Al Paslow Astronomy Collection

Images and events of personal interest.

Your Bio

"Hi - Welcome to my site. Hope you enjoy a great number of photo images concerning Astronomy, and my personal interests. Thanks for taking a look ." - Al.

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Left -- From the surface of Mars the spacecraft Phoenix sent us this picture Memorial Day May 26, 2008. The flag of the USA is proudly visible attached to the lander. It is another symbol of great accomplishment in the quest of science and adventure !

Calsky.com | Heavens -above.com | Stellarium FREE Planetarium software | The Night Sky This Week | Dave Smith Photo | Cleaning Optics Perfectly | Basic Star Testing | Star Testing Eyepiece | 29 Days of Moon Images | Build a Refractor Telescope | Amateur Telescope Optics

Featured Galleries

Mingo Star Party - June 28, 2008 : The South Hills Wireless Association was there to to join us for this Star Party. The weather was at times brutal. The evening ended with storms and a fantastic full 180 arc rain bow. Click on any image to enlarge.

Mingo Star Party - June 28, 2008

The South Hills Wireless Association was there to to join us for this ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 7:10pm PST

Thunder Clouds & Storms : June 23, 2008. Thunder storms & ominous clouds roll past South Hills Village. COOL !! Click on any image to enlarge.

Thunder Clouds & Storms

June 23, 2008. Thunder storms & ominous clouds roll past South Hills V ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2008 4:04pm PST

Galleries

Astronomy Weekend at The Carnegie Science Center March 2008 : These are photos of the displays set up in Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center for Astronomy Weekend by the Amateur astronomers Association of Pittsburgh http://www.3ap.org The photos are by David L. Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com Some of the demonstrations are from Night Sky Network. Thanks to Al Paslow for letting me post these.

Astronomy Weekend at The Carnegie Science Center March 2008

These are photos of the displays set up in Pittsburgh's Carnegie Scien ...

Updated: Apr 01, 2008 3:35pm EDT

Wagman Observatory Winterfest Feb. 16, 2008 : This is the annual "Wagman Winterfest" held by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh http://www.3ap.org in Deer Lakes Park, NE of Pittsburgh, PA Photos are by AAAP member Dave Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com We had a clear cold Moon lit night with over 200 attending.

Wagman Observatory Winterfest Feb. 16, 2008

This is the annual "Wagman Winterfest" held by the Amateur Astronomers ...

Updated: Feb 17, 2008 3:10pm EDT

Comet Holmes : One of the strangest Comets ever seen. Increase in brilliance of 500,000 times in a matter of hours.

Comet Holmes

One of the strangest Comets ever seen. Increase in brilliance of 500,0 ...

Updated: Oct 29, 2007 9:38pm EDT

Eagle Rock Observatory : This observatory in the foothills of Idaho's Caribou Range, just east of Idaho Falls, takes advantage of clear western skies. It was built in 2007 by AAAP member Trevor Lewis.

Eagle Rock Observatory

This observatory in the foothills of Idaho's Caribou Range, just east ...

Updated: Feb 01, 2008 8:33pm EDT

Schomer Observatory : Mark Schomer of Connellsville, PA build this beautiful & stylish observatory. It will house a 12 inch instrument.

Schomer Observatory

Mark Schomer of Connellsville, PA build this beautiful & stylish obser ...

Updated: Sep 16, 2007 2:05pm EDT

McDonald's Museum : During Memorial Day Weekend , 2007 I stumbled accross this huge McDonald's Restaurant and Museum, located along Rt # 30 about 2 min. off the PA Turnpike near Irwin, PA. The place is fantastic, with at least a 2 story tall play room for children. I have to say this place is the biggest MacDonald's I ever saw. It was founded by Jim Deligatti who invented the Big Mac sandwich. Perhaps more correctly it is a "Big Mac" Museum. Jim founded the Big Mac because he believed America was ready for a larger hamburger. He developed the 5 ingrediant "special sauce" which stands secret to this day. When the burger first came out McDonald's Officials felt it was too messy, so Jim added a "middle bun" to stabalize the burger. The rest is history !!! All images by Al Paslow. .................................................................. Click on any image to enlarge.

McDonald's Museum

During Memorial Day Weekend , 2007 I stumbled accross this huge McDona ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2007 11:23pm EDT

Wagman Observatory Starparty July 21, 2007 Photos by Dave Smith : These photos are taken by Dave Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com at the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh's www.3ap.org Wagman Observatory. The telescopes inside are an 11" Breshear and their 21" Manka Refractor. This starparty was attended by over 200 guest.

Wagman Observatory Starparty July 21, 2007 Photos by Dave Smith

These photos are taken by Dave Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com at ...

Updated: Jul 25, 2007 1:00pm EDT

Josh's Prom May 25. 007 : The Bethel Park, PA High School had the senior prom on friday May 25th. The gang got together for pictures and took a limo to South Park and then wisked away to to the Hilton Hotel at Southpointe. Here's some images.... IMPORTANT - Click on any image to enlarge!!!

Josh's Prom May 25. 007

The Bethel Park, PA High School had the senior prom on friday ...

Updated: May 26, 2007 7:07pm EDT

Sky Shots : Hi - the first three images give the perspective of the Moon and the moon with Venus on the evening of May 18, 2007. Then a few days later a close-up of the planet Venus on May 21st. Review other images that will bring you up to Jan 2008. Other dates and views follow.

Sky Shots

Hi - the first three images give the perspective of the Moon and the m ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2008 8:48pm EDT

Mingo Star Parties - April -May & end of 2007 : Here are images of people who have attended recent star parties at Mingo Creek Park Observatory. Highlights of the events include views of the Moon, Venus and the Planet Saturn.

Mingo Star Parties - April -May & end of 2007

Here are images of people who have attended recent star parties at Min ...

Updated: Nov 07, 2007 2:30pm EDT

Dave Smith's Images at the Carnegie Science Center : This is at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA. These photos are of members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, www.3ap.org. set up on March 31-April 1 for Astronomy Weekend. Their displays and exhibits include telescope making, solar and video observing, astro photography, astro face painting and telescopes for the visitors to look through. all images are by Dave Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com

Dave Smith's Images at the Carnegie Science Center

This is at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA. These photos ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2007 10:49am EDT

Sidewalk Astronomy , Dave Smith's Photos : These are taken in Pittsburgh, PA Friday, March 30, 2007 on E. Carson Street. Members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh www.3ap.org show people the Moon and Saturn. Photos are by Dave Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com

Sidewalk Astronomy , Dave Smith's Photos

These are taken in Pittsburgh, PA Friday, March 30, 2007 on E. Carson ...

Updated: Apr 01, 2007 1:44am EDT

Astronomy and other photos from Friends of Paul Campbell :

Astronomy and other photos from Friends of Paul Campbell

Updated: Apr 23, 2007 9:18pm EDT

Paul F. Campbell's Sunsets , clouds and wildlife photos : This is a collection of Sunsets, clouds and wildlife from my home in Washington Pa,and other places.

Paul F. Campbell's Sunsets , clouds and wildlife photos

This is a collection of Sunsets, clouds and wildlife from my home in W ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2007 8:56pm EDT

Paul Campbell's images : This is a collection of astronomical images, including the moon, planets, nebula, and others.

Paul Campbell's images

This is a collection of astronomical images, including the moon, plane ...

Updated: May 16, 2007 7:15pm EDT

Ice Crystals : The winter weather has been quite harsh over the past several days during the week of Valentines Day 2007. Having both rain and snow you can see the ice in the trees. I imaged the sunlight relecting and refracting off the branches on the morning of Feb 15, 2007. Click on any picture to enlarge it.

Ice Crystals

The winter weather has been quite harsh over the past several days dur ...

Updated: May 02, 2007 11:28pm EDT

Comet McNaught C/2006 P1 : This beautiful object was recently located in the evening sky and early morning sky too. Discovered August 7, 2006 by R. H. McNaught (Siding Spring Survey). It is approaching perihelion on Jan. 11, 2007 and was visible very low on the west horizon immediately after the sunset. It was visible in the daytime sky ( Jan 14, 2007 )& is the brightest comet since 1965. Now having moved southward it is only visible in the southern hemisphere.

Comet McNaught C/2006 P1

This beautiful object was recently located in the evening sky and ear ...

Updated: Jan 20, 2007 11:33pm EDT

Lunar Halo By Dave Smith : These are Dave Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com photos taken in January 3, 2007 from Pittsburgh's South Side. Camera handheld.

Lunar Halo By Dave Smith

These are Dave Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com photos taken in Jan ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2007 2:37pm EDT

New Years Day Sun : Just for fun I took several images of the big sun early Jan 1, 2007. Here they are!

New Years Day Sun

Just for fun I took several images of the big sun early Jan 1, 2007. H ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2007 4:06pm EDT

Christmas Meeting/Party of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh : These are Dave Smith's photos http://www.davesmithphoto.com of the December 9, 2006, monthly meeting and Christmas Party. Our speaker was honorary member Tom Reiland. We had drawing for door prizes, Awards for service and a fine selection of food.

Christmas Meeting/Party of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

These are Dave Smith's photos http://www.davesmithphoto.com of the Dec ...

Updated: Dec 14, 2006 1:02am EDT

Woodland Hills School Dist. Refractor : This 9 inch refractor was made by C. E. Mackett & Co Mfrs & Opticians in Brighton England and has been housed in the Woodland Hills High School in Churchill Boro., near Pittsburgh, PA. Much of the instrument is good condition. It yeilds sharp contrasty images as reported by Jayson Kowinsky who teaches astronomy. Dave Smith & I were able to document this instrument on Nov 10, 2006. Dave Smith's shots are #109-#137 For more about the history of this telescope see: http://telescopium.org/Woodland_Hills_Refractor.html

Woodland Hills School Dist. Refractor

This 9 inch refractor was made by C. E. Mackett & Co Mfrs & Opticians ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2006 5:21am EDT

2006 Transit of Mercury at Mingo Observatory : Well the Nov 8, 2006 Transit of Mercury accross the face of the sun was a total bust from Mingo Creek Park Observatory in Washington County. We could not even see the sun's disk all day due to cloud cover. A number of observers and members were present despit the bad weather. However Paul Campbell sent me this image from Bridgeville- which shows the sun and Mercury crossing. We all at Mingo should have been this lucky!!

2006 Transit of Mercury at Mingo Observatory

Well the Nov 8, 2006 Transit of Mercury accross the face of the sun wa ...

Updated: Nov 10, 2006 9:45am EDT

Dave Smith's Photos from Oct. 21, 2006 AAAP Mingo Creek Park Observatory Star Party : Here are images from the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh's www.3ap.org Starparty at their observatory in Washington County, PA located in Mingo Creek Park. This is the second of the organizations two observatories. This one has two telescope rooms with a 10" D & G refractor and a 24" R/C Optical Guidance Systems telescope. There is also a planetarium. Several scout groups attended along with the general public. photos by Dave Smith www.davesmithphoto.com To learn more about Mingo Creek Park Observatory go to: http://home.comcast.net/~vmaestro/SHOproj/southframes.htm or call (724) 348-6150

Dave Smith's Photos from Oct. 21, 2006 AAAP Mingo Creek Park Observatory Star Party

Here are images from the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh ...

Updated: Oct 23, 2006 12:01pm EDT

Mingo Obs Star Party Sat Oct 14, 2006 : The Webelo's Boy Scout Group visited our facility this weekend. The scout's group den is from Irwin, PA about 30 miles or so from Pittsburgh. Michele Ellis made initial contact with myself and final details and arrangements worked out by Mingo Staff Member Larry McHenry. Our visitors were treated to observations and a Planetarium show. The Webelo's also achieved badge requirements. Portions of the evenings festivities are imaged here.

Mingo Obs Star Party Sat Oct 14, 2006

The Webelo's Boy Scout Group visited our facility this weekend. The sc ...

Updated: Oct 17, 2006 6:45pm EDT

Party at Triple "B" Farms : Friday Oct 6, 2006 we were invited to a birthday party at Triple "B" Farms in Elizabeth, Pa for Westly and Vinnie Jennis. We all had lots of fun. To see more pictures go to the next page- a total of over 100 pictures available for you to see. To enlarge one on the left click on it. To REALLY MAKE IT BIG, click on the current picture displayed. Copy any pictures you wish for yourselves - enjoy!!!

Party at Triple "B" Farms

Friday Oct 6, 2006 we were invited to a birthday party at Triple "B" F ...

Updated: Oct 07, 2006 8:26am EDT

Allegheny Observatory, Open House Sept 29, 2006 Dave Smith's Photos : The University of Pittsburgh holds an open house every year at its Allegheny Observatory located in Pittsburgh's Riverview Park every fall. http://www.pitt.edu/~aobsvtry/ The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh www.3ap.org Helps out by setting up some of their telescopes outside for the guest to look through while waiting for their tour time to begin. Other members serve as guides inside along with some of the observatory staff and astronomers. This year was not very clear but people did get to see the Moon and some double stars and clusters. After the guest leave their is food for all and a chance to see some old friends. And again I would like to thank Al Paslow for letting me post these pictures. Dave Smith www.davesmithphoto.com

Allegheny Observatory, Open House Sept 29, 2006 Dave Smith's Photos

The University of Pittsburgh holds an open house every year at its All ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2006 10:48pm EDT

West Va - : Lately, I have been working in a very rural area called Romney, West Virginia.The place is far from major cities and the skies can be quite dark, just a short distance from my hotel, the South Branch Inn. One monday morning on Sept 11, 2006 I was able to image a fire in the Bridgeville PA, actually before my trip started and so the story and images begin there. Dave Smith this Gallery is dedicated to you!! - Al

West Va -

Lately, I have been working in a very rural area called Romney, West V ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2006 7:00pm EDT

Stormie : Hi, I'm Stormie Paslow and this is my website. I turned 6 years old in January ! I like taking pictures and I like puppie dogs. Here are some pictures I took and some by daddy. Daddy is the funniest person I know. He is an idot sometimes. Please look at my pictures . Hope you like them. Love Stormie.

Stormie

Hi, I'm Stormie Paslow and this is my website. I turned 6 years old in ...

Updated: Jan 31, 2007 6:55am EDT

Dave Smith's Photos from Sept 2, 2006 "Moonrise" Starparty at N. E. Wagman Observatory : This is one of two observatories owned and operated by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh. This one is outside of Pittsburgh, PA in Deer Lakes Park. The AAAP conducts Public Star Parties from March through November. All are free and the public can observe through members telescopes on the lawn and the two telescopes in the building. The largest is a 21" Newtonian reflector. for more information www.3ap.org

Dave Smith's Photos from Sept 2, 2006 "Moonrise" Starparty at N. E. Wagman Observatory

This is one of two observatories owned and operated by the Amateur Ast ...

Updated: Sep 17, 2006 2:51am EDT

Dave Smith's photos of the AAAP Meeting Sept 2006 CSC : Thanks again to Al Paslow for letting me post more images from the Amateur Astronomers Association meeting at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. The speaker is Jim Spuck an Oil City Science teacher talks about how he and his students used the Spitzer Space Telescope. All photos are by me Dave Smith. www.davesmithphoto.com

Dave Smith's photos of the AAAP Meeting Sept 2006 CSC

Thanks again to Al Paslow for letting me post more images from the Ama ...

Updated: Oct 04, 2006 3:24pm EDT

Chrissie and Richard's Almost Heaven Star Party 2006 Images : Off we go with kayaks and telescopes to the Almost Heaven Star Party of 2006.

Chrissie and Richard's Almost Heaven Star Party 2006 Images

Off we go with kayaks and telescopes to the Almost Heaven Star Party o ...

Updated: Sep 17, 2006 1:17pm EDT

Mingo Star Parties July 21 & 22 2006 : The weekend star parties of friday and saturday were a great success! The weather made us restrict viewing to Jupiter on friday and early saturday evenings, but we had some very transparent conditions that were enjoyed by our vistors later saturday night. We had about 44 vistors on friday and a would say a bit more perhaps on saturday, including a club scout troop from Bridgeville. Saturday we were assisted by members of the Wireless Association of the South Hills who hopefully will be attending our regular season star parties. They are a very interesting group of fellows who have the capability to contact the Space Shuttle and the ISS - wow!! Here is a photo essay of the events of both evenings!

Mingo Star Parties July 21 & 22 2006

The weekend star parties of friday and saturday were a great success! ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2006 7:46am EDT

Dave Smith's photos of the 24" R/C Dedication June 24, 2006 : Mingo Creek Park Observatory Summer Fest. These are photos of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh's Mingo Creek Park Observatory in Washington County, PA. It is the second of the AAAP's two public observatories. for information on viewing time click on www.3ap.org and more information about the photographer www.davesmithphoto.com

Dave Smith's photos of the 24" R/C Dedication June 24, 2006

Mingo Creek Park Observatory Summer Fest. These are photos of the Amat ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2006 3:05pm EDT

Dave's Photos of Girl Scouts At Mingo Observatory : These are images taken by David L. Smith of the Girl Scouts and Brownies visit to Mingo Observatory June 22, 2006. Photographed on color negative film and the film was scanned right after processing.More of my work is at: www.davesmithphoto.com

Dave's Photos of Girl Scouts At Mingo Observatory

These are images taken by David L. Smith of the Girl Scouts and Browni ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2006 2:37am EDT

Mingo 24 inch Telescope Dedication : Official Dedication of the 24 inch RC Telescope at Mingo Creek Observatory occurred Saturdat June 24 2006, during the 2006 SUMMERFEST Event. Even though the weather turned very much against us; we packed in guests and officials.

Mingo 24 inch Telescope Dedication

Official Dedication of the 24 inch RC Telescope at Mingo Creek Observa ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2006 4:57pm EDT

John Dobson - Science Center & Mingo : John Dobson on April 1, 2006 attended Astronomy Day at the Carnegie Science Center, in Pittsburgh PA. He gave a talk in the Planetarium followed by questions and answers to a good number of interested people. A telescope mirror grinding demonistration was next using a 12.5 inch mirror blank. Mr.Dobson's final stop was to tour Mingo Creek Park Observatory in Washington County PA. Here are some images of the events:

John Dobson - Science Center & Mingo

John Dobson on April 1, 2006 attended Astronomy Day at the Carnegie Sc ...

Updated: Jul 16, 2007 8:31pm EDT

Delivery of Mingo 24" RC telescope : These photos were taken June 1 & June 2, 2006 at the Amateur Astronomers Association's Mingo Creek Observatory near Washington, PA and south of Pittsburgh. This is a series of photos taken by me, Dave Smith and posted with Al Paslow's permission on his site. They were shot on color negative film and the film was scanned right after processing as a "med." res. scan buy Sukolsky Brunelle Inc.

Delivery of Mingo 24" RC telescope

These photos were taken June 1 & June 2, 2006 at the Amateur Astronome ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2006 12:27pm EDT

24 inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope : Wow!!Late on the evening of June 1, 2006 a rather large tube assembly arrived at Mingo Observatory - Our long awaited 24 inch RC Telescope from Optical Guidance. A number of AAAP members came by to help - Kathy DeSantis, Dave Smith, Ed Moss, George Guzik, Larry McHenry, Dave Houggy, Flacc Stifel, Gene Kulakowski, Mike Meteney, myself and others. The crated instrument was simply picked up and unloaded from the truck. Later we attached a hoist and picked up the telescope optical tube and placed it right on to the German Equatorial Mount. Pictures tell the story, click on them to enlarge!!

24 inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope

Wow!!Late on the evening of June 1, 2006 a rather large tube assembly ...

Updated: Jun 02, 2006 7:04am EDT

Moon Images : This page will continue to grow when more images become available. Vast improvements in imaging have occured in recent times due to web cameras, which can record a short "movie" of the moon or a planet. Then hundreds of individual frames of this movie can be stacked one upon the other, taking advantage of fleeting seconds of good seeing and computer enhancements. Some pictures are as easy as simply hand holding a digital camera to the eyepiece of the telescope and "snapping" the picture. (That is pretty much what was done with the first image shown here.) Of course steady air and a vibration free set-up is a must for the very best images.

Moon Images

This page will continue to grow when more images become available. ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2007 5:31pm EDT

John Dobson's Visit : On March 29, 2006 - The famous John Dobson arrived in Pittsburgh, PA for the Carngie Science Center - Astronomy Day Event. He was greeted by Bill and Maureen Moutz and over the next serval days is enjoying a stay at their home in the Verona area. Mr. Dobson recieved a tour of Allegheny Observatory on thursday, hosted by Art Glasser, with Bill, Richard Frye, and myself. Mr. Dobson examined the 30 inch Thaw Refractor and also the Historic 13 inch Fritz-Clark instrument. A dinner followed at Follino's in the south side. Afterwards a number of members joined Mr. Dobson for a sidewalk observing session in at the 19th and Carson Street Area - here are some of the images of that event:

John Dobson's Visit

On March 29, 2006 - The famous John Dobson arrived in Pittsburgh, PA f ...

Updated: Nov 18, 2006 6:32pm EDT

12 inch Dynacsope - from the 1950's : I've decided to post images of a real classic telescope. This telescope until recently was located in the Greensburg-Salem School district, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It has since been retired, due to mechanical problems, with the equatorial mount and the fact it is a rather large instrument that needed to be moved in and out doors to be used! This Dynascope is rather unique because the fact it is a 12 inch scope, and not a 12.5 incher which means this is an early instrument. The serial number is # 478 and is the very lowest I have ever seen! The best bet is this telescope was a late 1950's or very early 1960's vintage. - Al

12 inch Dynacsope - from the 1950's

I've decided to post images of a real classic telescope. This telescop ...

Updated: Jan 17, 2006 2:59pm EDT

6 inch Jaegers Refractor Telescope : A 6 inch F-10 Refractor is an interesting telescope that I considered somewhat portable. Here are some images of this instrument and the moon.This telescope is owned by Al Paslow, of Bethel Park, PA 15102 Questions? Email me at : alpaslow@yahoo.com Also click on the Al-Paslow by > other to see more telescopes and observatory images.

6 inch Jaegers Refractor Telescope

A 6 inch F-10 Refractor is an interesting telescope that I considered ...

Updated: Jul 11, 2005 11:26pm EDT

Mingo October Star Parties : A group of Handicapped inviduals from the Washington County area takes a tour our observatory and Planetarium.

Mingo October Star Parties

A group of Handicapped inviduals from the Washington County area takes ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2005 10:12am EDT

Mingo Girl Scouts Star Party Troop # 1216- Oct 8, 2005 : Despite rainy weather we had a great time with Debra & Jim Snyder and the Girls Troop # 1216 from the Johnstown PA. This would include Bellwood, Altoona and Tyrone Areas. Our geusts were entertained by a Planetarium show, Power Point Demonstrations about the moon and Star gazing. A tour of the observatory and all of our telescopes of course were part of the adventure! Click on each thumb print picture and read about this exciting evening....

Mingo Girl Scouts Star Party Troop # 1216- Oct 8, 2005

Despite rainy weather we had a great time with Debra & Jim Snyder and ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2005 11:14am EDT

1958 Cave 10 inch f-7 Telescope : An unusual original Cave 10 inch f 7.2 Newtonian Telescope. E-mail me at alpaslow@yahoo.com This instrument still has original mirror coatings dated Aug 10, 1958 !

1958 Cave 10 inch f-7 Telescope

An unusual original Cave 10 inch f 7.2 Newtonian Telescope. E-mail me ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2005 10:40am EDT

Astronomical Trip to the Dominican Republic : The images here tell a story of a trip my family and I enjoyed to the Dominican Republic. The whole idea started in June, when I received an e-mail by friend Eric Ramos, and was invited to be a guest and a speaker at an Astronomical event in the Dominican Republic August 5, and 6th. Eric told me of the gorgeous beaches and beautiful clear skies that were at this location at approximately 18 degrees latitude. The trip included a stay at a resort hotel and observations from the beach at night. Members of the Dominican Astronomical Society help organize and promote astronomy. This yearly gathering was held at the Portillo Resort at Samana in the town of Las Terrenas. This is a spacious resort, with a number of condominium style units on a private beach. A light pollution map of the Dominican Republic shows NO repeat NO light pollution in this section of the country. Skies are dark to the horizon, and the milky way is tremendous!! Here is our trip in pictures from the beginning.

Astronomical Trip to the Dominican Republic

The images here tell a story of a trip my family and I enjoyed to the ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2005 10:18pm EDT

Mingo Star Parties : This is a collection of images taken on Sept 9 - 10th of the Star Party at Mingo Park Observatory.

Mingo Star Parties

This is a collection of images taken on Sept 9 - 10th of the Star Part ...

Updated: Sep 10, 2005 10:53am EDT

Venus & Jupiter Sept 2005 :

Venus & Jupiter Sept 2005

Updated: Sep 06, 2005 9:43pm EDT

Mingo Observatory Dedication Aug 27, 2005 :

Mingo Observatory Dedication Aug 27, 2005

Updated: Aug 31, 2005 7:20pm EDT

Mingo Observatory Telescopes :

Mingo Observatory Telescopes

Updated: Nov 21, 2006 7:31pm EDT

The Dominican Astronomical Society : During my trip to the Dominican Republic in August 2005 I met a number of individuals from the Dominican Astronomical Society. They were willing to share some images of star parties and Astro events with me, on cd rom. I enjoyed meeting the group and would like Miguel for preparing these images for all to appreciate.

The Dominican Astronomical Society

During my trip to the Dominican Republic in August 2005 I met a number ...

Updated: Aug 11, 2005 11:06am EDT

Other Telescopes & Optics : I have owned, made and acquired various instruments over time. I've made the optics to a number of reflector telescopes over the past 35 plus years. Most of the homemade telescopes were given away or sold for a very reasonable cost. I don't have many pictures of the old instruments. At this time I own several Jaegers refractors, a Cave and a large Star-Liner and the neat little Palomar Jr. They are listed under seperate Galleries. I have other homemade instruments in various stages of completion and some that are in use. The largest project is a 16 inch f-5 f-20 Newtonian Cassegrain I have been building for more than 15 years. The optics are done, but everything is so expensive it still will be a number of years till the telscope is finished to my satisfaction. This Gallery will show some optical testing equipment, the old folded Buchroeder off axis mirror, a Horace Dall spherometer, etc. Also you can see other telescopes I use on occassion and they are interesting to see too. More to follow!!

Other Telescopes & Optics

I have owned, made and acquired various instruments over time. I've ma ...

Updated: Nov 19, 2006 10:34am EDT

Mingo Star Party - July 30, 2005 :

Mingo Star Party - July 30, 2005

Updated: Jul 31, 2005 10:17am EDT

Stormie Pictures :

Stormie Pictures

Updated: Dec 23, 2005 5:32am EDT

Wagman Obs Star Party - July 23, 2005 : Saturday night the AAAP held a "Rising Moon"star party in celebration of the moon. A good number of members attended as well as the public. Photos by Dave Smith and Al Paslow.

Wagman Obs Star Party - July 23, 2005

Saturday night the AAAP held a "Rising Moon"star party in celebration ...

Updated: Jul 25, 2005 11:07am EDT

Mingo Observatory Summer 2005 : Ever changing Mingo Observatory & Planetarium was due for more updates in July of 2005. This included some paint, the installation of wall to wall carpeting and a NEW planetarium projector !

Mingo Observatory Summer 2005

Ever changing Mingo Observatory & Planetarium was due for more updates ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2005 11:13am EDT

My Trip to Mars : I boarded my machine and made way for a journey to a mysterious place. Far way to some. I went to MARS. I was impressed to find an advance civilazation exists there. A civilization that can feed and care for its own. While I found no direct signs of canals I was greeted by a flying saucer and colorful aliens.

My Trip to Mars

I boarded my machine and made way for a journey to a mysterious place. ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2005 7:17pm EDT

Astro Images by Dan McKeel : Friend and fellow member of the AAAP, - Daniel McKeel of Upper St Clair, PA sends very interesting imges to me from time to time. Many are quite beautiful. Recently I have only started posting Dans work on this site. Dan uses a Cannon Digital Rebel, with a variety of instuments. A 12 inch Meade LX 200 is his latest "driving force". Dan has owned a number of telescopes over the years, including a 6 inch f-15 Jaegers Refractor. Take a look and enjoy....!

Astro Images by Dan McKeel

Friend and fellow member of the AAAP, - Daniel McKeel of Upper St Cla ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2007 9:08pm EDT

Venus & Mercury June 05 :

Venus & Mercury June 05

Updated: Jul 01, 2005 11:19pm EDT

Mingo Star Party 6-10-05 : Hi everyone ! Here are some images of Fridays Star Party at Mingo Observatory and Planetarium. We had an excellent turn out with over 73 guests and perhaps 20 plus AAAP members. Special thanks to: Mark & Judy Schomer,Ed Moss, Brent Hudock, Al Paslow, Mark & Pegi Arelt, Barb Lafon, Gerry Schuster, Becky Nichols, Rich Bailey, Shawn van Mastright, Frank van Mastright, Gene Kulakowski, Dick Haddad, Jerry Zhu, Mark Orsatti and Dave Smith. All photos by Al Paslow & Dave Smith.

Mingo Star Party 6-10-05

Hi everyone ! Here are some images of Fridays Star Party at Mingo ...

Updated: Jun 11, 2005 10:04am EDT

4.25 " Edmund Palomar Jr. Telescope : This telescope is a mint condition instrument made by Edmund Scientific Co with a label of Anchor Optical, which is a sister company of theirs. It is hard to believe how clean this telescope is! I obtained it from the midwest, wrapped in news papers dated Sept 1958, and in the original box!! The instructions for the telescope and various assessories are from Edmund. I carefully assessembled the telescope for the late afternoon pictures you see here. I put the rack & pinion on the tube and attached the counterweight and tripod legs to the small equatorial mount. I elected not to place the mint black finderscope on tto the tube for pictures for fear of scratching things. The instrument uses a 45 degree prism as a diagonal mirror. The original glue has disloged from the prisms mounting plate with age and was not on the instrument for the pictures. It has since been safely reattached. In the year this telescope is assumed to be from ( 1958) I don't recall any direct reference of the telescope being called a Palomar Jr., but it was known as such in later years. I have several of these telescopes from later years under this name but this instrument is especially beautiful. Enjoy the images of a mint scope from a bygone era.

4.25 " Edmund Palomar Jr. Telescope

This telescope is a mint condition instrument made by Edmund Scientifi ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2005 9:46pm EDT

Brett's Prom- May 20, 2005 :

Brett's Prom- May 20, 2005

Updated: May 21, 2005 11:37am EDT

Mingo - Star Party -- May 13, 2005 :

Mingo - Star Party -- May 13, 2005

Updated: May 14, 2005 2:27am EDT

Spring Mingo 2005 Images :

Spring Mingo 2005 Images

Updated: May 15, 2005 9:41pm EDT

Eric Ramos - Friend & Advanced Amateur in the Dominican Republic. : "My name is Eric Ramos, I'm 52, and live in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I'm married for 18 years and have 2 boys; 16 and 15, and a girl, 9. My wife is a Lawyer and I work in my studio as a recording engineer. As such I did manage my first grammy in the year 2000." This is how Eric introduced himself to me. Hi.This series of pictures is devoted to a remarkable individual named Eric Ramos. Eric has been an observer and amateur telescope maker for many years now. He has restored the beautiful Cave 8 inch Cassegrain pictured here. We have exchanged quite a few e-mails recently and are currently working on some telescope projects together. Every time I receive an e-mail from Eric I never know what I'll see next. The beautiful eclipse was such a pleasant surprise! I wish to share some of the images Eric has sent me and will continue to post more as they are received. I have placed excerpts of some of the e-mails with the images as I obtained them. Hence when viewing the image you can see what Eric describes to me in his own words. In some instances we talked about The AAAP Mingo Creek Observatory and the Planetarium. Eric has made specific references to the Mingo Planetaruim and compares our projector to the unit his club -La Sociedad Astronómica Dominicana uses . He is also pictured calibrating the projector on one of the images. .... Eric this site is devoted to you and your astronomical adventures. I hope you, your family and friends will enjoy !! - Al

Eric Ramos - Friend & Advanced Amateur in the Dominican Republic.

"My name is Eric Ramos, I'm 52, and live in Santo Domingo, Dominican R ...

Updated: May 16, 2005 7:37am EDT

Boy Scout Marathon at Mingo Obs. Apri 15 & 16 2005 : The Boy Scouts visited the AAAP Observatory at Mingo Creek Park in Wahington County, Pennsylvania on the weekend of friday & Saturday April 15th and 16th. Here is a number of images from this event. It was a legenthly event but every-one had fun !! Please view these pictures and you may leave comments about the images or the event. If you are in these images help me identify you & your group ! Thank you! Al Paslow - Mingo Creek Observatory Committee Member.

Boy Scout Marathon at Mingo Obs. Apri 15 & 16 2005

The Boy Scouts visited the AAAP Observatory at Mingo Creek Park in Wah ...

Updated: Apr 17, 2005 7:09pm EDT

Mingo Obs update -4-10-05 :

Mingo Obs update -4-10-05

Updated: Apr 19, 2005 9:07pm EDT

2004 Transit of Venus :

2004 Transit of Venus

Updated: Apr 08, 2005 10:44pm EDT

Mingo Observatory : Images of Mingo Creek Park Observatory.

Mingo Observatory

Images of Mingo Creek Park Observatory.

Updated: Mar 26, 2007 9:14pm EDT

My 14.25 inch Star-Liner Telescope : Large apeture and accurate drives make this instrument an ideal telescope for a home observatory.

My 14.25 inch Star-Liner Telescope

Large apeture and accurate drives make this instrument an ideal telesc ...

Updated: Mar 10, 2005 10:00pm EDT

Winterhalter :

Winterhalter

Updated: Mar 03, 2005 9:27pm EDT

18 inch Ritchey-Chretien at Unv. Florida : This instrument was made for Jim Jacobson of Coulter Optical Co in California by famed telescope maker Richard Brandt, later known from Brandt Lens Works in Arizona. Mr. Brandt and I worked together on various telescope projects in the mid to late 1980's. (See Sky & Telescope, July 1987 pg 70, Sept 1987, pg 315, etc.) Many years ago I traveled to The University of Florida at Gainsville to view this beautiful instrument. Those images are shown here. The young lady in the pictures is my wife Adele. To see the instrument as it looks today visit: http://astrho.astro.ufl.edu/AST_RHO_Home_Page.html

18 inch Ritchey-Chretien at Unv. Florida

This instrument was made for Jim Jacobson of Coulter Optical Co in Cal ...

Updated: Jan 04, 2005 11:01pm EDT

Cave Telescopes :

Cave Telescopes

Updated: Feb 27, 2005 9:27pm EDT

Implosion of St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA : This is a series of photos of the implosion of the old St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA March 22, 2008 Photos by David L. Smith http://www.davesmithphoto.com

Implosion of St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

This is a series of photos of the implosion of the old St. Francis Hos ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2008 6:59pm EDT

Puppies :

Puppies

Updated: May 31, 2005 10:15pm EDT

Cleveland Mount :

Cleveland Mount

Updated: Jan 30, 2005 7:01pm EDT

Carl Sagan's Porsche at the University of Arizona : I shot this image of Dr. Sagan's Porsche in the fall of 1977 while I was working at Steward Observatory... All images copyrighted 1998 by Al Paslow.

Carl Sagan's Porsche at the University of Arizona

I shot this image of Dr. Sagan's Porsche in the fall of 1977 while I w ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2005 1:30pm EDT

Mingo Planetarium :

Mingo Planetarium

Updated: Dec 05, 2004 9:19pm EDT

4.25 Reflectors : Light and small, easy to take on a trip this is a very nice size instrument to own. Sure, there isn't a lot of light grasp here but there are a number of advantages.Cool down time is as little as 10 to 15 minuets with as miuch as a 50 degree tempeture diffrence! That means you can pull your little scope out of a 70 degree house and observe in 20 degree weather within almost no time flat!

4.25 Reflectors

Light and small, easy to take on a trip this is a very nice size instr ...

Updated: Apr 03, 2007 5:50am EDT

Moon May 6, 2008 & Mercury? : I went out to take a photo of the Moon. After Returning I found the Moon was near Mercury right where I had lined up the trees. It may be just above the word "Mercury". Enlarge the First image to the largest size. Dave, http://www.davesmithphoto.com

Moon May 6, 2008 & Mercury?

I went out to take a photo of the Moon. After Returning I found the Mo ...

Updated: May 06, 2008 9:42pm EDT

Thunder Clouds & Storms : June 23, 2008. Thunder storms & ominous clouds roll past South Hills Village. COOL !! Click on any image to enlarge.

Thunder Clouds & Storms

June 23, 2008. Thunder storms & ominous clouds roll past South Hills V ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2008 7:04pm EDT

Mingo Star Party - June 28, 2008 : The South Hills Wireless Association was there to to join us for this Star Party. The weather was at times brutal. The evening ended with storms and a fantastic full 180 arc rain bow. Click on any image to enlarge.

Mingo Star Party - June 28, 2008

The South Hills Wireless Association was there to to join us for this ...