scarp15

Interesting but a bit hard to swallow in credibility. Business Parks and such impinging onto greenbelt fringe land continue to expand as out of city boundary developments 'mushroom' everywhere with their supposive required lighting and access road infrastructure.

Quite right they are ridiculous. They ought to be banned over here to. I believe that they were also linked and discouraged by scientists, when people were predominantly sat outside cafes and bars, as these outdoor gas heaters contribute to spread the virus. Garden centres are a core offender in promoting the 'trend' for outdoor lighting. Never really first hand experienced this, until a recent visit my my parents. Took a telescope as there back garden is usually quite good, close to the river Wyre in Lancashire. However new neighbours have illuminated their back garden into a 'grotto', ignorance is pervasive, not just brightening up their own bedroom, but my parents to. Beehive was still nice though.

Travel to a dark site is an occasional treat. It's not though either or, setting up in the backyard, for a good lunar phase or planetary alignment, when a cold beer is close to hand and interaction on the forum, should it be required, is convenient becomes very relaxing. Locating a good and reassuring place to go dark sky observing around one hour distance from home, takes some time and research. When you discover such a place, the effort to get there and set up, can be very memorable and more often than not, your eyes and optical aids whether binoculars or telescope will surprise.

Exactly, using a mid power eyepiece to gain a touch of contrast is best.

The Flame is a difficult object to see, requires optimum transparency and at least 21 mag SQM-L readings. Then Orion requires to be within or approaching the south, exit pupil plays a role to - experimenting with differing eyepieces and limiting the field, therefore try to keep Alnitak just outside the field stop. Visually the central dark lane becomes most apparent, then possibly the 'branch lines' to. Does not necessarily require a filter (do not personally use one) although some report a UHC being of a little assistance. In terms of aperture, well this account is related to using a 14" dob within at least 21.3 mag skies. Two references; firstly a H-beta filter will not assist at all to see the Flame. A O-III will not assist at all to see the Horse Head. Whilst a H-beta filter is necessary and will. Even then, applying averted vision and comprehension. Unless using NV equipment aperture is king. There are good threads on this subject in Observers Deep Sky section and alternatively in the EEVA Reports section - Night Vision observing - which is probably more applicable with a small aperture scope whether in urban or dark sky settings.

If this was to be a one off only challenge, since revisiting 'old favourites' has for myself meant years of dark sky trip encounters anyhow, as my backyard is for brighter objects only, then I would dedicate the session to pursuing purely new targets. I might cheat at the end though, when the list is complete, successful or not, I would likely go for one or two renowned seasonal show stoppers. Going out with a bang, is always a satisfying way to wrap up a dark sky session and with nobody looking, the temptation would be too irresistible.

It is a niche hobby and there are lull periods on the forum, visual astronomy is by and large 'old school'. Typically also would expect that members on here; visual astronomers, have other interests, commitments, distractions and are therefore not consistently 'tuned in', pro-active in being out there and reporting on each successful outing. Also as above, some of us have to load the car (or van) and venture to dark sites, which by definition reduces periods visually observing. However, 'dying out' old school or whatever doesn't really matter, as with other members on here, once the bug has bitten in this pursuit, it becomes a life long passion, adaptable with some determination to evolving health and eyesight circumstances.

Certainly as said, Delos or maybe 15mm DeLite, combining both lines are largely near to being parfocal.

I used to use a TV-76, which did a good job but for some field curvature. I now use a TV-85 and combine with a Pan 41mm; 4.4 degree field, 5.8mm exit pupil at 14.6x. With both of these instruments, depending upon the target, have used a H-beta filter as well as O-III and UHC filters.

Another of tonight's Lunar observing, quite steady in Newcastle, no problem with a 3.5mm Delos.

Quite captivating session tonight, immediately drawn towards peering down within the depths of Copernicus and regaining familiarity with those classic features on display. Northwards to Mare Imbrium and the crisp dark pairing of Le Verrier and Helicon, just above, a stark protrusion, hint of the Jura Mountains, as yet overlapping the terminator. South to Mare Nubium to locate the Straight wall. Still some good contrast to be had within the Apennine Mountains. Hoping to cleanly capture the Hortensius Domes, but they were yet just on the cusp. Later on I focused on the La Hire Lava Flows. Using my TV-85 at 171X, fairly certain I could make out two, each either side of Mt. La Hire and just below the Zirkel Ridge, several as I understand, perhaps with larger aperture can be detected. Missed a couple of good nights recently, great to be outside and with the Moon commanding a high elevation.

TeleVue, perhaps on reputation, innovation, performance etc, brand loyalty does come into it, maybe on ethics, standards, historic roots etc. Have chopped and changed eyepieces including other brands, currently 12 TV eps one frac. Brand loyalties on similar based grounds definitely is prevalent in other hobbies to.

Love the look of the location. Right place, right time, right scope, fabulous and dedicated weekend.

Great, all the ingredients just bonded to together then. That the Flame as you'd described was a 'nice view' could probably be deemed as the primary gain, the Horse Head is a relatable project, testing your observers skills to the full.

Interesting Robert and I get that if using your phone briefly, i.e. to check up on something on Stellarium or some other function. I do have a pair of ski goggles and if I can find some film then might be useful for the back yard, when I nip in to maybe check up on something on the lap top or else the phone on a dark sky trip. Can imagine that it will contribute nicely to the already slightly weird persona of the amateur astronomers night dress code.

Congrats on a lovely scope. Agree with rl and other related comments, as this will almost certainly be dislodged flaky black paint specs and ought be removable when you take out the mirror, which would not be advisable immediately or perhaps necessary in terms of observing. It is unfortunate that this has occurred, but don't become undaunted by this and take time familiarising with this scope, its characteristics and gaining an understanding to the collimation procedure, which is fairly quick to gain an informed rudimental understanding. There are plenty of good Newtonian collimation guides available, to get started. In terms of 12V battery, when I first began using my VX14 Dob, I took along a 12V 7AH battery. The former user of mine, had replaced the clips with a jack plug therefore I additionally used a transformer lead and inverter. However as I mostly transport it to infrequent dark sky trips, this soon was deemed a faff and I never even bother taking it. I also have a VX8L dob purchased new with the crocodile leads and bedsides testing to ensure that the fan worked, have never used it. When (not if) you do get to remove the mirror, firstly there is no need to undertake this procedure for sometime, second just be organised, have the time and room set up. Take time over each stage and as mentioned, mark an alignment for a mirror cell bolt hole; I use masking tape as a matching marker on one tube hole and mirror cell bolt thread. When the mirror cell has been removed, an air blower ought extract the specks, if not use a soft sable haired artists brush. I have periodically removed each mirror. The VX8L when still new as I became irritated by a hair that had lodged on the mirror, then later by a speck that could had been pollen, so have to be guarded about that to. Just something to get use to but very occasional. Look forward to hearing of your reports.

Hi Mark, when I take my 14" dob on dark sky trips, I start with a Nagler 31mm and in conjunction with a 21mm Ethos they form a dominant combination, sometimes along with a 41mm Panoptic. Mostly I have the paracorr in, therefore an exit pupil of 5.09mm for the 31 and 3.96mm for the 21. However the Panoptic 41mm increases to 7.73mm exit pupil and the 31mm Nagler, on occasions when the paracorr is not in use gains 6.8mm, each are wonderful for wide field views and contrast is fine. The sky brightness measures between 21.3 and 21.6 mag, which is a factor.

The skies were indeed clear around the periods of those named storms, that is a stark account for what could be possible if only change would happen. We did not experience a power cut, although Towns and villages through Northumberland were knocked out again.

A good descriptive read and return back out with the 10" dob Neil, focused on an interesting selection of varied challenges. Familiarity as you say, like riding a bike, returns quite quickly. Was clear skies here on Saturday, but too risky to venture to a dark site with locally gusty high winds and prospects of fallen trees on the back roads and the yard is a building site, as we have roofers round at the moment. Yet as you mention; its a hobby that you come back to, around everything else.

It becomes very apparent how dependent we are with our finders when something like this happens and can appreciate that without the aid of the finder, the session may become potentially frustrating and more limited. Happened to me a few years ago, the Telrad battery (which one assumes / becomes complacent to, just lasts forever) was flat. This probably because it had not been switched off from a previous session sometime ago, notoriously easy to do with these. Did not then (do now) carry a spare. Fortunately, on this occasion I had also taken along my refractor and it was equipped with a Rigel Quikfinder. Somehow I managed to strap with an elastic band the Rigel onto the the 14" dob, it would keep dropping off but thus on the whole saved the session.

Very much as above by Dave. There is something about being outside at night in a peaceful serene circumstance, fixed on a celestial target whilst comfortably sat down, that becomes almost in an instance, emotionally absorbing and utterly calming. Good posture whilst seated or perched upon an observers chair, bench, recliner or even lying down (never tried that personally), all muscles relaxed and immersed in the cold still night air, gazing upwards into the vastness of it all, maybe catching a meteor, time stands still.

Hi, interesting, I had developed a similar conundrum with my VX14 dob mount friction brake. Similar to yourself, it is weighted down with finder scope, telrad, then extension tube or paracorr and usually a hefty 2" low power wide field E.P. Required max tightening and would still start to motion backwards. Initially I thought that the PTFE bearings were worn (being a few years old), or maybe some grease or such like on the trunnion block. Anyhow I did consult by email with OOUK, whom had been helpful and like you, slid the OTA upwards and also ensured that the tension screws are such that the PTFE brake bearings are completely flush in gripping against the the trunnion block - please refer to picture one. One other suggestion was to create a course surface on the PTFE bearings by using some fine sandpaper, thus potentially creating better grip and stiction. The problem here is that it can pick up residue paint off the trunnion - refer to picture two. The next thing I employed was to beef up the bearings slightly with the addition of a 2mm deep PTFE washer as sourced off ebay - picture three. Well in part because of the circumstance with the PTFE bearings, OOUK kindly sent out replacement bearings, I have switched the old ones with these and retained the washers. By itself it wasn't quite enough and so incrementally slid the tube upwards a little more (and tilting the focuser angled a bit more upwards) thus finally achieving good balance and without over tightening. when as you point out, the tube is angled more upwards then it retains position also with light compact E.P's. Therefore just keep tweaking the adjustments, check the alignment screws are set correctly, that there is no wax or grease residue, but mostly just nudge the OTA upwards yet a little more. The jury's out concerning the benefit for adding the two washer bearings but hey-ho. The final picture inserted illustrates the not quite concluded balance proportion. As a footnote, OOUK stipulate that the PTFE bearings ought never show signs of wear, therefore as tough as old boots after years of extensive use.

Similar to yourself, I run 85mm refractor, 200mm and 350mm dob, the 200 / 8" definitely fits in there.

Of the two you mention, I would not expect colour to be visually deduced within the Medusa. Concerning NGC 6302, just maybe a greenish or blue tinge, that is enhanced by a filter, usually an O-III or UHC. Many Planetary Nebulae do of course provide a defining visually nice blue or green tinge. High power is often the best approach, such as for resolving slightly, bipolar planetary nebulae. There is an article in this section, 'Planetary Nebulae a little Guide' that might be worth a read through.

There is perhaps no one good all-rounded dark site, you probably require a 'portfolio' of several good dark site options. This can be determined by several factors. A location on open higher ground benefits from a breezy aspect and may be above any formations of lower lying valley mist. This also gains potential good 360 horizon aspects. However, if the breeze becomes a gust that ain't good (unless you can protect the scope from strong gusts). At least one aspect (often i.e. S/E) may encounter a light dome with no screening such as from trees. In winter conditions narrow back roads are untreated, much ascending upwards and down may test your vehicle, tyres, drivers ability to remain calm and focused (nearly ended up in a ditch on an icy downwards slope a couple of years back). As mentioned by others, a location with some tree cover can be great, acting as a barrier to any distant light pollution screened from view. Just need to ensure that the trees are a reasonable space apart for lower elevation observing. However if this forms part of a wider forestry area, it may by its natural tendency attract misty conditions. This tends to happens sometimes if located at low levels such as in Kielder, when a few miles out of the forest boundary it could be completely clear. The ground, as long as it is well drained does not really matter and I always set up a dobsonian for example, onto a rubber ground mat (from a former car boot). This helps to stabilize the scope, prevent moisture creeping up and may capture anything that might drop. At my relatively new favourite location, I also keep under a car seat a small hand brush, just to sweep debris any small stones away from my intended spot, prior to placing down the mat. Visit potential locations in the day time, get a sense for what they might be like in the night time. This is of course for unwelcome human visitors. It can be trial and error, but for peace of mind, where I head to, I know reassuringly that no one will stop by. Therefore rule out country parks as a first priority, been there, can be great then on other occasions, well you can probably imagine the likely scenarios. Sometimes an ideal location can be found by chance. A Unihedron Sky Quality Meter (supplied by FLO) is a vital tool for anyone who pursues like me, venturing to dark sky locations in their region. Taking a succession of readings over a session period and perhaps comparing with previous visits and potentially other locations is integral information to a deep sky session. However wherever you go, it is an adventure and can be very rewarding, in which you become sensitive to the environment and its wildlife. Two final tips; expect the unexpected and never forget the coffee.