Quark first light

[Chinapig]

Hi folks

Have just tried out my very new Quark chromosphere for the first time. This is my first Ha experience, apart from looking through a Quark at IAS in June last year. Eventually plucked up the financial courage to order one, and I'm very pleased I did!

Had an easy full-disc view with my little ED70 (420mm fl) - which was one reason for buying that scope - and not far off FD with the ED80 (500mm). I didn't time it, but the Quark seemed to come up to temperature pretty smartly, while I was faffing about getting the scope set up, grabbing coat etc. Initial views were impressive enough (I can only compare it to white light), and I was amazed how well the Quark worked through the thin, high hazy cloud we had this morning - for showing surface detail, and edge prominences.

Occasionally a clear blue patch came along, and the contrast leapt up accordingly. Was mesmerized by a close pair of prominences, and fascinated by how relatively quickly their shape evolved. A delicious sight!

Overall, it was a "wow" first session.

Cheers

Simon

[Pig]

Great news Simon and thanks for the report   I have heard nothing but good news about the Quark. I should get similar views to your ED in my 80mm. Hopefully my Quark will materialise next week.

[Davey-T]

Glad you like it Simon, had one for a couple of months, really pleased with it, are you planning on doing any imaging with it ?

Dave

[Chinapig]

Great news Simon and thanks for the report   I have heard nothing but good news about the Quark. I should get similar views to your ED in my 80mm. Hopefully my Quark will materialise next week.

Yes, I was pleasantly surprised how much of the disc I could see with the 80. Best of luck with yours Shaun, and hope it turns up soon. Mine was nigh on two months from ordering to arrival, which wasn't so bad, especially since Christmas happened in the middle!

[Chinapig]

Glad you like it Simon, had one for a couple of months, really pleased with it, are you planning on doing any imaging with it ?

I'll give some dslr imaging a whirl, simply to see what happens, but expect I'll need to think about another option in due course.

Cheers

Simon

[Luke]

Nice report, Simon, congrats on first light! I'm very happy with my Quark, best thing I have bought (slight solar bias!)

[Chinapig]

Luke - it was some of your comments over the past few months, and many of your excellent images, that contributed to my buying decision!

And I have absolutely no regrets...

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Congrats on that first light, and welcome to the H-alpha Army (or should that be Addicts ).