scarp15

In more recent seasons and living at 55'N, considering the present situation, I had gleaned optimum planetary observing, such as Jupiter, away from built up urban environments, enabling my 14" or 8" dobsonian to accomplish often crisp and satisfying views, at least at mid to mid/high power. A favourite location I like to frequent from time to time is located about an hours drive, to an upland moor, providing wide expansive views sweeping above the heather. As Jupiter orbits south, the images (when periods of good seeing occur) had been sharply defined. However that was last season, this season remains yet to be determined and planetary observing had largely (anyhow) become one aspect of a broad and diverse, mostly deep sky object agenda. Alternatively occasional visits to stop with family in Lancashire and using their fine garden (better than my high wall backyard), a small aperture refractor has also (in moments of good seeing) been very good. Getting away from buildings, I would sometimes walk and set up on my allotment plot, which is open, overlooking fields. Maybe looking for alternative places, locally or further out could perhaps be beneficial, adapting to make the most.

Congrats on the nag zoom Neil and the discipline for not looking at ABS for eight solid days. Might be a bit optimistic, I'm not sure that there is a cure? I had recently capitulated and purchased a used Tele Vue Starbeam after a quite lengthy period of abstinence. Typically so far unused.

I too enjoyed the programme, I considered that the presentation was thoughtful, informative and engaging. As mentioned the graphics were really good and the historic pioneering exploratory features particularly interesting. It has been the TV highlight this week and look forward to the next episode. Brian Cox presentation style was quite toned down this time and the locations were visually entertaining such as the imagined Norwegian fjord comparison with methane lakes on Titan.

Thanks for that appraisal Mike for the Starbeam red dot finder and I have since read up quite a bit on this. As described in your photo, the Starbeam base is designed to fit securely to the curvature of the Tele Vue clam shell. Whilst it is considered to be fairly long and fairly weighty (in comparison to alternatives), it is mounted within the central pivotal point therefore is negligible in terms of creating any imbalance. The red dot can be dimmed and viewed either straight through or by angling the wide flip mirror. As you acknowledge, I understand that eye placement is relaxed and varied and therefore enables the user to retain comfortable posture. For alignment I understand that the Starbeam is most stable if able to keep fixed onto the OTA, including if stored. It might not be possible to store my TV-85 with this finder attached, which would involve some realignment each time in use. I like the Rigel Quikfinder as it is compact / light, easy to attach and retains optical alignment. The reticle's two concentric rings are very good for star-hopping allowing both eyes to be used, optically positioning the scope within a star field. Some I understand fix the Rigel onto their dew shield for a more extended positioning, not in the case for the TV 85 as the dew shield is retractable and subsequently will turn. The Rigel does require some 'athleticism' to gain eye placement, the smallish window requiring that the user gains precise positioning. It is considered that a distance range of just over 10", I understand can become necessary sometimes to gain both circles. Also with a short wide field refractor, a low power ultra wide field eyepiece of course has an advantageous role in acting as a finder, gaining a target at high, close to zenith elevation. I feel that I am still in a bit of a quandary concerning the addition of a Starbeam, but may like to experience using one perhaps. Cheers

Hi I would be interested to learn of any users of this red dot finder and for opinions concerning practicality. I use a Tele Vue 85, at the time of purchase, I had an opportunity to obtain a Starbeam at a good (used) price, which I had to decline due to reaching funding limits for the used refractor. Since using the TV-85, approx eighteen months, It has been quite functional with my Rigel Quikfinder - in most circumstances and I do not mind going on bended knee when required to do so aligning my sight with the illuminated bulls eye pattern. Equally this is just fine with my 8" dob, yet when aiming the refractor towards zenith it does become awkward. The flip mirror and more flexible eye position offered by the Starbeam might be a more attractive practical solution perhaps? Very much in two minds as I really do like the simplicity of the Quikfinder, any thoughts on this would be welcome.

Astronomy in comparison to other interests I like to indulge in such as cycling, hill walking, wild camping etc, is the front runner by a fair margin in terms of cost of each selective item. Not that other activities are inexpensive, efficient dependable equipment can be costly including whether or not second hand. Mixing up astronomy with other interests becomes a beneficial distraction and in some ways a complementary pursuit, which retains a balanced overall approach to what you do and the extent of equipment you may have. As had been mentioned, you may in time arrive at some kind of clarity of awareness that you have accomplished a core set-up, where by each part is interconnected, a kind of objective jigsaw, which if one component was taken away i.e. sold, it may unpick or unravel. The main requirement is retaining the passion and dedication, that despite the frequent unfavourable weather, gives you a feeling of uplifting and contentment each time, whether in a suburban back garden, sharing on an outreach event or venturing out on a dark sky trip, those moments become priceless.

Jazz musicians have a term for this 'chasing the tail'. There's always temptations Neil, but yeah I think that the 'temptations' become a little less 'urgent', so I would like to think that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Active participation (however occasional) ought with time supersede the, what seems, endless compelling purchase listing. I find myself continually mindful to this and that and avidly check out used / retail listings, I haven't spent on astronomy (a good sign) so far this year, a record I think, quite a (financial) relief. Yet for example, I took a scope for a family visit and outreach lunar session last weekend to Lancashire, (which rather weirdly I plan around lunar phases), acts as a great ice breaker interacting with nephews, nieces etc and some equipment that hadn't been used for a while got a good airing with excellent lunar observations. So consequently as Mike has implied, you reach a 'happy place' eventually with what you have.

The VX8L (F6) on the OOUK dob base is a great combination. I have this version with 1/10PV mirrors. Balance is excellent, as mentioned the tube rings are applicable for if modifying the profile at the eyepiece. Quality mirror cell, nice two speed focuser etc. The tube is light and the metal mount is smooth and engineered to a high quality. Second hand these will provide excellent value.

Good first light Neil, nice write up conveying the variety of objects explored. Quite understandable making comparison to your observing experience with the dob, the report contains clarity in the virtues of each. Look forward to your encounters with filtered observing, as you say two great scopes.

As others have implied, you are looking for the wrong deep sky objects, concerning your location and the current lunar phase. There is the moon of course and there is M13, M92, M3 and M5.

Yep it can be quite a physical endeavour, a lot of lifting assembling, dismantling and standing around. Equally hanging around in cold temps, perhaps with a bit of wind chill. Dark sky trips definitely involve coffee, snacks sometimes sandwiches to pace through the 'marathon' / session. Later on arrival back home, there is all the hauling and airing of everything, eventually followed by a reduced sleep period, a bowl of morning porridge makes a good calorie intake and reviver.

A RACI finderscope (right angle corrected image) will assist refining a search for locating objects, enabling more pointer stars to be located - that can be referenced from a sky-chart such as mentioned; Sky and Telescope Pocket Atlas. A reflex type finder, such as a Telrad enables positioning by sight the illuminated target rings (that can be dimmed). Combining the two, the i.e. Telrad, would guide your scope to point into a star field and the expected position, the finder scope would subsequently refine the search if required, particularly if the magnitude of certain 'location' stars are not quite visible.

I accept that it was taken out of context, it just implied differently but quite agree referencing Gerry's skies. I enjoyed reading the report / phone pictures.

Yes they in no doubt will be, but even Gerry, as far as I understand, has come through a rough winter with few observing opportunities. Please though do not demean users in the UK and Ireland who on occasion will take their 15" or similar size dobsonian to, as far as possible a good dark sky location where this to is rewarding, if as said occasional.

Yes.

Do consider, if you haven't got a copy, 'Turn Left at Orion' - Amazon. This will inform you of feasible, achievable season by season targets from an urban back garden / yard. Combined with stellarium, you may be able to plot your way to the target, apply quite some time looking and 'acclimatising' (dark adapting a little) your eyes to grasp the star pattern, finder stars towards locating the target. As John has mentioned, a reflex / reticule finder, such as a Telrad, Rigel Quikfinder, will transform your ability to locate objects. Not achieving anything or much on the first and early period attempts is quite normal, I was just the same at the start to. When you do discover something, it should register with you, particularly when based upon referencing drawings, once again Turn Left at Orion or similar. Keep at it as you will gradually ease in and get into the flow.

I wonder how receptive a phone app is in comparison to a Unihedron SQM-L device in accurately assessing in measuring sky brightness?

While awaiting John's response Piero, I can say that for my 14" OOUK primary, it is quite thin, without knowing the specific depth, a fan is installed which I never use.

A 10" F6.3 David Lukehurst build has recently come up on UKAB&S £950. I believe that David Lukehurst can install these to.

Perhaps Piero you could consult with David Lukehurst.

Today has an almost bewildering range of choices relatively financially accessible to many, through a strong retail section and thriving used market. Back then, regarding The Observers Book of Astronomy, there was equally a strong appetite, probably particularly among school kids for learning about astronomy, as this was the peak period for the Apollo space missions and Patrick Moor's Sky at Night was standard family house hold viewing. Then as an 11year old in 1973 I got my edition of the guide, which I currently have next to me, it still has its price tag; 75p. The front cover is an illustration of the Aurora Borealis as seen in southern England in November 1961 to the centre of the picture is the Plough. Along with A Concise Guide in Colour Constellations, many more books related to astronomy were obtainable through the library. Perhaps then it would have been more to do with learning, perhaps creative understanding to, I recall attempting to compile my own book form of gathered knowledge into school type jotters with many illustrations (still somewhere in the loft). Using or owning a decent telescope was almost inconceivable, there were only two in existence that I knew of and both were displayed in Dixons window. Lucky enough to get the smaller of the two for my 11th birthday, mostly for pointing at the moon it was pretty rubbish, but gave me a lasting astonishing moment when I pointed it at Venus. For anyone who would have been into visual astronomy in the 60's or 70's maybe if you lived on the edge of a Town or reasonably away from a Town or City, the light pollution would have been much less glaring, a 3" refractor, 6" reflector would have been quite effective if optically sufficient. Therefore my own thoughts or memories, were that then it was just the outstanding science through the Apollo launches and exposure on the TV, through the library, in the class room or obtained in the local book shop that was so captivating. Owning a telescope or even binoculars for night time use didn't seem to figure, just the knowledge of human endeavour, understandings of the Universe, with some classic science fiction on TV such as Star Trek counted, knocking a football around badly with two or three mates filled in the rest.

The VX12L is lighter than the VX14 by 4kg. This is significant as the VX14 weight is comparable to lifting a Skywatcher Flextube 12", which I had moved from and in your intro considered too heavy. The VX12L F5.3 is also a little shorter, I feel that as like others have suggested, that this would make for a better choice. The aperture gained from an 8" reflector will be significant and no need for a paracorr, therefore maybe less complications perhaps applied to using your binoviewers. The VX12 focal length might had become appealing if perhaps you required a slightly wider true field if using ultra wide field eyepieces.

the 12" F4 will be more critical requiring attention collimating, though not a concern really and will be both lighter and more portable for transporting into a vehicle. A paracorr will increase focal ratio / length, magnification by 15% and create a slightly narrower TFOV. You may decide that you would like a paracorr, it may be best to get the scope first and try with your eyepieces for a few sessions and perhaps look out for a used one. I cannot comment on the type 1, the type 2 though is quite straight forward to use and cleans up any concerns over coma and filters are easy to attach. Panoptics will be fine, I do not use a binoviewer, again perhaps have to try out to determine focusing issues, with either option this ought to be corrected using applicable extension tube(s).

Include the variable friction brake and option at a small additional cost for the angled 50mm finder. Consider including a Telrad and a riser base 4" would be best, 2" though is fine. The stock focusers function very well on current models. As with Paz, I have a VX14 and can manage it OK and for your stated reasons, it will haul into the car and out to be quickly set up. I check the collimation at home and do not bother especially when dark at an intended location. At the end of the session, it is a quick manoeuvre to haul back in once more and head off. I have a paracorr and do use it, but I also use it without, a lot depends on the type of observing targets I plan for. A VX12 or VX 12L will be excellent taken to a dark environment, the Dobsonian mount functions very well, consider a ground mat for level support. OOUK at retail will offer a 5% discount, occasionally they do appear S/H. If ordering new, be prepared to be patient and ongoing friendly phone calls or email will help with communicating the order process. The mirrors are excellent with great contrast.

On my recent session, attention was centred on a variety of subjects that included planetary and emission nebulae. I had also intended to pursue a few dark nebulae, which became a challenge. Periodically taking sky brightness measurements was informative firstly clarifying periods where transparency was more favourable and to confirm that for particular subjects such as dark nebulae, would not be the most applicable conditions. Readings also vary between different locations that I use and it is useful to log and be aware of. My location on Saturday is a very good place accounting for convenient distance from home, an 360 vista and peace of mind. There is sky glow in the S/E which on nights such as my recent encounter can become more magnified. Another location I head to can gain 21.4 and potentially more and anywhere is determined by weather such as snow or wind. So its not at all about whether its worth getting the scope out, you can of course make that judgement easily enough. But it will inform you how much fluctuation there is in transparency, whether or if certain targets are a struggle and it will highlight any distant light pollution if this is magnified on a night of high humidity. Most importantly it will convey a true and accurate reading and not an overly generalised and overstated one such as the online map implies. Feeding the information on here such as in reports can be valid and enough collated data and information on localised sky brightness might be relevant in the challenge to protect what there is of dark sky quality. Which is not just for our own indulgence and wellbeing but for the protection of wildlife habits.