New member in Oregon

New 4Runner owner in Oregon! Reading the posts here really helped me make my choice (thanks).

I’ve been without a camping/recreation vehicle since I had to let my 2000 Expedition go a few years ago. Really been missing it. Looking forward to traveling the rough roads along the NW rivers again for fly fishing. Most of all, I’m excited to be able to attend the annual Oregon Star Party again with all my camping and telescope gear (assuming its held this year). They get (in the ball-park of) 600 or so astronomy enthusiasts to drive out to a site in the Oregon Ochoco mountains to hang out for the better part of a week. Some of the darkest skies left in the country so the views are amazing. Here is what our setup looked like on our last visit with the Expedition (looking forward to taking new photos with the 4R in its place) and a couple of the event.

Cheers!

 

Do you astronomers notice there are no “sun spots”, “black circles” on the sun anymore? I remember when I got my first telescope I looked up there with a solar filter and it was loaded with them... Not so much now?? Or are there plenty?? This must of been in the mid 80’s.....?,,,

 

O and welcome....I just took a crash course in sunspots...,.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! That is some serious star gazing you've got going on there!

 

Welcome from FL.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks everybody! Again, your input really helped with the purchase.

Yes, some of us keep an eye (with proper filters!) on the sun. I’ve watched the cycle of lots to no spots and back quite a few times since I started watching as a kid. The past couple of years there were long stretches of no spots but we are starting to see them again (end of Solar Minimum). They (and the activity associated with them) will be increasing over the next several years.

For me (and almost all those that attend the star party) it is just a hobby. It’s not unlike the community here - some like to just use their gear as-is (observe), some like wrenching, and some are craftsmen who like to build from scratch. Quite a few attend with just binoculars. The key is to get know your neighbors during the day and get invited back for a view through their big scopes after dark.