Galileoscope vs. Project STAR telescope: first quarter Moon

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3767707229/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Project STAR telescope (upper, sciencefirst.com/vw_prdct_mdl.asp?mdl_cd=6540000) and Galileoscope (lower, www.galileoscope.org), both aimed at the first quarter Moon at dusk, for a direct comparison of light-gathering, resolving, and magnification powers of their respective images.


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

FOV (inverted) through the Galileoscope (www.galileoscope.org) of the first quarter Moon (25x) at dusk.


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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3767704455/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

FOV (inverted) through the Project STAR telescope (sciencefirst.com/vw_prdct_mdl.asp?mdl_cd=6540000) of the first quarter Moon (approximately 15x) at dusk. Image is actually sharper than this, but adequate prime focus photography is difficult due to extremely poor eye relief.

Photos by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Sketchbook: Blobby Booh, imperiled

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3763939418/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Waifer X Industries, Inc. cartoon characters Fray Ormandy and Waifer X, from the 1997-2002 webcomic "Did you know? by NK Particle" (cf. http://waiferx.com/Cartoons/archivewindow.html). Looks like Blobby Booh is in trouble! (c) 2009 Patrick M. Len.

Galileoscope: waxing crescent Moon, 25x magnification eyepiece

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3763092693/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

FOV through the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Galileoscope (www.galileoscope.org) of the waxing crescent Moon (25x) at dusk. Original inverted image. Photo by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Project STAR telescope: cutaway view and makeshift mount

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3734670236/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Cutaway of the Project STAR telescope (www.sciencefirst.com/vw_prdct_mdl.asp?mdl_cd=6540000), showing the plastic primary lens (with circular aperture to block out spherical aberrations) and foam-mounted eyepiece. Photo by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Cuesta College Astronomy 210L student Jason looks through a Project STAR telescope, with a floor lamp used as an ad hoc mount. Photo by J. McFarland (Cuesta College Astrophoto Pool).

Sketchbook: Skacore Waifer, Indignant Fray

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3752885253/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Waifer X Industries, Inc. cartoon characters Waifer X and Fray Ormandy, from the 1997-2002 webcomic "Did you know? by NK Particle" (cf. http://waiferx.com/Cartoons/archivewindow.html). Perhaps a bigger size sketchbook is needed. (c) 2009 Patrick M. Len.

Stitch-A-Logo custom name patch

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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Custom name patch from Stitch-A-Logo (www.stitchalogo.com) for Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Astronomy laboratory: Project STAR vs. Galileoscope telescope powers

Astronomy 210L Lab 05 v.09.07.18, Fall Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

"Telescope Powers" laboratory worksheet for introductory astronomy laboratory. Students compare the light-gathering, resolving, and magnifying powers of two reproductions of 17th century telescopes, the Project STAR telescope (www.starlab.com/psprod.html#Anchor-Refracting-11481), and the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Galileoscope(TM) (www.galileoscope.org).

Note that for the purposes of this lab activity, the two rubber rings that hold the outer shell of the Galileoscope(TM) (www.flickr.com/photos/carolune/3742841214/) are unused, such that only the eyepiece assembly, and the front and back caps need to be removed/replaced for disassembly/reassembly.

Galileoscope: 25x magnification eyepiece focal point

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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Using a ballpoint pen to identify the focal point of the 25x magnification eyepiece of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Galileoscope (www.galileoscope.org).


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

View through the Galileoscope 25x eyepiece, showing the ballpoint pen tip used to identify its focal point.

Photo and video by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Galileoscope: first light, 25x magnification eyepiece

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3726661383/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

FOV through the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Galileoscope (www.galileoscope.org) of the waning crescent Moon (25x). Original inverted image.


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

View through the Galileoscope of the waning crescent Moon (25x). Original inverted image has been rotated erect.


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

View along the Galileoscope, with waning crescent Moon.

Photos by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Galileoscope: unpacking and assembly

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3727442420/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Unboxing the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Galileoscope (www.galileoscope.org) kit.


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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3727451524/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Galileoscope primary achromatic doublet lens.


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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3726655853/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Cutaway of the Galileoscope, showing the primary achromatic doublet lens and 25x eyepiece.

Photos by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

NASA/JPL Presentation: "The Future of US Robotic Planetary Exploration"

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3723836115/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3724646976/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Dr. Randii Wessen (Jet Propulsion Laboratory/NASA Project Formulation Office Deputy Manager), gives a presentation on "The Future of US Robotic Planetary Exploration," at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Dr. John Keller (R, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) presents Art Hammon (L, NASA) with Cal Poly merchandise as a token of appreciation.


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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3724652868/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Dr. John Keller (L, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) presents Dr. Randii Wessen (R, JPL/NASA) with Cal Poly merchandise as a token of appreciation.

Photos by Cuesta College Physical Sciences division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Found physics: Fountain, 11th and Pine St., Paso Robles, CA

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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

"Everything In And Around Us Is Made Of Energy Vibrating At Different Speeds." Fountain, 11th and Pine St., Paso Robles, CA.


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

"Positive Thoughts Attract Positive Results." Fountain, 11th and Pine St., Paso Robles, CA.


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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

"The Universe Is Abundant. STARGAZE." Fountain, 11th and Pine St., Paso Robles, CA.

Photos taken by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len with a Nokia e71 smartphone.

Sketchbook: Shredding Waifer, Watching Fray

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3701859691/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Waifer X Industries, Inc. cartoon characters Waifer X and Fray Ormandy (with the Flower of Misfortune), from the 1997-2002 webcomic "Did you know? by NK Particle" (cf. http://waiferx.com/Cartoons/archivewindow.html). (c) 2009 Patrick M. Len.

Sketchbook: Fray Ormandy, Waifer X walking

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3698835597/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Waifer X Industries, Inc. cartoon characters Fray Ormandy and Waifer X (with Blobby Booh bouncing off of Fray's hand), from the 1997-2002 webcomic "Did you know? by NK Particle" (cf. http://waiferx.com/Cartoons/archivewindow.html). (c) 2009 Patrick M. Len.

Coronado Personal Solar Telescope

Trial set-up of a new Cuesta College North County campus Coronado Personal Solar Telescope, Paso Robles, CA. (No solar prominences that day, due to the Solar Quietus of 2008-2009.) Photos by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3676605334/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Close-up of the Coronado PST badge.


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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3676621650/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

The primary lens.


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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3676640434/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Sun centered in the finder scope.

Astronomy in the marketplace: (Pontiac) Solstice vs. (Chevrolet) Equinox

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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Pontiac Solstice coupe, Chevrolet Equinox sports utility vehicle badges. Photos by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Found physics: Kepler's first law

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3673336702/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Construction of an ellipse using pencil, string, and two thumbtacks, demonstrating Kepler's first law of planetary motion, where the Sun would be located at one of the thumbtacks (i.e., at one of the two foci). Video by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len.

Astronomy in the marketplace: Mitsubishi Eclipse

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Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Mitsubishi Eclipse bumper badge. Photo taken with Nokia e71 smartphone.

Astronomy in the marketplace: beer for the uncommon occurence?

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3669168882/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Blue Moon beer carton, BevMo!, San Luis Obispo, CA. Photo by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len, with a Nokia e71 smartphone.

Astronomy in the marketplace: "seasonal" beer

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3668360219/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema bottle, BevMo!, San Luis Obispo, CA. Photo by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len, with a Nokia e71 smartphone.