wookie1965

I've just got it cloud already building though😢

Another good "Winter Alberio" H3945 RA. 07h 16m.6 DEC - 23° 19 (SAO 1733 53) Hass says bright citrus orange and a royal blue lovely double

Use insulation tape to reorientate the mirror cell with the tube. I. E put insulation tape on the tube and the cell at the same place.

I will be there been every year except last year as they didn't have one 20 minutes down the road.

As far as I know makes no difference looking at the moon you would just be able to see the craters and mares rather than a blinding light.

NEVER ever look at the sun unless you have appropriate film over the opening, you reduce the aperture mainly to let less light in E.G when you have a full moon

If you live in light polluted area dont think you are going to see galaxies galore in technicolor you wont, you will only be able to see the brighter ones M81,M82, Andromeda when that comes back(M31) look for clusters both globular and open as well as double stars. The galaxies will be grey but clusters have different coloured stars and so do the double and multiple stars leave the galaxy hunting for dark sky areas this will make you enjoy the hobby and not put you off when you cannot see anything.

They look to big think you only need around 16mm and they need to have more tension than what they look like they have, you need something more like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compression-Spring-Small-Various-Sizes-Up-To-10mm-Diameter-Pressure-Compressed-1/222382066727?hash=item33c7010c27:m:mMijpHIbntB23tauIBEoyOw If you look at these it will give you some idea, https://www.cameraconcepts.com/bobs-knobs-primary-mirror-springs-for-many-common.html

3 months nearly since I have been out weather has been terrible everytime set up cloud rolled in frustrating is not the word. Puppis is a no go for me I have houses all around and 3 story ones at the back of me I am lucky see anything. Great report Nick I wont be copying your Puppis targets as explained 😪

What a shame have get yourself a small set up so you can take that instead of the big dob.

Hope the weather stays good for you and you get some sessions in.

Still plenty of time to book, hopefully a great weekend what with SGL cancelled and no tents at Galloway it's got to be 3rd time lucky for us. 4 weeks this Friday coming, soon be upon us.

Blowing a gale here clouds flashing accross the sky in between I have seen Leo high up in a very favorable position, unfortunately Orion is now SW so I have no chance of seeing it in my scope. 😢

I've only ever seen the 6 stars once in a 150p it was one of the best nights I had ever seen, clear, crisp and seeing was brilliant. I've now got a 127mm refractor and I am waiting for a clear night to have a go but this weather is making it very awkward. Hopefully we get some clear nights soon otherwise I won't get a chance as I cannot see anything south.

When I had my reflectors a 150p and a 200p both F5 scopes (fast) I had a laser threw that in bin I used a Cheshire/Sight tube never had a problem with mine using it always well collimated.

I was told to screw in the adjustment screws in all the way then back them off 1. 5 times from there collimate as usual then gently use locking screws taking care to look if the mirror moves. If the primary is set right that will stay in place unless you bang the OTA To collimate in the dark, Simple, get a laser collimator, ensure that it's collimated. Insert it into a Barlow and ensure that your focuser is wound in. If collimated you should see the outline of your primary centre circle ( marker) on the collimator screen. Minor adjustments with the primary adjusters will make this dead reflection centre. My 150p needed a tweak every time I took it out.

You will be very welcome.

Get yourselves a self centering adapter does not use thumb screws and centres any eyepiece or collimator. https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/twistlock-adaptor-1.25--2.00.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_6Wx3pjM5wIVDUTTCh0oCQjsEAkYASABEgKhyPD_BwE Cheaper version, https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/382821201785

BST Starguiders are inexpensive around £50 they will perform great in a F5 scope I know because I had one and still have a couple of BST'S. The celestron xcels are the same great eyepieces a little bit dearer but look 9n the second hand market for them.

Yes those small oil radiators are good just don't have those halogen ones that's a disaster waiting to happen such a bad fire risk.

Just a heads up people if you are using EHU you will need something similar or the same in the pictures below I prefer a trip one. March could be cold so take this into consideration, plenty of layers a fan heater you can pick them up for £10 safest thing in a tent. Warm bedding nothing worse than being cold trying to sleep been there done that. Plenty to eat with extra snacks and such like. Pot noodles are good because it's a good warm meal. Extra gas for camping stove nothing worse when cooking something and you run out of gas. Just a few tips for camping in the cold no saying its going to be like that but it's best to be prepared. Paul

I will probably have to leave the Sunday if I cannot rearrange an appointment hoping to but its a hospital appointment so not sure.

Think we have 5 confirmed bookings at the camp now if can people book using the camps email please, it is a working farm and do not want to miss any phone calls.

It will be great to meet you and if we can help we will we are a friendly bunch.

It would be nice to see again Jules.