Mark at Beaufort

I recently purchased a Skywatcher 150P f/5 Newt to be used on my Skywatcher AZ5 Mount + the AZ mount extension which also sits on a metal tripod (not the aluminium tripod normally provided). When I use the Heritage 130P OTA I don't get any flexing and I note that the dovetail on the Heritage is 33.5cm rather than the 21cm dovetail on the 150P. I accept that the Heritage is smaller and less weight than the 150P which might make a difference. My question is would changing the dovetail to a 33.5cm improve the flexing of the 150P OTA? At the moment its great for widefield but once the mag gets high I get a great deal of shaking and the image takes a while to stop 'wobbling'. I could purchase the new 3/8ths metal tripod to get more stability ( https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth/sky-watcher-38-stainless-steel-tripod.html ) but I rather check the dovetail first. Any thoughts? PS - before someone asks the dovetail on the Heritage has different hole placements so won't work.

Simon thinking back I usually used the 4.7mm on Double Stars with the occasional high mag on the Moon and Planets. Let me know how you get on.

Hello Simon I was trying to remember if I ever encountered any reflections especially when viewing the Moon. I did own the complete set of ES82 EPs but it was only the 4.7mm that was Nitrogen filled all the others were Argon. I sold my collections not because of any disappointment but I wanted to return to 100 degree EPs and Binoviewers for higher magnification. As far as I can remember the 6.7mm and 4.7mm gave similar performance I don't recall a reflection problem. I am sorry if this is now causing you concern.

Yes 47 members is a good number and I found from the archive that I was a member with my Towa f/15 frac.

The Forum changes for many reasons. If you look at the top of the page we introduced a 'Clubs' area a few months back and closed down many Groups and moved them into this new area. I have raised your comment in the Moderation area for discussion.

There was a Social group called the 'vintage/classic group'. I contributed to this group as I owned a Towa f/15 refractor. Steve is correct this group was merged into the Equipment - Scopes/Whole Set Ups. There is currently a discussion on this topic in the Moderation area.

A nice report Doug and some interesting objects to explore.

Interesting findings and report Francis. I know that some papers recommend UHC as being the best filter for M76 with the O-III coming a close second. However, The Night Sky Observer's Guide by Kepple and Sanner and Sue French's Deep Sky Wonders recommend a O-III filter which matches your findings Francis.. Hopefully its going to be clear tomorrow so I will compare my Lumicon UHC against the Astronomik O-III in my 12" Dob.

Neil that looks an excellent job. All set now for Stephan's Quintet

Neil your thread made me undertake some more research and in Sue French's book ''Deep Sky Wonders' I picked up information on Minkowski 1-92 (shown on your chart) which is a Protoplanetary Nebula at mag 11.7. Apparently if you use a high magnification you can see a 'Footprint' - hence the name Minkowski's Footprint. So I will have a go at both the Campbell's HS and this Footprint hopefully on the same night.

Thanks Neil for the information on Campbell's hydrogen star - I was not aware of it. I will have a go with my H.Beta next time out.

Doug I have just found this chart so I can why you could see a T pattern

I have checked my notes viewing galaxies in Pegasus. My notes indicate NGC7331 in the 10" Dob in October 2011 but NGC7320 - the brightest in Stephans Quintet was not seen. I live a dark site (20.7) so I will have another go with the 12" Dob.

Bob what a fantastic read and so many brilliant objects. I must admit I have never seen the Elephant's Trunk and really must give it a go. From a dark site with my 12" I would image the Garnet Star and IC1396 should be a great view. What 14" Dob do you own?

I bought these rings a few months back to use with my 80mm finderscope. I only fitted the finderscope twice and have now made alternative arrangements. This is the product - http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Accessories-Telescopes-Opticstar.asp?p=0_10_5_1_8_111 They are mint condition and I am selling for £35 including recorded sign for postage. Photo attached showing its mint with all screws and alan key. Happy to accept Paypal (buyer pays the fees) or bank transfer. Send me a PM if interested.