Mark at Beaufort

I have always wanted to visit Peter's centre at Todmorden. Perhaps one day when life becomes more normal. I normally organise all outreach event for Herefordshire A.S. but under the current situation won't take the risk - which is a pity.

Thanks for this Paul. I have only just read this so I quickly took out the PST + DS. Its still showing some great activity plus a very nice Prom on the SW edge.

The comments have been really helpful because I have looked again at the badge which states 103a and 184. I never measured the lens width because I was told it was 90mm. However I think this is a Vixen 103a achro f/13 and it's manufactured number is 184. Does this seem a logical conclusion. I need to give his Wife an estimated of its for sale value - any thoughts?

Thanks Both I had a feeling that there would be knowledgeable members on the forum. I have a good friend who because of serious medical reasons has decided to sell his equipment. There most be 15 or more telescopes and boxes of eyepieces - many .965 size. There is a large Fullerscopes Newtonian 12" with an 'A' grade mirror -1/10th wave - lots to sort out. This 'Vixen' Achro looks a lovely scope for Planetary or Double.

I have been asked to identify a vintage refractor and some of the .965 eyepieces. The scope is 90mm and the F/L would indicate about f/12?? There is a badge which shows the name 'Polaris' and the figures 103A and 184 - see photos. I know that Meade had scopes named 'Polaris' but I have the feeling this is not the same. The scope uses .965 eyepieces - any thoughts?? There is also a box of many I mean many .965 eyepieces. Some have the name 'H' which I assume is Huygens. Others have 'Ortho' which is obvious. However there are others which have a symbol with a 'V' - is this Vernonscopes plus 'V' and HM - see photos. Help would be appreciated

Just a general comment about undercuts especially using the Ethos range. I use the Baader 28mm finetuning rings which gives 2" smooth insets.

Very enjoyable on both reports John. I used my 6" Newt last night but in hindsight should have taken out the 12" Dob especially reading your reports.

That is a great review. I was interested in the comparison between the Tak prism diagonal and your Skywatcher dielectric. I need to get a new diagonal so you comments make me have a rethink

Just been observing with PST+DS and there are some nice Proms. One appears to be forming an arch. In addition a few filaments and plage around AR2857.

Fantastic video image. It just shows how difficult it can be visually picking up a Moon against the surface.

Although I enjoy using my Heritage 130P I really wanted a smaller scope that I could take away on holiday and use it on my Pronto mount. I decided on a small refractor but although I fancy an APO or ED I did not want to spend a huge amount for only the occasional use. So I decided to get the SvBony 90mm f5/5 refractor which only weighs about 2.5kgs. Because I would also use this scope for terrestrial viewing I bought the StellaMira erect prism diagonal and the SvBony 7-21mm zoom. My package for observing would then comprise the SvBony 7-21mm zoom + 3-6mm Nagler + 24mm ES68 eyepiece. Well the scope and equipment arrived a few days ago and I am rather pleased. The focuser is very good and the scope has an extended hood. Collimation seems spot on and at the moment no apparent CA - Moon not yet observed. I have checked out a few objects M13, M11, M57 and with the TeleVue Nebustar filter M16, M17, M20 and M8 and both parts of the Veil. Using the 3mm part of the Nagler zoom I split the double double in Lyra. I did observe Jupiter and observed surface banding and also Saturn but could not see the Cassini division.

Great report John. When M33 is mentioned it takes me back to Lucksall when Admin requested that I visit to access the sky quality before the first SGL star party. I took a pair of 15x70 binos and saw M1 and M33. Reading your report tells me I should get out an undertake some observing.

I agree I would love a 16" Dob but would never be able lift it at my age.

I have flocked my 12 inch all the way. I changed the secondary screws for hand knobs. I also fitted lockable castors and handles to the base.

Also to make things easier when lifting its useful to add additional handles on either side of the OTA but closer to the focuser. I have also added a further handle lower down to carry the OTA only down the garden. These StellarLyra Dobs are a brilliant addition to the range of scopes that FLO provide. My Revelation 12" Dob is identical accept its white and its been brilliant is finding numerous DSOs. I quite fancy getting the 8" 😁

Your 12" Dob looks really good. I bought the Revelation 12" Dob a few years ago which is identical to these StellaLyra accept mine is white. I added 3 handles from WDS as @omomentioned which makes carrying so much easier. Photo attached.

Excellent telescope. I have had mine for several years and made a few modifications. It really picks up the DSOs.

Really looking forward to seeing this zoom and reading the reviews.

Thanks Dave I was not aware of this so I hope for his speedy recovery. I have met Steve and also he has done a few Zoom talks for my local Astro society. I can thank Steve for introducing me to Apollo 15x70 binos which is one of my best purchases.

I can only support your comments Stu. John has been a brilliant member giving so much help to both beginners to more experienced observers. I have had pleasure of meeting John on a few occasions. In fact one of my most enjoyable observing sessions was at a SGL star party where we worked together observing so many DSOs. So we'll done @Johnon reaching 50000.

Neil all I can say is fantastic images.

That is truly a brilliant photo.

Paul the Sun is out and I am having a great view using the PST + DS. A lovely waving filament plus lots of plage and other filaments. A few small proms around the edge.

I would be interested to know whether my PST double stack unit could fit this new scope. Like Paul mentioned above I have an early PS T (2005) which suffers from the rust problem but works very well but after 16 years I deserve a new present.

Thanks Paul for the 'heads up'. Currently cloudy in Hereford but the forecast shows Sun later. I will have the PST + DS ready.