Mark at Beaufort

I had a session with the Heritage 130p after the SGL zoom meeting. Whereas I could pick up quite a bit of detail I could not see the Quad. I was using a baader 2.25x Barlow and a 9mm Fujiyama Ortho.

Paul the x is at 10 o'clock with Pichard at the centre. The x is also left on a straight line from Lick crater. I will have a go tonight using the 130 heritage.

I would add that when I use a front solar filter I also add a IR/UV filter just in front of the eyepiece to give added protection

Martin I always worry about cheap solar filters so I agree with discardedastro above. My reasons for being worried is a work colleague's daughter went to see the Total Eclipse and was given 'proper' eye glasses. She has lost her sight.

Paul this is an interesting one. The quad does not appear in the 21st Century atlas - well I can't see it!! Anyway I thought I would check out my Moon Maps by H.P. Wilkins which I bought about 55 years ago. Here is a copy from the area. The quad appears to be marked 'x' - am I correct do you think? This book is a first edition and cost me 30s

@StuNo apology necessary it made me smile this morning. I call mine 'the big one' or 'my little one' - perhaps i should give them a nicer name

Mark I believe the best software is Virtual Moon Atlas - version 7.0. However, I also use a book atlas called 21st Century Atlas of the Moon.

Paul the app is for android for my tablet called Moon Atlas 3D. Its okay and shows crater names, lunar 100 positions etc. Its not as good as Virtual Moon Atlas (version7) which is on my main computer. However, the app is useful because I can take out the tablet and compare the view with the eyepiece.

@Stu- I started by trying to find 'Felicity' then I realised it was your scope. Anyway I think the area you have marked on your first photo is 'Mare Marginis'. However, I am sure @paulastrowill know better.

Really enjoyable thread Paul. I have been using my 150p skywatcher plus a few ortho EPs. When I attempt this area I usually start with the crater Cruger and go towards the edge from there. It was good to pick out the mountain areas and the edge of Mare Orientale. I recently downloaded a useful Moon app which together with my 21st century atlas of the Moon makes it easier to identify the area.

I have just been outside using my Apollo 15x70 binos + Helios 2x40 star field binos. This device certainly stops light entering your eyes from the side including the Full Moon. You really need your eyes to go right up to the eyepiece otherwise I was not getting the full FOV. I think once I get used to using them they will be a useful accessory. I appreciate not the best night for seeing objects but I was able to pick a few clusters.

You made some very positive statements about magnification and comparison with other scopes you have used. Your comment about the difference between FPL51 and FDL53 and the extra cost for visual observing is very relevant. I am sure your post has been very helpful for those who want a reasonable refractor without spending a fortune.

I have really enjoyed your reports on this scope. I often regretted selling my 4 inch Astro Tech ED frac and your statements about this particular frac has got me thinking. This does appear to be good instrument at under £500

Arrived today and fits nicely on my Helios Apollo 15x70 binos. I still have easy access to place my 1.25 inch filters. The big test will compare the view using these bino-bandit especially viewing items like Rosette Neb and the like.

Hello - Justyn @reddoss hope you are well - its been a while since we last met and chatted. I am going to submit this question downstairs for discussion. It may be that Grant will reply direct. As you may know the road between Lucksall and Fownhope collapsed 12 months ago because of the flood. Still not open although they expect everything to be okay soon.