PatrickO

M51 taken with the Seestar from my garden. About 6 hours of 10 second subs. Not ideal conditions as there was a bright three quarter moon. This is just the unedited jpeg. I'd be very interested in your advice on what editing would make the best of it.

Does anyone know of a FITS file processing programme that would run on an Android tablet? Thanks

If you're wondering why the clouds have rolled in today. My Seastar is arriving today 😅

Welcome!

I was just thinking of starting a post saying the same thing. I'm almost getting to the stage of selling everything The unpredictable nature of the weather doesn't help. Couple of weeks ago forecast was saying 2-3 clear hours. No sooner than i got everything outside and aligned and it started raining. If I were to work out the hourly use cost of my kit I'm sure it would be cheaper to go on a world cruise 😅

Awesome! I love simple, inexpensive solutions that work and solve a real problem.

For lunar observation do you find an erecting diagonal preferable? I'm fairly new to astronomy and lunar observation appeals a lot. Just wondering how more experienced observers do it. Thanks, Patrick

I'm using a Meade 8" LX 90 which is pretty much the same size as the Celestron 8se. Also using a 120mm refractor. I find they are both limited as to how high they will point. I do use 2" eyepieces which perhaps adds to the problem. I'd like a mount I can put different OTAs on. I've thought about the CPC800/925, but then I'd need another mount/tripod for the refractor and SWMBO already feels telescopes take up too much room in the house.

I don't have a specific budget, but like everyone I prefer not to spend more than necessary.

My interests are visual observation and occasional planetary/lunar photography. Not planning any DSO photography. I'm presently using a Celestron C6/8 mount, but it limits how near the zenith I can go. My scopes are a 120mm achro refractor and a 200mm SCT. I'd like a sturdy GOTO mount with a very quick/easy alignment. I'd prefer to avoid polar alignment. I'm thinking of the Ioptron AZ Pro, but would appreciate your opinions. Any suggestions or advice gratefully received.

Thanks!

I have a Celestron Nexstar 8se. I find the hand controller display difficult to read when it's scrolling. When the display is static it's fine, but when it's scrolling the letters are jumbled up and almost impossible to read. Is this normal or is my hand controller faulty? Thanks, Patrick

I have the Celestron Omni 2x Barlow lens. For planetary imaging with a Meade 8" SCT and ZWO ASI224MC camera, what would I have to spend to get a substantially better Barlow? Also, should I be thinking of an Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector? Many thanks, Patrick

Thanks for that. TBH I don't think it answered my question.

Is there such a thing as a MIRROR erecting diagonal or is it only prism? Thanks