dweller25

You may want to try Reflectix first - it’s only £15

The one on ABS is a 4” f/15 The stolen one was a 3” f/16

I have wrapped my Intes Mak with two layers of reflectix and the benefits are worthwhile. No need to wait for cool down and the corrector takes much longer to dew up. A cheap, reversible and easy upgrade 👍 The standard cool down method I used to do caused the corrector to dew up much quicker.

As Jupiter is very low you are probably seeing atmospheric chromatic aberration, also your scope is an F/6 doublet so will show some optical chromatic aberration too. I see it in my scope too - nothing to worry about. Mars will be much higher in the sky later this year so will give you some proper viewing conditions 👍

Have you got anything triangular shaped in your garage roof space ? Also, as others have suggested, it would be best to get it out under the skies and do a star test.

They may be reflections from a window ? Try putting an extended dew shield made from cardboard on the front to see if the reflections stop

I think perhaps mates rates apply here 😀 and it 17 years old so 50% would be about right.

👍

Thanks - I will try that calculation the next time out.......

Great sketches @mikeDnight How do you calculate the magnification you have with the Binoviewers in your Jupiter drawing ?

I have seen that too - I think it’s morning mist/dew/fog/frost. Very good observation and drawing 👍

Superb 👍

Very impressive image 👍

Laurel and Hardy had nothing on you two 👍👍👍😂😂😂😂

There is also Orion Optics (UK) with guaranteed 1/10th wave optics, but they are very expensive - a new 8” is £970..... https://www.orionoptics.co.uk/VX/vxnewtonianrefle.html

To get the best out of a large aperture scope you may need to view away from the turbulence of Manchester. So you may need pick a scope that you can transport

APM are a good supplier 👍

As the scope Is now 27 years old the mirrors will need checking for coating loss, tarnishing, and fungus attack. Also check the eyepieces for fungus and glass chips too. The movement of the equatorial head should be smooth in both axis - it may be rusty. If the scope, eyepieces and mount are in good condition I would suggest £100 - £150 for the whole system ? It looks like a classic 6” F/8 Newtonian reflector which hopefully will give nice views.

The tripod solution has been answered by Andy above. In your price range a reflector will give you the best views, any refractor in your price range will show some false colour in the view - it’s called chromatic aberration - which reflectors as they are mirror based do not have.

The Skywatcher 200P is an excellent choice 👍 For a little more the Bresser version is considered to be a little better mechanically..... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bresser-telescopes/bresser-messier-8-dobsonian-telescope.html Both sit within the area of the base and can be stored in an unused corner out of the way 🙂

Looks like the same style box my Tal 125R came in 👍

My TAL 100RS......

Hello Shannon, welcome to SGL This is within your budget...... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-heritage-100p-tabletop-dobsonian.html This is even better if you can stretch the budget.... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube.html Also you can download “Stellarium” - very good free planetarium software. Also see this guide to buying a scope here (this is a good supplier too)... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html

Great observation and drawing 👍

Excellent work - thanks for sharing