wookie1965

My friend bought a 8" orion optics scope which had a low profile focuser on needed several extensions to focus as think it was set up for imaging. 

So bought a focuser think it's astro revelation and installed it. 

Took it out tonight put 40mm in and it focuses right near the very edge of the out focus. 

Put a 20mm in and cannot get focus even all the way in has anyone got any ideas please. 

Here is my two the Tal 100rs and a Meade EMC 127 with a Skywatcher dual speed focuser.

1 hour ago, chiltonstar said:

I usually only look if I can see M51 in the RACI, otherwise it means the viewing is too poor.

Chris

I only use a Telrad so I cannot check but that is good advice I have got a Skywatcher shoe on the Tal so I could get a RACI, the Meade I would have to pay £178 just for the finder think I will give that a miss.

M51 is my nemesis I have been trying to see this for over 4 years from home and never caught it. With a 6" and 8" newt and now with the Tal 100rs and the Meade 127 achromatic refractors still I am at a loss.

I did see it Friday In cotterless45`s 8" dob from a dark site.

I have tried several times to get the third component here but fail miserably, I got the 5" Meade just so I could split these tighter doubles but not managed it.

I have seen it once when I had my 8" at a meet that I just cannot remember where, I was in a either a yurt or cabin over a hill Quite a few people turned up, one being Nick who told me go for this and we saw it I doubt my 4" or 5" would catch it now from home.

Cracking list there Nick I will copy some of them, laid up cannot even put my socks on pain is horrendous not been bed since got home napping in a chair best I can do.

First couple of clear nights and I cannot get out really hissed off.

NGC 457 "ET cluster or Owl cluster" a favourite of mine 

15 hours ago, mapstar said:

Sounds like a fun star party was had by most. I totally forgot this was on. 

I remember Storm Gonzales on the last big PSP at shallow grange. Blowing a proper gale and still trying to observe. It was a giggle to say the least. 

Cotterless is a good guide to the skies and glad the skies allowed him to pass on a few objects of note. NGC2392 and M51 at this time of year are perfectly placed. 

Good stuff guys bet you're already planning next years. 

 

If this Virus blows over going to try for October good to see you there.

Great Nick I to have a list for Leo although in my case I had cloud, Back still bad but I am moving better. Hopefully tomorrow night I can get out forecast is clear and I am going to use the Tal lighter than the 5".

Going try find that other comet I think is in Cassiopeia when I can get out I believe it is brightening. 

Wow what a haul I am not jealous not jealous at all, Leo trio not seen from home M51 not seen from home and many more fainter ones never going to see from home, encourages me to find a dark site and try for them.

Great report thanks for sharing and the inspiration.

Paul

Thank you to everyone that turned up Duncan, Peter, Steve who I didn`t get to meet next time maybe and Nick, lets hope when this Virus has gone we can have another one and build on this maybe get 10 next time.

Really is a cracking site to observe better than home in light polluted skies went to my back door last night I could just make out Leo, the head had 3 stars from Shallow grange it was unmistakable, Orion nebula by eye so its worth the effort to get here.

Thank you for coming to the first party I have started with help from Nick here`s to the future. 

2 hours ago, pcdunx said:

I am overwhelmed at the kindness, generosity and support from everyone at PSP, thank you for making me feel so welcome. Your gifts of food, beer, heater, warm clothing, planisphere and astronomy knowledge are so gratefully received. 

With people leaving through health or needing to be back home for family, I am the sole survivor for Sunday night. Hopefully the predicted clear skies will materialise and I get my first proper viewing in a relatively dark area.

Looking forward to the next start party....

It was a great pleasure to meet you Duncan I just wish I could of stayed and if we had a good night you could of seen what a achromatic can do, I think you would of enjoyed the views. Hopefully get this virus thing sorted we can make arrangements for another meet.

7 hours ago, ScouseSpaceCadet said:

Crawling out of the tent at 9am Saturday Wookie (Paul  I was expecting at least a beard! 😉) had gone. I hope your back's alright.

The observing we did manage Friday night was hampered by a bitter wind and intermittent cloud until we were eventually clouded in and a nice warm sleeping bag beckoned.

Most of my observing was done through Olympus 10x50 binoculars. The usual treats were a delight under the rural skies; The Double Cluster, Orion Nebula and Hyades, with not seen before nebulosity in Pleiades and extra detail seen in Orion through the Startravel 120.

M51 through Nick's 8" newt was another Messier ticked off.

Steve arrived late afternoon and we all hunkered down in Duncan's posh living room for a good chat, but with clouds showing no sign of shifting and a rubbish forecast, I bottled out starting to pack up at sunset, arriving home at about 9pm. I'm still cold.

It was a pleasure meeting the chaps, Nick's a walking astro encyclopeadia! It's just a shame the weather didn't play ball.

 

 

 

I used to have a beard but with having sleep apnea  diagnosed 6 years ago maybe longer I have to shave so the mask doesn`t leak.

It was a pleasure to meet Duncan and Peter and my friend Nick I am really disappointed I had to come home early really wanted to have a great weekend of chat laughs and brilliant views it was not to be unfortunately. 

Paul 

Had to come home early tweaked my back slipping off a step, and the double airbed has a leak I wasnt prepared pay another £80 for one.

Got in at 9 am just having toast and a drink the empty some of the car.

1 hour ago, ScouseSpaceCadet said:

Great! The 20 bottles of beer I just picked up from Lidl in preparation wasn't a waste of time.

I will be solo. The other half's just finished chemo 3 weeks ago and had her last radiotherapy today, so for once is going to follow advice!

Looking forward to seeing everyone. 

Please send my regards to your significant other  I hope she feels better as soon as, Yes I am looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.

Heard back from the camp they are quite happy for us to attend and there are 7 of us that`s a great little group.

See you all Friday and the weather up to now is looking favourable.

Due to the press conference today I have emailed the camp to confirm we are still welcome I will report back when I have a answer. 

Please let me know if you have decided not to attend. 

I have a list of carbon stars.

Some great targets there Nick I will have to write them down.Clear here 7.30pm got tripod out levelled it went in the house get the mount come out clouds rolling in very frustrating.

I believe there are only 8/10 coming I will be there with my wife I cannot see anyone passing anything on if they have not been in contact with anyone and are not showing any signs. If worse comes to worse we can stay in our own tents and shout to each other😃

I am bringing EQ5 a Tal 100rs and the Meade 127mm refractor which has got a Skywatcher dual speed focuser on. 

Ohh and a pair of binoculars 10x42s I would like a look through the 120 if we get a chance please. 

We are going to try to incorporate 

workshop for mount / scope matters , including collimation and polar alignment.
Masterclass in the night sky and visual observing. Guided tours and practical assistance .
How to goto , what they don't tell you !
Open forum and discussion

If we can depending on weather.