scarp15

Delos and DeLite are parfocal, complementary in design and 20mm eye relief. The incremental focal length range of DeLite at mid to high power interacts with Delos. Whilst proportionally differing, between the two models; total field of view does not feel particularly compromised and I enjoy seeing the field stop.

Currently my Delos / DeLite line-up comprises; 18.2mm DeLite, 10mm Delos, 7mm DeLite, 6mm Delos, 5mm DeLite, 4mm DeLite, 3,5mm Delos. Largely used for backyard observing, therefore excellent for planetary, lunar, brighter DSO's, binaries, do not have a specific favourite though the 10mm Delos receives perhaps the most use. Definitely no softness or coffee tone, just outstanding, comfortably aligned views. 

Never personally encountered this issue having owned both an OOUK 14" F4.6 on their dobsonian base and continue to use an 8" F6 dob set up. The tube, trunnion blocks securely balance align and brace the tube. The tube is light, yet the mirrors are also light, particularly compared to alternatives. Nor had any issues with the mirror cell springs. These are the VX range, cannot comment on earlier models. In fact I would check the collimation on the VX14 prior to loading in the car for a dark sky trip as often dark upon arrival, yet collimation held just fine.    

As above by Olly, Unihedron SQM-L, will dependably provide a reading at the 40 degree point of sky you are observing in; measuring the level of sky background illumination. Provides an ambient temperature reading to. Used correctly (pointed at zenith with outstretched arm), a frequency of readings, will accurately determine an average observational magnitude over a particular time period.   

44 minutes ago, Neutrinosoup said:

2) Is the Vixen Porta 2 head compatible with a better tripod? (does it need an adaptor?) or should I just get a better mount?

Not a Tak owner but I do use a Vixen Porta II mount on a Berlebach tripod, their tripod range has an attachment option for the Porta II. Concerning the Berlebach, it is also worth while getting the tray and I think something like the Uni 18 is oft recommended as applicable for your set up. 

A focal length of 1200mm perhaps as you had referred to;  6mm ocular at 200x is generally considered optimum at high power. Yet as mentioned by previous contributors, there are many variables. 

For example, using my F6 / 1200mm F/L, 8" dob such as when observing the moon in steady seeing conditions, it is quite reasonable to increase magnification  beyond 200x and thus create a tighter exit pupil. Whist floaters may become a factor, comfortable eye relief and eye placement, will facilitate relaxed observing. Thus my 3.5mm Delos that yields 343x, at a 0.5mm exit pupil (and 20mm eye relief), is applicable for those infrequent perfect seeing occasions. Therefore the intended subject and seeing conditions determine the ocular focal length / exit pupil.   

Ed Ting new video reviewing the revered TV-85 (with a mention to the 18.2mm DeLite). 

Currently observing Jupiter as it transits south. Good steady periods of seeing, distinct barge sighted embedded within the NEB and interesting mottled detailing within the Equatorial Zone. Primary eyepiece; 10mm Delos. 

Exit Pupil; this has been a hot topic of conversation in its own right, on many threads over the years that I have, at least, been involved with SGL when the Horsehead Nebula has been the particular subject of debate. 

General consensus is that with a moderate sized aperture telescope; a focal length eyepiece that provides between 4mm - 5mm exit pupil, creates a good balance between required contrast and image scale (coupled to a H-beta filter). 

A typical favourite amongst deep sky observers has been a Tele Vue 25mm Plossl (referred to as the magic eyepiece or magic exit pupil) and  / or Tele Vue 20mm Plossl, providing an optimum exit pupil in many focal length scopes and a narrow TFOV for keeping Alnitak out of view. 

Of course with a larger aperture dob  / scope, under favourable conditions, the magnification can increase (reports of 13mm Ethos being the weapon of choice in i.e. 18" dob) and the horsehead will simply 'pop' (no ifs, no buts).

Lets also keep talking about IC 434, I haven't really focused attention on this (too washed out), Mike has referred to it and I know that Gerry to has had success with this within his Canadian wilderness skies and there is much chatter on Cloudy Nights for example. For all committed preparations, our eyesights do differ though.

Here is a thread that I'd started when finding my way with other still familiar members on here, from quite a few years ago, when the feverish journey to 'bag' the Horsehead was (for me and others) in its infancy. I do miss aceys contributions.

It is ironic that one of the most talked about subjects on here, concerns the most substantial almost nothingness, in traditional observing terms.

Night Vision from a suburban back garden is the natural alternative of course if you have £££££ - yet the elusive 'thumbprint' would lose some of its hard earned legendary mystic.

Just one final point, once detected and familiarity is gained, I think that it is worth playing around with other eyepieces / exit pupils and scopes of varying aperture perhaps, so long as under the darkest, transparent moonless skies possible.

39 minutes ago, mikeDnight said:

He'll be out fishing or chopping wood ready for winter. ☺️

I hope so, its just concerning with the extent of forestry fires in Canada this year. 

I think that Gerry @jetstream would be a good contributor into this, though had not heard from him for a while. 

2 hours ago, Bugdozer said:

Does, it, though? I can't find any real comment on the forum about how bright IC 434 (as you have informed me it's called, thank you) actually is. Wikipedia says it's mag 7.3. Another site says it's mag 11. That's quite a difference. 

All the threads you are talking about are focused on people trying to see the Horsehead itself, B33, which I have no particular interest in because I know it will be almost impossible with my equipment. 

IC 434 is too impacted by the glare from Alnitak to distinguish it from the background. B33 when glimpsed, is a velvety black thumb print around the same size as M1 (which is a good subject to observe prior to this). 

If you wish to attempt to observe a diffuse nebula within this vicinity, then try for NGC 2023, nothing amazing, a small reflection nebula around a dim star and close to the position of B33. 

A 5" scope is inadequate, at least for all but the most experienced observers and in optimum circumstances. A reasonably dark sky is also inadequate. 

My first encounter was whilst out with an astronomy society that I was a member of a few years back. At their dark sky site and using I think at the time my 12" dob (though could had been the subsequent 14" cant remember), using a 25mm TV plossl eyepiece and excellent Lumicon H-beta filter. Anyhow an experienced observer positioned accurately the field of view through the plossl (keeping Alnitak out of view) and declared that it was the best view that he had seen of B33. He implied where to look and a grasp of what to expect / see, yet could I or another member see it - no, not a chance -  we were clueless as to what we were actually looking at, or to be more precise how to look at it. 

As experience and attempts developed, I eventually did see it and grew accustomed as to how to see it. Therefore comprehending exactly what you are trying to look for, employing averted vision, becoming fully dark adapted and spending a prior period looking at faint DSO's are at the very least what is required. Having the optimum equipment, under very dark skies (at least 21.1 mag) in excellent transparency and when Orion is nearing its southerly position are necessary requirements. If or when you do encounter it, you will know, as credible drawings that you would have studied before hand from experienced observers will acknowledge this. It is a eureka moment and accomplishment but from a visual perspective there almost nout there. 

Just to conclude, this topic comes up almost year on year most often tin the Observing Deep Sky section (not in beginners observing), packed with info and general personal experiences. 

A more delightful subject with a H-beta filter and low power wide field eyepiece at around this time of year, is the California nebula.

Will do nice on the winter clusters and should be easily transportable. 

Good report for observing a comprehensive range of seasonal and emerging subjects. A worthy night to be venturing to a dark sky location, by which it looks like, as mentioned above, a decent spot. 

Yep just after midnight and Great Red Spot swinging clearly into view 200x; 6mm Delos doing proud. 

No transit action, yet good presentation tonight (22.15), as Jupiter transits south. Detect barge activity in both NEB and SEB regions. Temperate belt and Polar regions visible. Responding to 171x - 200x, 8" F6 dob, pouring a Guinness, then back out for more.   

There is notice of another potential Aurora Storm this Saturday / Sunday.

Just come in after a spectacular Jupiter session. Perhaps following the storm, the air was clean and the seeing steady then the lingering patchy clouds dispersed. Surface details were dynamic with the GRS emerging, several barges within the belt regions, Temperate belts and the Polar Regions also sharply defined. Much later the southern region was an incredibly mottled grey shade. It was great to be able to follow the passage of the GRS and then much later still the start and early stage following the Europa shadow transit. The imposing black dot imprinted clearly along the Southern region. Just an awesome and enriching night to be outside with the telescope and with Jupiter at opposition, still buzzing and its 02.10 am. Eyepiece of the night again was the 7mm DeLite (171x), for its outstanding image consistency.   

Looks good!

'Can it be true', yeah my thoughts to, particularly after the battering and drenching of Storm Ciaran. Have the VX8L dob out, had been undercover not trusting the weather, but Jupiter is shinning bright and will be emerging from behind the chimney pot soon. 

Yet conversely, it is ironic that if fortune had it that you did get a good night out observing, all of those notions just melt away and you get to thinking hmm maybe I'd like to include this or that - for next time.  However it has been rather grim and uninspiring a lot of the time. It is definitely a pursuit that requires a mindset that this is for the long game, or to put it another way, occasional, by which having other hobbies and interests on an equal footing is necessary for your free / leisure time. 

Didn't get to turn in until after 2.30am. Two consecutive early Sunday mornings observing Io's shadow transit, has been very reviving and particularly following storm Babet. The shadow transit was very pronounced, also could just make out the GRS, SEB distinct and traces of NEB, lots of detailing interest within the belt regions. 7mm DeLite was probably the best overall of the night at 171x, although for a good period, 200x and up to 240x worked well to. 

Lovely too, to watch the blueish disc of Uranus glide across and even caught an occasional Orionid. Deep sky objects observed included Andromeda and M34.

Jupiter has cleared the chimney stack and is looking good ready for another Io transit. Currently using the same set up as last weekend; VX8L - F6 dob and 18mm DeLite, that will step up to 10mm Delos and probably a bit higher. Also a Baader Neodymium filter. Time for a coffee.

17 hours ago, Mr H in Yorkshire said:

I have met Ramsden on a number of occasions, he's a charming fellow but when there's money to be made...

Might come across as superficially 'charming', but a lust for greed and environmental criminality is apparent. Stronger effective licencing, the same as that being introduced into Scotland is essential for England. Better still an outright ban.  

17 minutes ago, bosun21 said:

I keep my scopes indoors and even then I have a full dust/water proof zipped cover over them. It may seem like overkill but it keeps them in very good condition should I decide to sell them further down the road.

You've got Halloween covered then.

Seriously though I used to keep mine covered, though with clear plastic (airport ski bag) covers and despite being relatively dust free in the room, was surprising how much collects. For aesthetic reasons I don't bother now, just ensure of course that caps remain on.

Bicycles yes; telescopes no. A warm dry smoke free environment i.e. inside the house.