[Aavso-photometry] HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

[Steven Orlando]

Hello All!

As usual, this is the time of year where some people look back on the rest of the year. I find that (astronomy wise) I was blessed with a few things:

I was glad that I was able to purchase a new focuser from Van Slyke Engineering, ACP automated observatory control software from DC3 dreams and an Optec Pyxis rotator from Optec. Also many smaller items were purchased.

I also started doing photometry, and reported some of my results to the AAVSO, and was able to get some exoplanet transit data recognized as well.

Also, our local observatory was blessed as well. The research team (which I am a member of) was awarded a grant to purchase some equipment, and they received a grant to redo their roof.

My  astronomical wishes for 2008 will be a bit harder to make happen. I would like to get an automated observatory on my property. Unfortunately, right now my parents and I don't see eye to eye (they have the upper hand, they own the property). They would rather not have part of their lawn ripped up. For them it will create problems with rerouting the sprinkler system, rewiring electricity and dealing with mounds of cement.

We'll see! My selling angle will be that they can get alot of their garage space back.

Anyway, I wish everyone a VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR FOR 2008, and may you get that scope, mount, camera, or whatever astronomical pieces of equipment you desire, and most of all CLEAR SKIES!!

Look forward to posting here in 2008!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!

Steve