How long is it projected that phase 2 will Last?

[Ronald C. Spencer]

I was wondering if anyone has any idea how long phase 2 is projected to last Greetings to fjgiie & star gezzer and all the other dusters.

[laserphil]

Hi Ronald

I don't know how long it is projected to last but if there are 4 50micron movies to each 100 micron scan in phase1 then it looks like 4 times as long! It might even be longer if something isn't done about the bad focus movies.

I have only been in the top 100 for about two weeks but am finding a lot of time is wasted on bad focus - especially those that don't focus to the surface!

Great work on your score - I can only put in about 1 -2 hours per day!
Phil Greaves
AKA
Laserphil

[Ronald C. Spencer]

Thanks Phil,
I think your projection sounds about right. Being home due to illness I can usually put in many hours a day (10-14) otherwise my score would probably be much different. I really love this research. Keep up the good work yourself!

Ron

[laserphil]

Hi again Ron,

Sorry to hear that you are not well. I wish you a speedy recovery! I have noted that you are in the Astronomy field and thought you might like some pictures I took of Comet McNaught earlier this year. If so can you give me an email address to send them to.

At least they are photos of definite star dust!

Regards
Phil

[Ronald C. Spencer]

That's very nice of you Phil and very thoughtful. Yes, I am an astronomer.
I was admitted into the American Astronomical Society in 1978 as an Associate Member when I was in my early twenty's and this past November they honored me with Emeritus Membership. I am also a Member of the Division for Planetary Sciences in the AAS. I am a Member of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the American Association of Variiable Star Observer's and the Planetary Society. Astronomy is my first love as the sciences go. I appreciate your kind words about my being ill. I am what they call terminally ill. The Doctor's gave me two years to live in September of 92 but I am one who loves life and fight for it on a daily basis. When this astronomer see's a Sunrise , Sunset, the Moon at night he has learned to be thankful for them and not to take them for granted. I love the Stardust Research as it gives me the opportunity to give of myself for that which I love so much. The past day has been very rough. I go to see the specialist in the morning. The glands under my chin are swollen so that is of some concern. I am in hopes when I get back from the hospital tomorrow morning that I will have the gumption to dust. I very much would appreciate to see the pictures you took. My email address is: astronomer24357@comcast.net

That 24357 sequence is actually my membership number in the American Astronomical Society

Again, I thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Ron

[laserphil]

Good Day Ron,

I hope you got the photos OK. Good to see you back to dusting. I'm catching up to you - only 8000 odd points behind!!!
Have you been experiencing a large number of bad focus movies? I seem to have about 1 in 3 or 4 as bad focus!
Also have you noticed that the eye is drawn to that pesky dust spot on the lens on the left hand side of some movies?

Keep up the good work and keep the mind active!

All the best
Phil

[Ronald C. Spencer]

Yes Phil,
I received the photo's fine. I put them into my comets folder and lunar eclipse folder. After I got home from seeing the specialist there were two homeless people at my door. I knew them so have helped them. I have been dusting like crazy because Crumplestiltskin is right behind me trying to catch up. I picked up 372 points today but after many hours and zillions of badly focused movies. I seem to have maintained my lead from this morning even though he has done well as well. I wish him good dusting though because everyone's contribution is important. I received a Hep B shot and a TB shot which is standard here. I had new Labs but haven't heard anything yet. Yesterday was bad and most of today was good except from 4PM to about 8PM tonight. Now I am feeling pretty good. I apologize for not letting you know I received the images. I loved the comet photo's. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I was planning to write you tonight by my regular email but your message in the room showed up. Once again I thank you for your kindness. I most likely will email you within the next few days. I hope all is well with you.

Regards,

Ron

[laserphil]

Hi Ron,

I see that you are just maintaining your position. It must be hard work on you.
I know that the eclipse photos were small and only at totality - would you like some of the earlier shots before totality?

Phil

[Ronald C. Spencer]

Yes, send anything you wish. I get great enjoyment seeing examples of astro-photography from friends wherever they are around the world. I try at least to hold my own. Phase 2 has new variables in play that I don't agree with and the quality of the frames are a challenge. I would like to maintain my position for the fun of it all but whoever surges ahead, I will cheer them on. I especially love to watch fjgiie move forward. He was a real contender in Phase 1. He was fun as a competitor and an excellent duster. I have found him to be like you, (a fine human being) and I am honored having had the priviledge of meeting you both as well as ERSTRS (Evelyn) from W. Virginia. Every day is hard to some degree as I never really feel good for a long period but I love life and research that increases knowledge. Thanks again for saying hello and I appreciate your sending me the images. Have a great day or evening or whatever the times is where you are.

Regards,
Ron