After the drama of a few weeks ago, I finally get news about my secondary mirror assembly: the repairs are done, and pleasantly affordable.

After having used the new site out in the sticks twice and having to realise that not only does the army discharge firearms there, but also hunters, and that it is an extremely moist environment, with the fog coming up from the ground so that my optics fog up even while I’m still polar aligning…

After a long time without any opportunity to observe anything, and a few updates my relevant software, I finally have the opportunity to take care of this year’s blockbuster comet. The new house has a roof garden, and I have a tripod and a camera.

After a turbulent year comprising a major move into a different area and various other hindrances, today I finally had the time to search for a suitably dark spot for astronomical activities. Within an 18 mi radius there are several promising spots. Some of those, however, are out before even looking at them because there…

In the morning, while going to bed, my gaze strays out of the bedroom window and what do I see: NLCs! So I get out the photography stuff, set up as best possible and as far northerly as possible at the window and get what shots I can. Result to the left. Proud as a…

After there having been a few messages through the email distribution system of the Lübeck observatory, by a few people who want to go out for observation, there is an addendum that they intend to go west of the city of Lübeck to avoid its light dome. I contribute the idea of going to the army training…

Despite the great heat, a clear sky is prognosed. The seeing prediction is 5/5, it is a new moon, my telescope has been feeling neglected by me since the beginning of the year, and my back is more or less back in commission. So, while a short phone call established that Hippo is busy, I…

Only a few days before my disc operation, I have finally had it and cannot stand it any longer. The skies are clear, and the people from the Observatory have declared a picnic at Utecht. I cannot carry my own equipment, but doctor’s orders or not, I can transport myself and my camera.

After already having endured back pain for several months, at the end of March it turned out I was suffering from a massively slipped disc. Not something I could recommend in any way. The telescope meet on the Aschberg had originally been cancelled (and then moved to a different venue) because of building measures on…

It was supposed to rain. And blow. And my back is hurting. And here I stand at my living room window and stare at this beautiful conjunction of Venus, Moon and Jupiter staring back at me. No way can I drive out to Utecht tonight… so I unpack my old refractor.