Chris Howard's Blog, page 7

I finally installed and running the autofocus on the CarbonStar 150 (600mm, f/4) newtonian. I’ve had…

I finally installed and running the autofocus on the CarbonStar 150 (600mm, f/4) newtonian. I’ve had the scope and EAF for a while, and wanted to be ready for the next clear night. We have weather approaching, so probably won’t be able to get out with this setup before next week.

One of my astro imaging setups, probably the most portable one, William Optics SpaceCat51 and the…

One of my astro imaging setups, probably the most portable one, William Optics SpaceCat51 and the ZWO AM5 EQ mount.

Backyard astro: Barnard’s Loop and the reflection nebula Messier 78 (M78, NGC 2068), about 1,350…

Backyard astro: Barnard’s Loop and the reflection nebula Messier 78 (M78, NGC 2068), about 1,350 lightyears away, and bottom left is LDN1622, the “Boogeyman Nebula” about 500 lightyears away, 49 x 300-sec subs, ZWO ASI071MC color camera (0°C, gain 0), William Optics Redcat51

Shout out to Diversions Puzzles & Games in Portsmouth. (https://diversionsgames.com).I picked up…

Shout out to Diversions Puzzles & Games in Portsmouth. (https://diversionsgames.com).
I picked up the 2024 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons DMG with the beautiful alt-art cover featuring Lolth the Demon Queen of Spiders.

Beautiful sky over coastal New Hampshire tonight! Get out there and see what you can see if you live…

Beautiful sky over coastal New Hampshire tonight! Get out there and see what you can see if you live northernish US and higher latitudes.

That time of year again. Autumn is my favorite season. Here’s the maple tree in the side yard with…

That time of year again. Autumn is my favorite season. Here’s the maple tree in the side yard with leaves turning.

I ran a one-shot D&D adventure for Alice Sunday afternoon, which was super fun. And as expected, she…

I ran a one-shot D&D adventure for Alice Sunday afternoon, which was super fun. And as expected, she did many things unexpected, including luring in some sea otters and casting Speak with Animals on them to see what they knew about the grim situation her character was investigating. They knew a bit but they pretty much wanted food–“more bivalves, please”.

Prepping for a D&D game, about halfway through painting a few minis, including this spiky dude.

Prepping for a D&D game, about halfway through painting a few minis, including this spiky dude.

Just picked up the brand new Dungeons & Dragons Players Handbook at Diversions in Portsmouth.

Just picked up the brand new Dungeons & Dragons Players Handbook at Diversions in Portsmouth.

Our backyard woodchuck/groundhog, Suzy, makes an appearance.

Our backyard woodchuck/groundhog, Suzy, makes an appearance.