scarp15

Out with 'the big un', VX14, complete with aperture mask, pointed at Mars for a brief session much later on.

Nice way to celebrate your birthday and marked with a good reference drawing. It was interesting seeing some shading contrast in the north region; as you mention Niliacus Lacus. I started my brief session much later, Sinus Sabaeus had made way for Mare Erythraeum and the south region was quite heavily shaded, polar cap brght. I would be lost in explanation if not for that Mars Mapper.

The riser base is a good investment. I had the 2" when I used a 300p flextube, the 4" is functional with my 14" dob. Also treated the Telrad to a Telegizmo canvas cover, which becomes useful at this time of year of potential high condensation, for example pausing for a coffee break.

The combination of a RACI and a Rigel QuiKfinder on an 8" F6 dob as mentioned in above posts, is a compatible set up. I like the Rigel for it is proportionally compact on the length of tube, for sighting, personally I'm not adverse to using a gardening kneel mat, so going down on one knee is OK. For my larger dob, the Telrad on a 4" riser base / RACI combo, is excellent.

Sounds great and yes the 200mm reflector has immense potential under a good dark sky. Agree would be worthwhile flocking, bet you wont forget your sleeping bag again,

Another early morning perspective observing Mars. Interacting between 7mm and 5mm DeLite with a OO UK VX8L.

Good depiction describing the surface from an early evening observation perspective. I gained an opportunity to observe late on, variable as with yourself, but became steady particularly around 12.30am. As with your sketch, the south polar cap was bright, there were three prominent darkly contrasting mottled features within the southern hemisphere, I think that these would have been Solis Lacus, Phaethontis and Chrysokeras. Very much stll learning, therefore sketches and images have been helpful references.

Very nice, this was the profile I was observing last night, the dark mottled features in the southern hemisphere such as Solis Lacus were prominent and as your image conveys the bright pimple of the south polar cap. Lovely to see the capture of Olympus Mons.

Conversely, some objects respond more decisively with smaller aperture, fast focal ratio and very large exit pupil, when applied in the optium dark transparent sky conditions. Such an example would be Barnard's Loop; very large; 3000 light years across, emission nebula of very low surface brightness. Employing a large 6mm + exit pupil, offset by the contrast of a H-beta filter, encompassing a wide field of view may enable an observation. Larger aperture does not really gain anything at least in my own comparison between a 14" and 3.5" scope at similar exit pupil. Equally the IFN, Integrated Flux Nebula; can also, in optimum conditions be determined through moderate aperture at large exit pupil, fast focal ratio, not certain that larger aperture at the same exit pupil will gian anything related to the particular nature of this observation.

It no doubt will, sounds excellent.

As John has mentioned above, observing conditions and location of the target are crucial. I began observing Mars from midnight last night, the image was not that stable to begin, perhaps roof thermals were partly to blame. Later as Mars culminated due south and my observing aspect was entirely unhindered by buildings the image became - intermittently, more stable and I was able to increase the power a little and gain more surface detail, texture and hints of ochre shading in the northerly region. This was using an OOUK VX8L (F6) on dobsonian base and seated on an adjustable observer's chair. A set of capable eyepieces you enjoy using at the optimum lowest power is just as applicable.

Ideal conditions and applying good magnification, interesting that you managed to glimpse Deimos 120mm refractor and had grasped Mirach's Ghost in your 100mm refractor. A bit different in the N/E, had been chucking it down, puddles formed on top of the VX8L scope cover. Not a particular stable image of Mars, 10mm Delos 120x is doing OK, Mare Sirenum into Mare Cimmerium conveying good contrast though, when not completely clouded over. Olympus Mons had been prominent I expect much larger aperture, high power is needed perhaps?

Paul if you could message @Ships and Stars he is usually around on the forum but guess could be away working. He would be an ideal candidate to be interviewed on this subject by your sister in law.

That is true and the Scottish Environment Minister has conjured up and is to throw £20 million to repair the defunct controversial funicular, the spaceport will be yet more environmentally harmful and unnecessary, the wrong approach for Scotland.

Good account, yes the seeing was average last night, but some fleetingly good moments and stepping back on the mag was providing the optimum image. Haven't used a filter just varying focal length eyepieces, settled on one that worked well. Became a bit nippy, I wear a down vest over a light fleece jacket, beanie hat which was snug enough.

Good session, just nice to be out, enjoy your new observer's chair, cannot beat just sitting back and looking up. Similar arrangement with two scopes out 8" and 3.5", the seeing was average, attention mostly on Mars, with some fleetingly good contrast at 120x.

That is true, when they are of a young age, a pair of binoculars, particularly when steadied on a tripod or something are much easier and accessible for them to manage. This kept briefly the attention of Grace and a couple of her friends at starcamp years ago.

Nothing wrong with that, good effort in fact and I have just come in and can relate my observations to your sketch. Had a 85mm frac and 200mm dob out but mostly worked at mid power, Mare Chronium, Eridania and Mare Cimmerium on display.

Yes Uranus gliding across the field of view has been a good accompaniment to Mars and not so far away.

I have also read, largely concerning accounts for the impact this scheme will have on that environment, its wildlife and the people that inhabit this region, would not personally be in favour for it.

The two of us went backpacking, wild camping in the Lake District prior to Grace going back to Uni. We pitched by an upland Tarn, Jupiter and Saturn shone brightly and were reflected like ghostly comets upon the mirror surface. I went back to the tent to tell Grace... but she was fast asleep. The appreciation though is there, as they progress into young adulthood.

Jupiter and Saturn had been too low for observing from my high backyard wall, Mars on the other hand is transiting at 42 degrees altitude seen from the UK. Currently 38.5million miles from Earth, the planet will remain in excess of 20" in diameter for a whole month. No dust storms, surface detail has been exceptional and educational.

Yes keep aiming to retain her interest, we went as a family to attend Kielder starcamp Spring and Autumn for several years, she loved that and still loves to go camping. She had absorbed the notable distinction of a dark sky and the Milky Way as encountered from a remote camping site and has stuck with her. The pipe, yep quite a flattering remark, the 14" dobsonian, she had referred to as the water cylinder, usually nowadays less flattering remark; that junk in the corner.

Good going with family, not straightforward to get them enthused though. My daughter used to enjoy looking at brighter colourful double stars, Albireo a classic example. Try her on the moon when there is a good lunar phase that always works. My daughter just refers to it as dads hobby, no interest, at nineteen why would she. Set up my refractor tonight (subsequently took back inside due to cloud), my wife asked which telescope I was using, I told her it was the small one, she replied "oh you mean the pipe".

Yes as mentioned by others, a Unihedron Sky Quality Meter L model is a very worth while investment, if you plan on pursuing dark sky trips. Actually finding a place that becomes a reassuring bolthole as mentioned, takes a bit of consideration, trial and trickerlation. My advice would be to avoid large parking areas, country parks, ect. The more out of the way the better. Through experience you may get to encounter all manner of nocturnal human types., Except for a werewolf, I think that I have pretty much had them all, including a bunch of poachers and avoid all those places. A good place and you will only get like minded people such as photographers or even another astronomer, or blissfully no one. Just get to know your countryside and its potential little niches they do exist. I have three very dependable locations within an hour's drive from home to choose from, but yep takes a bit of time to establish - worth it though.