the autostar. Could camp Fri and Sat nights. I'll be coming from Temperance, MI (suburb of Toledo, Oh) and the $35.00 fee is ok. Rory White
Subject: October Star Party Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2002 16:18:14 From: golfing18@msn.com (Michael Knapp) When the time comes, will there be information given as far as where in the park the observing/events will be taking place? Regards Mike KnappMike here: As I recall from my conversations with the Illinois group, there are three pavillons. We'll be in one of them. As to setups for observing, we'll probably just stake out some territory near whichever pavillon we are in. Hopefully everything will be obvious. I'm arriving a day early; I plan to get to the Site early on the first day to scope (sorry for the pun) things out.
Subject: 2003 Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 8:05:09 From: chascar@attbi.com (Charles and Carol) Star parties almost to East coast hopefully next year have you thought of doing it with the Stellefane gathering in VT.Mike here: I'm collecting several possible venues for 2003 on the East Coast.
Subject: ETX party Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 9:42:20 From: jkalemis@earthlink.net (James Kalemis) I am planning on attending the party and will be bringing several scopes including my LX90, probably the Orion 127 mak and maybe my 8" newt. I am really not much of a speaker, but I would not mind showing some of the astropics I've taken. You can see my website (below) for my stuff. Question I have is where to stay. I'm torn between renting a Winebago or trying to find local lodging. Do you know what others will be doing? Where will you be staying? Thanks, James Kalemis Schaumburg, IL http://www.kalemis.com/astro.htmMike here: I will be staying in Springfield (about 25 miles from the site).
Subject: Star party Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2002 7:18:25 From: mdaffron@the-rma.org (Meade Daffron) Thanks so much for saying the 2003 star party will be on the East Coast! Any way you can make it somewhere in the mid-Atlantic? Due to the fact that I have a 1-year-old son now, long-distance traveling isn't as easy as it used to be. But I'd love to finally meet you and all these folks I've communicated with in the past, and maybe (if you'll let me) show off the Starmax a little bit! Not to be selfish - I just thought I'd put a plug in for my neck of the woods (Richmond, VA) if no one else had, or you hadn't started your search for a specific location. I have organized several get-togethers for a car club I belong to over the past three years, all of which I set up at various state parks in Virginia - from the mountains to the Chesapeake Bay area. Virginia has really nice state parks and the park folks are nice to work with. Our last meet was on May 18, and we had people from as far away as Chicago, New York City and Connecticut. So if you need any help getting organized ... I volunteer, sir!!! (How's that for early planning???) ;-) MeadeMike here: I already have two possible locations for 2003 so we'll see how it works out. I won't start worrying about 2003 until early next year.
Subject: Mighty ETX Star Party Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2002 10:26:49 From: Kenneth.Towne@saint-gobain.com Just mailed our registration form to the SAS. My wife and I will both be at the star party! Looking Forward to the presentations as well as meeting you and Dr. Sherrod. I have to credit your website for convincing us to purchase the 125ETX last summer. And I need to thank Dr. Sherrod personally for helping me with a delivery problem on my 10" LX200GPS (aperture fever bit early!) I plan to bring both the 125 and the LX200GPS to the party. We plan on being there the 3rd through the 6th. Anxiously awaiting October! Jill and Kenny Towne
Subject: The 2nd Annual Mighty ETX Star Party Sent: Saturday, June 8, 2002 0:29:06 From: d.birmingham@worldnet.att.net (David Birmingham) If the party is open to a little bigger scopes I'll bring mine! Definitely planning on attending! Yup, I'll spring open the wallet. Not much of a public speaker, but I'll lend a hand where needed. BeBE will certainly enjoy all the company! Clear, Dark Skies! Dave 12" f/10 LX200GPS (BeBE) s/n 05008 Supercharged at ASO by Doc Clay, # 243-2012 Birmingham Astronomical Center N 42 59' 23.1" / W 083 46' 29.7" "Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity" AnonymousMike here: Certainly any telescope is welcome at the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party!
Subject: registration? Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2002 4:53:13 From: golfing18@msn.com (Michael Knapp) Will there be a registration process thru your website for the October star party or do we just register thru their site? Regards, Mike KnappMike here: As noted on the ETX Star Party page, register through the Illinois Star Party page. Thanks.
Subject: Dr Sherrod Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 9:40:30 From: Quarryeff@aol.com Any chance of a UK / Europe tour to sort us all out?Mike here: As to a European Mighty ETX Star Party, who knows...
And:
From: sherrodc@ipa.net (Clay Sherrod) Hehehehe.....I don't know, from some of the message I have seen on the Mighty Site lately, it will easily take BOTH of us.Mike here: Could be fun. The wife and I may be going to Scotland and England in Fall 2005. Maybe.
And:
From: sherrodc@ipa.net (Clay Sherrod) Now THAT would be a good place to start!
Subject: Party Sent: Monday, May 13, 2002 5:21:53 From: HalbertMusik@aol.com I would love to come - it is only that in october this is not possible. I hope, however, that you all have much fun!!!! Next year in August/End of July? William
Subject: 2nd Annual Mighty ETX Star Party Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2002 12:31:56 From: jroloff@earthlink.net (James S Roloff) How many people will be coming: 1 person What telescopes you'll bring: ETX-125EC Where you live (City, State): Des Moines, IA James S Roloff
Subject: 2002 Start Party... Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2002 4:27:47 From: joefish@amerytel.net (WebMail Guest) Sign me up! I'm a new ETX-125 and CoolPix 995 user. I will try to be there for the whole period. I will be traveling from Minneapolis, MN. Joe Fisher
Subject: Star Party Sent: Monday, April 22, 2002 6:34:03 From: golfing18@msn.com (Michael Knapp) I hope Im not responding too late about the Star Party. Between work and Spring, Ive not had a lot of surfing time. I am very pleased to see Springfield, IL as your site of choice for the ETX Star Party (maybe because I live in St. Louis). So, in response to your call for interest qs. YesI plan on attending the Mighty ETX portion of the Star Party. I am willing to pay the $35 although it seems a bit much (any ideas why?). Since I am very much a novice, I would have little to talk about. I would be interested in hearing discussions about digital astrophotography (both piggyback and afocal techniques). I will be bringing my 90EC as well as a laptop with Deepsky 2000 (assuming there will be power hookups available). My father-in-law will be bringing a good pair of wide field binoculars and possibly his digital camera. I would like to attend Friday night, Saturday and Sundaybut its too far in advance to be sure. I am from St. Charles, MO (near St. Louis and my father-in-law is from Okawville, IL which is about 45 miles east of St. Louis. I hope to see you there under crystal clear and steady skies. Regards, Mike KnappMike here: The registration fee was set before I came along.
Subject: Call for interest Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2002 7:57:57 From: richardkirk@att.net (Richard Kirk) If at all possible, I will attend the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party, especially if you piggyback the ETX Star Party. I was interested in the 2001 ETX party, but live in Chicago and so was unable to attend. I can, however, make the four hour drive down to Springfield. Thank you planning to bring the ETX party around the country. What a concept, consideration for the community you want to serve. So, for your Call for Interest questions: > Yes, I plan to attend. > > I am willing to pay the $35.00 Illinois Dark Skies Star Party fee. > > I am willing to give a short talk on the pedestal table I built for my ETX-90, > or will at least have it with me and will answer questions about it. > > Yes, I will bring my ETX-90, and perhaps my vintage 72 Sears 76 mm refractor. > > I would like to attend all four days, but most likely would arrive late > Friday, October 5, and stay through the morning of the 6th. > > I may bring my daughter with me. She will be 16 at the time of the party. > > I live in Chicago, Illinois. > Mr. Bob Shutan first referred me to your web site when I bought my ETX from his shop about three years ago. Its been very helpful to me. Thanks for sharing your interest and fun with this great little scope. Sincerely, Richard Kirk
Subject: 2nd Annual Mighty ETX Starparty Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 9:45:23 From: TRAVIS.WHITLOW@newark.com I had already planned to attend the Illinois Dark Skies Party, so this is an excellent (!!!!!) bonus. Unfortunately, I'm not smart enough to give a talk about anything, but I'd certainly attend any of the type you've suggested as possible topics. I'll bring both of my ETXs (I have a 70 and a 90RA). It'll give me a chance to show off some of the mods I've come up with for mounting a finder (both red-dot and right angle) and some other homemade "stuff." I will be there from late afternoon Friday (the 4th) through breakfast on Sunday (the 6th).
Subject: Star Party Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 4:51:36 From: ken.hurd@verizon.net (Ken Hurd) Any idea if you will ever have it on the east coast soon?Mike here: See the "Mighty ETX Star Party!!!" page for info on an east coast one.
Subject: 2002 Midwest ETX Star Party! Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2002 18:00:03 From: tylerica@yahoo.com (Tyler and Erica Buckner) In regards to the 2002 Midwest Star Party: Would you attend such an event? Yes! Most definitely! My wife & I would both attend and we could possibly find a few other friends that would be interested in attending as well... Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? No problem! When you determine that your ETX Star Party is a definite, do we need to register for the party via www.sas-sky.org? I visited that website and noticed that the registration fee increases to $55.00 after September 3... Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? No, I am new to this field. I am interested in topics on configuring for satellite/ISS tracking and possible astrophotography. Would you bring your telescope(s)? Yes, I would bring my ETX-70AT... Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? We would be in attendance from the evening of October 4 thru lunchtime on October 6. Tyler Buckner Jackson, MO ps. Scotch from Mundelein requested GPS coordinates for the Panther Creek State Wildlife Area. If the address is correct on their website, the GPS cords are Lat: 40.047302 or 40:02:50.287N Alt: ~480ft. Lon: -90.152897 or 90:09:10.429W GMT to Local: -6.0 "The sky's the limit, unless you're an astronomer!"Mike here: I hope to confirm the ETX star party well before the deadline!
Subject: ETX Star Party Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 10:25:08 From: frazer.newbould@lineone.net (Frazer) As a new owner of an ETX I would be very interested to come to the star party in October, the future permitting. I would expect to bring my ETX90EC but cannot really offer any topics for a talk! Regards Frazer Newbould (UK)
Subject: ETX starparty Sent: Thursday, April 4, 2002 13:59:39 From: rpasken@eas.slu.edu (Dr. Robert Pasken) Yes I will probably attend, but only Fri night late until Sunday noonish The fee is excessive. I will bring the ETX-90EC and other scopes if the skies are dark I will talk about downloading and upgrading the ETX also adding tours _ |----------------------------------------------------| ( ) | Robert W. Pasken | ( ) |----------------------------------------------------| _( ) | Atmospheric Sciences | ( ) | Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences | ( ) |----------------------------------------------------| ( ) | 306 Maclewane Hall | _( ) | 3507 Laclede Ave. | ( ) | Saint Louis Missouri | ( ) | 62201 | (_______________) |----------------------------------------------------| ///////////// | Phone: (314) 977-3125 FAX: (314) 977-3117 | //////////// | ---> pasken@thunder.eas.slu.edu <--- | ///////////// |-----------------------------------------------
Subject: Transporting ETX Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2002 16:42:16 From: gombe@msn.com (earl gomberg) The one problem might be to transport the larger ETX scope (125) via airplane for those of us coming from the West Coast. With all of the security on planes it might be a problem trying to carry on a 125 and get it to fit in a overhead compartment if the airlines would even let you carry it on. Hopefully you will again have a star party here in southern California again for us west coast people, it was a blast! EarlMike here: Thanks. I'd like to continue having ETX Star Parties around the country so at some point we'll be back on the West Coast.
Subject: Illinios Star party Sent: Monday, April 1, 2002 14:31:44 From: fnkershner@earthlink.net (Floyd Kershner) I have been anxiously waiting for this announcement. I have saved vacation time just so that I could attend. I would there just to meet Clay. I would bring my 125 and hope to stay for all of this event. I don't yet feel qualified to talk about anything but my bad experiences to date. Could you provide more details on accommodations, reservations and pricing. I currently live in Seattle, WA The $35 fee is not a problem to me. I am more concerned with the hotel or cabin prices. Also there would be 2 of us. My wife and I.Mike here: As of yet I have no details on housing. Keep watching the Site.
Subject: 2nd Annual 'Mighty ETX' Star Party Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2002 11:36:45 From: tim@isylum.org (Tim Campbell) Mike - Thanks for organizing this. I'm exciting that the venue is within driving distance! I'm from Dearborn, MI (Detroit metro suburb) and this sounds like it's about a 6 hour drive. Would you attend such an event? YES! (2 people) Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? Yes - sounds reasonable. Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? No Would you bring your telescope(s)? Yes - ETX-125 Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? Maybe Oct 3 (depends on my work shedule) Most definitely Oct 4, 5 Probably have to drive home Oct 6 and wouldn't be able to attend anything past 12 noon. I'd be interested in a workshop on proper calibration & setup/alignment of the scope. I realize this maybe seems simple, but it's something I don't seem to be able to manage consistently.
Subject: 2002 ETX Party Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2002 16:27:34 From: scotch@hilleque.net (Scotch) Would you attend such an event? Yes I would love to attend. I live in Mundelein, which is North of Chicago, and would be flying in. Do you have GPS cords for the park or know of a nearby airfield? Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? Yes Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? Not qualified (yet). Would you bring your telescope(s)? Absolutely (ETX-105EC) Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? Depends on good weather for flyingMike here: I don't have any GPS coords for the site.
Subject: Will Attend Sent: Friday, March 22, 2002 19:07:13 From: kslasher@socket.net (Kevin Lasher) I would be attending this year's Star party if held at the Springfield Ill site, along with my son. I live in Cape Girardeau Missouri, about 4 hours from Springfield. I'd be bringing an ETX-90, and would like to see topics on configuring for satellite tracking and astrophotography. I'd definitely be willing to pay the entrance fee for the park. Thanks very much. Kevin Lasher
Subject: ETX Star Party Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 17:28:35 From: tmewherter@lefletcher.com (Tom Mewherter) Would you attend such an event? Yes Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? Yes Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? No Would you bring your telescope(s)? Yes, ETX-105EC Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? All Houma, Louisiana
Subject: Attending the ETX Star Party Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 13:18:01 From: peterrossi@lucent.com (Rossi, Peter (Peter)) I am interested in attending the 2002 ETX Star Party. Here are the answers to your questions. Where do I live: Deerfield, Illinois Would you attend such an event? YES Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? YES Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? NO, I an just a beginner to Astronomy. Would you bring your telescope(s)? YES, I will bring my ETX-125EC Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? All four days - 10/03-10/06. Is this Party a sure thing or is it just in the planning stage?? Is it too early to make reservations?? I am not interested in going if you GUYS are not going to be there!! I am looking forward to meeting you and Clay. I need to thanks both of you in person for all of your GREAT help. THANKS: PeterMike here: Right now I'm just checking on the interest for it. But I hope to firm it up soon if the interest continues to grow at the current rate.
Subject: Call for Interest Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 0:09:47 From: jamesewilkins@earthlink.net (Jim Wilkins) Would you attend such an event? Yes Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? Yes Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? No Would you bring your telescope(s)? Yes Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? Oct 5,6 Coming from Virginia.
Subject: IL Star Party Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 17:12:19 From: gypsyd@charter.net Would you attend such an event? Yes! Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? Yes! Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? Nahh... Beginner! Maybe Astrophotography if I have it 'down' by then! Would you bring your telescope(s)? Yes! ETX-125 Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? 4, 5 maybe 6 If you plan to attend (or hope to attend) please let me know how many people will be coming, what telescopes you'll bring, and where you live (City, State). Probably 2 people. Will confirm at later date. Janesville, WI (15 mi N/of IL border, near Rockford)
Subject: Interested in attending Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 6:46:18 From: No1drwftjc@aol.com In response to your inquiry: 1. I would plan on coming to the ETX Star Party in Illinois and would bring 1-2 people. 2. I plan on bringing my ETX90. 3. I live in Ferndale, Michigan 4. Yes, I would pay the $35 fee to the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party 5. I would not be interested in giving a talk. 6. I would plan on attending Oct 4-5th. Thanks for your fantastic site and giving us folks in the midwest the opportunity to attend your star party without spending a good amount of money on airfare. We do have some wonderfully clear nights here in the fall, so we should have good luck with the weather. Thanks again,Theresa
Subject: Darn! Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 23:17:48 From: stantstk@pacbell.net (Stan Glaser) Having attended the 1st Mighty ETX Star Party, would really love to attend this one as well -- alas, the date and the distance put a damper on making it out there. Would have enjoyed to meet Clay this time around, too. Ah, well, maybe next time -- or the next West Coast event... Stan Glaser
Subject: ETX star party Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 18:18:37 From: brunge@penx.com (Runge, Brian) Would you attend such an event? Very likely Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? Yes Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? Not at this time. Would you bring your telescope(s)? Yes ETX 70 Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? Undecided Brian Runge
Subject: 2002 ETX Star Party Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2002 10:53:21 From: jbkb@prodigy.net (Kevin Berg) Would you attend such an event? Yes (1-2 persons) Would you be willing to pay the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party registration fee ($35/person)? Yes Would you be willing to give a talk on some aspect of the ETX, DS, Autostar, astronomy, astrophotography? No Would you bring your telescope(s)? ETX-90/EC and/or SkyQuest XT10 Which days/nights (3, 4, 5, 6 October) would you plan to attend? October 5-6 Coming from Michigan. Kevin
Subject: ETX Party Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2002 6:33:50 From: Petz2@mindspring.com (Stephen Petzold) I believe that you should stay close to home and have another star party. The Borrego Springs event was great. The weather in Illinois is too unpredictable. My order for your ETX book has not been filled by Amazon yet. Is their a hold up in the publishing ? Good luck with the Star Party. We would love to see another one in So. Cal. Steve PetzoldMike here: Thanks for the comments. There are also people who want to see this is happen in many parts of the world, let along the USA! I'd like to do more of them per year but time is limited. And yes, we'll be taking a chance with the Midwest weather in early October but that is always the case no matter where you go. As to your book order (thanks), the latest info is on the book page on the ETX Site.
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