estwing

Yes!...I find it absolutely essential!.

The planning of a DSO night can't be underestimated because of lack of opportunities for some. Sort your targets out , then I check in the field guide to see what description is give..ie..faint arms with knots...or bulge to one side.

Not much point in spending precious time hunting for things that can't be detected or beyond your scopes capability. Adds to the information of the report you're writing too!...

Is it just me who doesn't like turn left at Orion?...uranometria all sky edition is what I use.

Yes...

1 hour ago, jetstream said:

Thanks Damian, I just put it on the list with Copelands Septet.  Looked up some Abell clusters- gonna go for the Abell Leo cluster soon, weather permitting.

Fantastic...abell 426 is a great challenge for me...perseus cluster....taken from Uranometria 2000.0 all sky edition.

8 hours ago, jetstream said:

star hopping works and I respect those that do.

Only way for me...a skill not easily attained but worth it 

Tbh we never  got ideal observing conditions when hunting Hicksons 55...but whenever are there.?..🙄

On first being told about the UMa by @swamp thing I almost dismissed it until reaching a good dark sky spot. Its ridiculous how busy it is in there!!!...and they just spill out the bowl!..happy hunting Guys.

Then you have the tools for the rest of your observing life!

21 ethos,  paracorr 2 , 8mm ethos and a powermate...I could happily sell the rest 

21 is fantastic with the 18"..

But the 8mm....oh my.....I have to have a cold shower now!!!!

On 10/02/2020 at 15:02, jetstream said:

Congrats!

The 18" f4ish scopes hit a sweet spot for portability vs aperture, offering bright DSO views IMHO.

Totally agree ...

I can lift my mirror box into any car....20" no chance!!!!

Congratulations!....hope the skies are kind for you.

Elan , not far from the reservoir 

Mine between Steve's and Damians 

On 27/01/2020 at 14:51, reddoss said:

Hi Tich,

          Saw this video and thought of you at star parties with your fold away caravan!!!!! 😀

 

Same as mine..

Great read...just goes to show what reasonable aperture can do in Dark skies...love it.!

Fantastic glad you had the hit of a great dark sky!...if you get the chance hook up to the south Wales star party for a great weekend....clear skies!

Booked 🙂

I'll struggle to set my van up...😂

Count me in

2 hours ago, scarp15 said:

It seemed to go on for ever and then just seemed to inconclusively completely fizzle out with no further updates. I assumed he had lost interest in the polishing and subsequently dropped out of the forum all together.

Little bit more to it than that mate....but it was such a shame.

Jumping up from a 20"....that's a mighty leap to see a real benefit. 

My birthday on the 21st....so can't attend....might pop up for a chat as its 25 mins away. 

An excellent target if conditions are good. It can seem as if a black marker pen has been dragged across the centre!

I have looked at the trap a few times tbh there's more interesting things to focus on with a big dob...clear skies!

Can we have this in the right section pls mods.

Nice report Stephan...I too have the wheelbarrow handles but rarely use as once set up i don't move at dark sky sites...unfortunately this has spoiled me and i don't observe from home, so no quick wheel out here!..clear skies 

Will be attending hopefully....got a snowboarding holiday with my boy but if a late deal doesn't come up I'll attend.