planned for the comet

Manuel called. He complimented me on the comet image. Thank you.

He said was looking forward to Sunday. So to get some comet data himself. Offered to pick me (and the battery tank) up. Thank you (again). He asked if the 8" SCT would be good to use. He was thinking more magnification. Au contraire. I suggested wide-field. He'd want to get the tail. He wondered if a CCD camera would be good. Again, I suggested he consider the size of the object and the field of view.

Manuel asked if I was going to bring my camera? No... why? He suggested I could get some images. Told him I thought I was helping him.

I pitched keeping it simple. If he really wanted to use his CCD camera and big 'scope, he'd have to bring a lot more gear. Switching cameras would complicate things. Like focus. His nemesis. More cables. He liked the idea of not having to bring his computer. He suddenly remembered that his 60D supported video. He really wants video of the comet. OK.

There was some confusion about the location in the park. I thought he wanted to use the spot I had seen the comet from. He seemed to have somewhere else in mind. I asked where. He didn't know of a good spot. Oh. Well, we'll use mine then. He asked if it was good. I think it offers the best site lines to the west.

I reminded him to pack his CLA adapters and camera batteries. Not necessarily the AC adapters. 'Cause then we'd need inverters. And that would make for an inefficient energy path. Assured him that my lead acid batteries are charged and ready to go.

I asked if he needed any help from me. He thought all was good. OK.

His voice pitched. He was very excited.