foundaplanet

An all time great post!

Without doubt... Probably the simplest and single most informative read for anyone setting out into the hobby. I expect this will help many people avoid huge disappointment from misleading representations, yet still prove to be very encouraging on the joys to be had at the eyepiece.

Quality post again Qualia, a perfect introduction on expectations for the beginner...

Looking forwards to part II.

Ah thank you for clearing that up So the ones they sell in the UK I mean were the ones I was referring to, they are the same optically as the sky-watchers ( they cost much the same ) ?

I don't think I am qualified to answer that question. I would however imagine that they will be Chinese made mirrors and much of the same quality wise as both of them do have good reputations.

I thought that the standard Dobs in sky watcher and Orion had the same optics no ?  I did see some sites offering Orion models to upgrade the mirror IIRC form 1/4 to 1/6 1/8 PV etc. of course it would cost extra so you get what you pay for in both cases ?

The reference to Orion scopes is that of Orion Optics UK a completely different company to Orion Telescopes USA with optics in a completely different league.

Blimey this thread is turning into a Mr. Universe competition..

It's sensor damage.  Moon Lander ruled out because it's in a different place on the moon in another moon image.  It's too sharp to be outside the camera too.

Best hope the conspiracy theorists don't get hold of it.!

Ed: Though it does look a bit like an oil rig casting a shadow..

You may be starting a new business then Gina...

Hope you can crack it Gina....Good luck..

I've just checked the thickness of the thinnest nichrome I have and it's 0.44mm - twice the thickness of that "glue". Must check the ole wire tables and see what gauge wire it would want for the hot wire removal method.

This should do it :- http://cgi.ebay.co.u...em=300951747278 Just a smidgen over 0.2mm. I think this would be safer that the glass cutter method.

Buy a file..

I've ordered a diamond glass cutter - should arrive Friday - http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3ef11eb40d

I'm not sure how you will get on with a glass cutter alone. Is it your intention to remove a rectangle? This would be near impossible as you can only draw the cutter across the glass once for each pass as a second pass will blunt the cutter and repetitive cutting will not keep cutting through the glass. However, what you may be able to do is use the cutter to to give you four guiding lines. I have read that the glass is about 0.5mm. What you should be able to do once you have marked your glass with the cutter is use a triangular (barrette) diamond file (I would probably trying securing the sensor into some kind of jig, a piece of ply with some thin perspex screwed down to secure the sensor). You would probably be better off starting with a fine file and once you have made a reasonable impact you could then move on to a course one. I would think this should work leaving you a glass border to the open center. Use a vacuum to remove filings.

No...! I don't understand why so many people want Betelgeuse to blow. It is part of the most majestic constellation we have and would end up a lesser sight for the loss. No doubt after the event everyone would miss good old Betelgeuse and talk about how grand the constellation used to look...

There are plenty of other stars, can we pick on a different one for a change and give grand old Betelgeuse a rest. How about Rho Cassiopeia or Eta Carina ..

A very sad day indeed, what an inspirational life he led. I am honoured to have met him, a truly fantastic fellow.

Leupold 10x42. Lightweight and very sharp.

This was my first effort.. M13

20x30sec flats unguided

10 darks

1000d unmodded

OO 10" f4.8