No, no, I can't pay for my own Hubble... yet. I'm trying hard... The pictures that this thing delivers are awesome. It's been dead on NASA's account a year or so ago...

I'm referring to real experience at dark places. Astrotrac (excellent UK invention) plus stopped down camera will do good too.

There was an article in www.spiegel.de which is a well respected newspaper in Germany about the hefty streams from our sun today. This should result in northern lights up 'oorth even in the summer which is very rare. And according to them it keeps on coming. Apparently, there was a break in the 11 years schedule of the sun and there are a lot cold spots on the sun's shell that cause these flares. There are quite a few astronomy sites where you can see pictures of these. Very interesting and all kudos to FS for pointing that out... I'm out too - good night all.

Me That's pure sarcasm... I'm not a great fan of F1 and never was (Ok, long ago in 1978 I was - Mario Andretti in Zolder, my first race ever - I was 9 years old and that hooked me to motor sport).
I've never been a fan of Mercedes or Ferrari and you should be able to see from my criticism in the cross post that I don't think Mercedes have the cards on the table concerning their AMG GT3 car. Pagani springs to mind.
I just read a good comment in a German newspaper (www.derwesten.de only in German I'm afraid but very good) about Schumacher. His times are gone but he doesn't get it. He should stop before somebody comes to death. Jesus, nearly killing his ex team mate to gain 10th place (in words: tenths place - nill points) in a race that nobody is gives a damn on anyway. He's been over the top for me a long time ago. Does that put it right ? BTW, in my book HH Frentzen was the better driver in their youth but you all know how it turned out.
Foock, that's the second time in 24 hours that I have to rectify myself on here. I need a break... 

That's better - I always thought that Schumi deserved his own thread. 

SHAME ON YOU, ALL OF YOU !!!

The thread is about the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3. And what do you turn it into ? A senseless bashing of poor old Schumi. And that already in the second post. What an utter disgrace !!! You should all be ashamed of yourself.  

Back on topic: I heard in a promo film that the car will cost 177.000 Euros when it will hit the market next year. That's cheaper than I thought and I'm not surprised if that won't be the final price tag for the complete car.

spaceweather is fine and I confess I didn't look up that site.  

If it's true - and spaceweather usually leaves no doubt - then we're in for some fantastic sights in the next couple of days. Maybe not in Germany but in the UK you should head your camera up during the night.

One funny discussion I came about was at www.astrotreff.de. The thread title is roughly translated "Do have aliens enough human brain power ?" I answer that with a "clearly not" - there are far too many humans at Le Mans each year and you can clearly see they have no brain at all - aliens can't be that dumb or wait... are these aliens

I hope this pulls you pulse down, FS    

BTW: I'm a wide field fan.

I'm sorry to intervene but this seems to be THE made up bu**sh** horror story of the year.  

I went through a couple of astronomy related sites and they tell nothing about a big bang or something.

It's holiday time and it seems that some "journalists" make the usual headline stories just to keep people amused... same procedure as every year.

Did I mention that the world's end is due Friday next week, it's the 13th. Mark it in your diary.

That will leave just about enough time to enjoy the Persedes meteor shower in the night of the 12th/13th.

Very cool site... oh, I think it's time to go home now. 

Yeah, that was quite disappointing for BMW which dominated the race. Apparently, the "Dirk" had a suspension failure which caused the off. It's a 24h race and these things happen. Congratulations to BMS !!! That was the second 24H podium for Dumas and Henzler after LM this year, very well done. Despite the free tickets (I was equipped with 5 tickets and when approaching the gate was still offered tickets at a "special € 5,- off the normal ticket price" by the one and the other) there was less crowd than last year. I guess this was due to the lack of GT1 cars which are far more spectacular than GT2, 3 and N. Hopefully, Ratel sees this and acts accordingly. The frequent rain showers made it worthwhile, though.

I wouldn't wonder if they buy the whole street now

Yes, the convoy will take place on Wednesday, see here http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/news.php?id=23.

I put that on my schedule now: 20:00 on Saturday at the bar behind the old grand stand.

Have a good trip and enjoy the convoy.

One top tip: Some TOTAL fuel stations in Belgium have free entry tickets available at the moment which will save you € 25 at the gate. These are entry tickets only, so no paddock or parking.

One top tip: Some TOTAL fuel stations in Belgium have free entry tickets available at the moment which will save you € 25 at the gate. I got three so have two to give away. These are entry tickets only, so no paddock or parking.

Oh damn, I missed this !!! Great, great video !!! Good to see you guys having a fantastic finish to a fabulous weekend. The sofa was good but even better was to see Alex being too pi**ed to get himself into the car. 

That bar is fine with me.


That's up the hill at Les Combes. That's my preferred camping although there are no showers or toilets. As far as I remember it was cheaper than 30 Euros last year, though.

I'll be there arriving shortly before the start. How about the paddok bar ?