Watched my telescope nearly fall off its mount in Big Bend last night

I was out in Big Bend National Park about 11pm trying to get some shots of the Milky Way when a gust of wind hit my tripod. I had my 8 inch Dobsonian set up and the whole thing started to tip. I grabbed it just in time but my finder scope got knocked out of alignment. For a second I thought the whole night was ruined. I sat down for a minute and then realized I could just use my wide angle lens on the camera instead. Ended up getting some okay shots of the Milky Way core rising over the desert. Not what I planned but I learned that having a backup plan is key when you're out in open desert like that. Has anyone else had a close call with their gear in a windy spot?

2 comments

2 Comments

seanperry16d agoMost Upvoted

Wind loading is a real problem out there, but sounds like you saved it. A Dob is top heavy and a tripod with a scope is even worse. I've seen more than one setup get knocked over by a sudden gust.

blairm4416d ago

Ever had one actually tip on you? Curious how quick you gotta be to catch it before it goes.