scarp15

Thanks for posting, indeed a good reminder, lovely images.

Question A, Will it reveal more than the SCT8, Yes, from a dark sky location, I formally had an SCT8 which I took to dark sky places, very good, but then I bought a 12" Flextube, the manual version and it was completely transformational. As mentioned there are mods and upgrades to benefit this. From a personal perspective, I was entirely happy with the simplicity and relative lighter weight of the manual 12".

Been digging into some old logs from the past two summers for any further details concerning sh2-91. My memory is patchy and my notes ragged, however I discovered that in mid Sept last year I had used my VX8L: "sh2-91 and potentially sh2-94 - Little Veil - vague, familiar shapely curve apparent. Drifted for the Dumbbell and encountered a faint glow which I think might have been emission, reflection nebula sh2-82 - The Little Cocoon". At the start of Oct, this time using the VX14: "sh2-91, the familiar curvy streak was familiar with averted vision". Late Sept 17 with VX14: "The Little Veil - well just maybe, but very hard and taxing". As you can tell my notes are pretty rubbish but may convey some idea. I had logged a report for on here last year which indicated that I had used my 21E, 3.5mm exit pupil with VX8L and (assuming I was using a paracorr) 3.96mm in VX14. It is an intense observation but seems to have become for some reason - not really sure, that I find most intriguing and remember, even though what you actually get to see is almost nothing. However as Gerry has mentioned and just as with B33, exit pupil is an aspect to experiment with, as I do recall trying out my two - 20mm, 25mm TV plossl's on this subject to. Not worth while at all if transparency is average, but according to my encounters, 8" and above might just be worth a go provided that the sky is dark enough.

To begin, a favourite summer target that is not quite in the lesser known scheme. The pairing of NGC 6946 Fireworks Galaxy and NGC 6939 Open Cluster in Cepheus. Sh2-91 The Little Veil, Cygnus, formed as a supernova remnant, characterised by a wispy streak of dimly glowing filaments of nebulosity. A very difficult subject to observe, requires much patience, concentration, complete dark adaption, honed observing skills, a good quality OIII filter at low power and fairly large aperture to throw at it. Under dark skies when transparency is favourable, locate 12 Cygni, a little north of Albireo and it just might be possible to glimpse and follow a very faint streak of nebulosity. I am aware that this is something that you are interested in pursuing this season Neil and Gerry may chip in, who had provided much in the way of tips and guidance, a difficult very testing yet not unachievable subject from dark transparent UK skies. Another plan is for wide field, B144 The Fish on the Platter dark nebula and mentioned in another thread in Deep Sky Observing, located in the Cygnus Star Cloud among other Barnard class nebulae are of interest this summer, cannot wait! Edit: Sh2-91 Consult closely the star field pattern

Congrats, as John has mentioned a Telrad also consider for this finder, a 2" or 4" riser base.

Besides the accounts of deep sky objects, (and less so an object) the Aurora Borealis.

B144 is a large dark nebula embedded within the Cygnus Star Cloud. Resembling a fish on top of a platter, B144 is 6' x 3 degree and requires a wide field view. The lower part has the bright star Cygni 21 and the nebula is close to the X-ray source Cygnus X-1 a potential black hole. In a dark transparent sky it would make for a good binocular target perhaps best with 10x50 or rich field refractor. It is a target that I would like to clarify when with a bit of luck, next weekends new moon period provides an opportunity to venture out into the hills. The best I can muster with my current equipment will be a 4' or 4.2 degree field. The dense star clouds and its dark nebulae, as listed by EE Barnard, will make an impression on everyone seeking dark skies in the coming weeks. Here is a chart with the location of B144 complement of a Sky & Telescope article 'Shadow Play - Summer Time Dark Nebulae for Binoculars' by Bob King (picture one) An image of B144 - thanks for this Neil - E E Barnard's Photographic atlas (picture two).

Was out for a while, extending the Berlebach Report tripod useful for gaining a glimpse of Jupiter cruising above the wall and a neighbours chimney pot. Seeing not so great, M13, M57 and a satisfying view of Albireo. Becoming accustomed to using a Tele Vue Starbeam had largely been the main preoccupation.

Experienced the same kind of thing with my two OOUK dobs. Particularly annoying when I load the tube into the car. For the 14" dob, I replaced with Astrozap (breathable fabric / elasticated) dust covers. The 8", only one of the plastic dust covers would come lose. The solution is simple, wrap onto the inner rim black electrical type PVC tape, it works a treat.

Yes a very worth while resource.

A Planisphere The best free online resource is Stellarium Another would be; sunrisesunsetmap.com Consider a monthly magazine profiling monthly targets and with sky chart, such as Astronomy Now Stargazers Lounge; Observers sections

Still got mine and still in good nick.

Travelling in style. Would be good to see some pictures when in placement along the ridge line Gerry. The John Deere looks like it could cope with quite a bit of varied terrain. Good luck with those exciting targets.

Location and not necessarily aperture has become a more interesting aspiration for myself considering UK circumstances. As mentioned by Stu and others, weather, light pollution and light intrusion, seeing conditions, flight path traffic, each aspect seemingly becoming an increasingly worsening factor. I would be inclined to experience slightly larger aperture than I currently use, marking up to 16" - 18", but equally, storage, frequency of use plus cost rule that out. Escaping light pollution on a night of good transparency, taking applicable; small or moderate sized optics depending on the intended trip in a modest sized car, is quite enough.

Very elegant and articulate looking scope Piero. The 'blond' natural finish is interesting, I am accustomed to seeing pictures of David Lukehurst commissions coated in black lacquer, what coating has been applied? Going to be very interesting to follow yours's and Gerry's reports.

Looks brilliant Gerry, the attention to detail, quality of workmanship, exemplary. For comparison, it would perhaps be interesting to see of a picture of this alongside your 15"dob (and maybe even 10").

Check out; Tele Vue Optics Cleaning Eyepieces and Telescope Optics. This will explain all you need to know really concerning approach / technique (frustratingly dragging the link is not connecting to the post). As mentioned, to start use a good air blower. I also have a soft sable hair artists brush to hand if required for gently removing any stubborn fibres. Baader Wonder Fluid and a micro cloth rolled to a fine point and the very lightest of touch in a repeated process of slow small circular motions perhaps starting at the centre. Undertake this in a clean and light environment. Blow on the glass after each application / wipe, as your breath will highlight any greasy smudges. Its a bit scary at first, but it quickly gets to become routine and all eyepieces from time to time need some cleaning attention, not least because as you have mentioned, due to an accidental thumb or finger print.

Thanks and yes dark nebulae will be of particular interest if transparency is favourable. Bob King's article in Sky & Telescope; Shadow Play - Summer Time Dark Nebula for Binoculars, available to read on-line, outlines some of the targets I would like to attempt. Regarding these, Barnard's E, consisting of B143 and B142 in Aquilla is just perhaps the most straight forward, having been quite visually accessible in my wide field refractor last season. I will be observing from a good vantage point at 501metres, perhaps gaining some low elevation targets. My Lunt binoculars are 4.1 degree field of view, a little bit comprised perhaps for some dark nebulae but still adequate. I will give some thought to an applicable filter, this is not something I have tried with binoculars before, as it will involve holding the filter in front of the objective. A UHC would be a good alternative, such as for the North America.

This is my observing window from the back yard, which is OK; due south is just above the wheelie bin. That is fine as I plan on going observing overnight from this location with binoculars late summer (picture two and three), not a wheelie bin in sight.

And put some crampons on if icy.

Yes a hand rail to lean on for stability could definitely be a consideration, particularly in winter conditions whether standing on the first (in your case) or the third step. Combing for use as a seat, will be interesting to learn how functional you find this to be Piero. Quite understand the reasoning, since if having both a seat and step, may lead to just more things to trip over in a confined dark space, lost count on the number of times I have collided with my black (what do you expect) observers chair at a dark site.

Quite clearly Piero between Gerry and yourself there's going to be some visual treats for the forum to look forward to. Would be interesting to learn of your thoughts in practice when each of you decide on a suitable step ladder.

Exciting introduction to this scope Gerry, very interesting observational detail in features concerning the varied subjects explored, particularly considering the light nights presently. As with other comments, look forward to further reports and pictures.

With thoughts focused now onto late Summer observing, I aim to plan for an overnight trip at a dark sky location that will involve exclusively my 16x70 binoculars. The binoculars will be mounted on a monopod and I will take an O-III filter and my SQM. Roaming through Cygnus will be a primary consideration. I would like to discuss specific targets for a late summer night binocular stargazing and would be good to hear of your thoughts on targets and if you plan / look forward on doing something similar.

A journey into Northumberland takes me on occasion to this low horizon location.