Mark at Beaufort

Hello Matthew sorry for the delay in replying.

No M33 was quite low down and I did not see NGC604 although I have seen it in the past. I cannot remember whether it was with the binos.

With regard to the bins I like using the Apollo because I am able to screw in filters into the eye socket. Recent models does not have the screw facility which is a shame.

Not sure of the exact measurement but having to screw the filters into the eyecup must make the eyes relief smaller.

Having said that I don't have a problem although I don't wear glasses.

Unfortunately Helios have discontinued the sale of the Apollo binos.

A great night for observing from home - no lights from anywhere. I decided to use my Helios Apollo 15x70 binos with the occasional use of my Astronomic O-111 plus my Televue type 2 Nebstar filters.

Started with M33 then the Double Clusters.Moved over to Auriga and observed M38, M36 and M37. Then to Taurus and I could make out M1. Drop down to Orion to see M42 and M43. I then moved up to M78.

Over to Gemini and started with the Eskimo Neb (really small in my binos). then up to M35 and NGC 2158. Moved down to Monoceros and took in M46 and M47 (could not see the PN) and then took in Rosette Neb but had to use my TeleVue filter to see the Neb.

Over to M44 and M67. Leo was nicely placed now took in M65 and M66 could not make out NGC 3628.

Finally I decided to view Ursa Major and started with M101 (very faint) and ended the night with M81 and M82.

A lovely read Matthew. It just shows what can still be seen from a dark site.

Cracking sunspot really worth a go at observing. Great photos.

Excellent review Mike. For the money you cannot ignore the SvBony zoom

I bought mine at the end of November 2023 from Amazon and it cost me £110.49 and the postage was free. I got the zoom because of the positive remarks on SGL so with the cost being reasonable I thought it was good to try it out.

Well I have used it several times in my StellarMira 125mm frac and I have been very pleased with the views. I don't use it that often at the 3mm position but 4-6mm is pretty good. On the Moon and Jupiter I tend to use the 6mm Ethos and then for close up I switch to the zoom. I have a 4mm Nirvana but prefer the view through the zoom.

So at the moment I would highly recommended this zoom.

Yes Peter a very large sunspot. I had a look about 2 hours ago - it would be interesting  how large it is. 

I looked at it with my 90mm frac and a 7-20 zoom and a Baader white light filter.

I only picked up this thread a few days ago and this was my first opportunity to reply. 

I started with the Messier objects and recorded my first official observation which I recorded in December 2006. I had great difficulty observing the globular clusters in Sagittarius but I eventually recorded M70 in August 2010 which gave me the whole 110.

I then started the Caldwell group which was more difficult. In the UK I estimated that 67 were visible and by the present date I have seen 63. I have failed to see C4, C9, C51 and finally C67. I went to California in 2018 and saw C77 and C80. I was using an 18.5 inch newt and I will never forget seeing Omega Centauri.

I also used Steve O,Meara's books and I started with 'Hidden Treasurers'. I started in 2009 and of the 109 objects (less 20 not visible from Hereford) I have seen 85. Failed to see Nos 16, 19, 35, and 57.

I started about the same time the H400 which is the main topic of the whole thread. I have so far seen 397 of the list. I have failed to see NGC613, NGC2185 and NGC3621.

Steve O'Meara then introduced 'The Secret Deep' which I started in November 2016. Of the 109 (less 2 which was too low) I have still not seen 14. Steve also added an extra 20 objects which I have not seen 11.

So it is good that the H400 is a great list to go into and certainly I have had great pleasure checking through the various lists.

I had my StellaMira 125mm since August of last year and it's been a dream to use. Excellent report on this scope.

Fantastic photos Paul. I particularly liked your first photo with Orion showing off the Nebulae. Well done.

What a fantastic report and such wonderful photos.

My Granddaughter is at a university in Flagstaff and I would to go and visit the area.

I was reading this and noticed that the title was given as Kettering but the information from the site states that the venue has changed to Stoneleigh Park.

I imagine that the title is wrong and should be changed to Stoneleigh Park - I am missing something!!

I bought mine about a week ago and the other night I observed Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon. I used mine on the StellaMira 125mm ED Doublet which gave me a mag of 325X down to 122X. The best view was the 4 and 5 but the Moon was pretty good with the 3.

I am looking forward to trying it out over the next week - if it stays clear.

Welcome back Nick. I reiterate Stu's point did you approach Admin about getting your old profile back.

I saw it the other night using my 90mm SvBony frac and my 7-21mm zoom. It was not that brilliant but at least I saw it.

These photo are brilliant. Very well done Nigella.

I saw the partial eclipse using my 90mm refractor. The clouds opened about 8.30 and stayed pretty well until 9.15pm. Not a great deal of shadow but it was worth the wait. Heavy cloud at the moment so I have about 30 minutes before the shadow disappears.

Been looking at the Sun - firstly in White Light. A few sunspots but nothing to great.

Switched over to the PST + Double Stack. Incredible 2 proms. One was lopping over and was making a huge distance. The other on the opposite side of the Sun was also quite large. Quite a few smaller Proms and lots of Filaments.

Well worth a look if you have the chance.

I just had a look at the Full Moon which is quite low at the moment. I decided to have a look at this Moon because it will be at its closest until January 2037. It's going cloudy at the moment so this is my best chance at seeing it.

I started with my binocular 12x70 but I have manage to use my 90mm SvBony  frac with the 7mm EP.

Ok it's not going to be great but I cannot miss this opportunity.

Incredible image - clearly Spain and it's dark site is better than the UK.

I had my first observing night yesterday with the  StellarMira 125mm ED Doublet frac.

I used my 100 degree EPs - 20mm, 13mm, 9mm and 6mm and started with some of my favourite DSOs.

Started with M13 and then move over to M57. Then down to M11. I noticed that everything was pin sharp. I thought I would try a double to I picked Albireo. Perfect. I decided to swing North and picked up  M81 and M82 and again everything was pin sharp.

Finally as Saturn was nicely placed I used my 6mm Ethos and the 4mm Nirvana and the latter giving me a mag of 244x. Saturn although low it appeared very sharp with the Cassini division very clear.

Well this was only my first attempt of using the 5" frac. I will have to get used to the low position but it was a good start.

Interesting John. I will look forward to your findings. I certainty be interested in your opinions on your findings between the Nagler zoom and the SvBony.

Great photo and explanation of what you saw and imaged. I took out the 90mm frac and had a great view of the solar surface especially sunspot AR 3363

I have to say your photo using your Tak puts my effort to shame.

I took out the 90mm frac with a continuum filter. Certainly your photo shows the detail of the spots especially  the new sunspot 3363 which is a monster.