Mark at Beaufort

I decided to have a look for this Comet which was nicely placed in Ophiuchus. Using my 6" Newt + 24mm ES68 + 7-21mm SvBony zoom I tracked it down. It was faint although it was estimated to be 6.88. Although it was not astronomically dark it was very clear at about 11.45pm.

Well its been 5 months since I last took out a scope in the dark. I decided to look for the comet C/2017 K2 (Panstarrs) which was nicely placed in Ophiuchus. There is was - albeit faint in the 6" Newt using the 24mm ES68 + 7-21mm SvBony zoom.

Glad she like it.

Wonderful image Alan including the fainter galaxies. I looked at my Interstellarum atlas and also the The Sky website to get further info on this Lenticular galaxy. Really well done getting this detailed image.

Yes thanks for that. It looks like the cloud will totally clear in about 1.5/2 hours. It could get rather hot by then.

Great photos Steve. Its cloudy in Hereford although I can see the Sun from time to time. It is certainly a great time to view the Sun in white light.

Thanks Paul that is really good to catch both. I will certainly have a go at trying to catch both objects.

Excellent detail. Can't critise the photo at all. Job well done. Look forward to seeing Jupiter.

Lovely view of the Sun with the PST +DS plus the 90mm SvBony showing white light using the Baader Solar Continuum filter. Your comments above sums it all up. Really good.

What a brilliant report - this is what SGL is all about. I really enjoyed reading your session.

Not to worry Paul I did appreciate that it was something I should try and observe but forgot. I stayed up until 12.30am seeking out some faint DSOs and went to bed feeling chuffed that I had found some v.faint DSOs.

Really excellent Paul. I was awake and never thought about checking the sky.

Herefordshire Astro Society had an observing session last evening at its new site. We were using 2 - 12" Dobs to show a large assortment of objects. Too many objects to list which included a nice view of Uranus.

Michael that box looks like series one made in Livermore. Apparently that era were the best - should be great in 12" Dob .

Well done Dave I look forward to your review. You should now be set up for the Planets return later this year.

This is my Heritage 130P on a camera tripod using a Pronto mount.

I never started until 9.45pm because of the local school's floodlights so I just set up the Skywatcher 150P. I started with the Monkey Head Neb using the 20mm Myraid and Castell O-III filter. This was followed by M35 + NGC2158, Christmas Tree Neb, Rosette Neb. I then switched to the 13mm Ethos and Viewed M47 and M46 taking in the PN 2438 (using TeleVue filter). Still with Ethos viewed M38, M36 and M37, M1 and then fitted a H.Beta filter to try and see the California Neb with the ES68 24mm (failed). It was interesting to then view M42 still with the H.Beta - nice to try different filters on M42. Before going into Leo I observed M44 and M67. Quick tour of Leo viewing NGC2903 and then the Triplets although I could not see NGC3628. Ended the night in Ursa Major- M51, M82+M81 (great in 9mm Myraid), M108 and finally the Owl Neb (trying both TeleVue and Atronomik O-III).

Thanks Michael I had a 21mm Ethos and sold it together with the 13mm and 8mm Ethos. I missed the extra wide field so bought the 20mm Myraid which is nearly as good. As mentioned I am going to hold off for the time being but if a used one appears in the classifieds at a reasonable cost I might change my mind.

I am grateful for the many excellent replies. The cost of the Nagler 31 is very high and although I might use it a bit on balance it won't get used as much as my 20mm Myraid. So I will hold off at the moment.

Thanks Paul - the Sun has come out so will have a look.

Thanks Don I just read the reviews on the APM 30mm which was very good. However I think I want the extra large field but not sure about the opinions on the ES and the edge quality although some state the new version is better.

Thanks Iain that is useful information. As I stated previously I recently used the new StellaLyra 16" Dob and the exit pupil was 6.88 so perhaps I should not worry especially reading your reply because the view was fantastic I know in my 6" Newt I could fill both parts of the Veil which I fancy trying . Now it's just a matter whether I buy the 31mm Nagler or the cheaper ES.

My main observing is DSOs and I have a good range of EPs which include a Myriad 20mm 100 degree and an ES68 24mm. I recently had the opportunity to use a Nagler 31mm on a 16" Dob and the view of the Veil was brilliant. I am looking at members who may have a 20/21 100 degree EP and a Nagler 31mm and I wonder how often they use the Nagler and whether they feel its completely necessary. Part of my consideration is exit pupil. My 12" Dob with the Nagler will give me an exit pupil of 6.22 and a true field of 1.673. My Myriad 100 degree gives me 4.01 and 1.316. I know that Explore Scientific do a 30mm 82 degree which is nearly half the cost of the Nagler and Opticstar in Sale have a clone version at £260 - https://www.opticstar.com/Opticstar-Ultra-Wide-Angle-XL-Eyepieces.html I welcome opinions.

I am hoping to go and it would be nice to meet more SGL members. I have a SGL T.Shirt and a Mod name badge so say hello if you see me.

Thanks Paul for the heads up. I did have a session today with the PST + DS and there was a bit of activity. We might have a few clear days next week so fingers crossed.