Mark at Beaufort

Total clear night so decided to use my StellaMira 125mm ED Doublet.

Started with M104 (Sombrero Galaxy) then moved back to NGC3115 (Spindle Galaxy) and then NGC3242 (Ghost of Jupiter). I used my 13mm and 6mm Ethos EPs.

I then decided to view the Leo Triplet and although M66 and M65 was easy NGC3628 was more difficult although in the end I could see it.

I ended the night with Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). I used my Stellarium software to locate it and although faint I could see it quite well.

An excellent review Michael. I have had the SvBony zoom for about 5 months and have found it very useful on my StellaMira125mm frac.

Incredible images thanks Dave. I looked today with white light and the PS T double stack - your first and third photos brought back the images for me. Thanks

Exactly the boy could have lost the sight in his right eye. Why does the owner of the scope not put a solar filter over the main tube.

That is an excellent image of M51. Well done.

Excellent videos. Really makes you feel you were there. I liked the normal speed videos the best. 

Lovely image especially taking in NGC5053. It was great to increase the image of both DSOs.

Excellent image Gerr.

Well done Paul you certainly saw more than I did. 

Seeing these photos being produced by the Seestar makes me want to purchased one.

Saw the Comet very low down. I used my 90mm frac with correct image diagonal and my 150p newt with the 3-8mm SvBony to get close up. Only saw the head no tail.

Very well done getting the final phase of the eclipse before sunset.

Lovely photos of the total solar eclipse. Clearly you were very fortunate to get totally clear sky - brilliant.

What a lovely telescope including the mount.

Excellent images Nigella.

Very nice Martin. I have never seen the Cone Nebula so a good first choice with your new kit.

I look forward to seeing more from the camper van.

Lovely Astro photos Francis. I was a bit surprised that you bought two Askar 120mm telescopes but I can see now why you bought them.

Excellent photos Dave

Yes Nick. I have just looked at the Sun with my white light setup. AR3165 is amazing. Also had a look with the PST with the Double stack.

14 minutes ago, Flame Nebula said:

Thanks John. Was that with your 12 inch dobsonian? 

No John had his 6" mak-newt and I had a 6" Skywatcher 150 f/5 Newt. We must have seen 30+ galaxies - such a memorable night.

Although I have seen over 1000 different DSO I felt that Kevin's book really was a good example of picking 50 favourite and interesting objects. Yes I agree that some of the objects could be changed but I was happy with the format.

Although I have seen so many objects from the various lists I decided to buy the book recommended by kev100. It really is an excellent book and we'll worth the cost of buying it from FLO.

I know that the original poster RJC recommended 10 objects but this book covers so much more. I recommend it to anybody.

Lovely photo especially taking the galaxies M31 (Andromeda) and M33. The Comet is really good taking in the Tail. Really well done a cracking photo.

I decided to use my Helios Apollo 15x70 binos again tonight and started with Mercury. It was very bright but so low down. I had to observe it from the back bedroom to gain some height.

About 8.30pm I decided to hunt down Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks which again was just above the trees. I was able to pick it up but again no tail.

I have 4 scopes. 

1. A PST solar scope which I bought in early 2005. I have added the Double Stack about 5/6 years ago. It is used virtually ever time the Sun is out.

2. Skywatcher 150P Newt 

3. SvBony 90mm Achro refractor - I mainly use it for White Light observing the Sun. I am thinking of changing it for a StellaMira 80mm ED Frac - well maybe.

4. StellarMira 125mm ED Frac - I purchased this in August of last year but have only used it about 10 times in that period. Continuous cloud cover.

Well that is me at the moment.

I set up my 90mm Frac (using it with a 24mm EP + an erect prism diagonal) plus the 150P Newt and went searching for the Comet.

It was low down and in fact it was situated between a gap between trees. I found it by starting with the Andromeda Galaxy and moved down.

It was fairly bright but could not see a tail.