bingevader

Well done! I found the first time a struggle. Thankfully it was a wet and miserable day and I had nothing else to do! Once I understood what I was doing with the twisting and tilting it did seem to make more sense. As wookie1965 says, it's now a 10 min job, so don't worry, it does get easier.

Thanks John, It was a good night here last night too. Having not been out in the UK for a while, we did stick to the favourites. The last time I tried the Veil, I failed miserably! Having read your great report, I'll certainly try again.

Don't get caught by the tide and try and keep the sand out of the jaffa cakes!

You haven't mentioned your 'scope or a budget! What is it that you feel that you are missing? A 25mm would give a lower magnification again than the 20mm.

Welcome to SGL.

Mine is coming on holiday with me too!

Quantum Physics for Dummies?!

I'm sorry, but I don't know what 'scope you have. Have you go Stellarium up and running? That gives you a good idea of what is up at the mo. You can turn on the deep sky objects. If you have a little search online, there are monthly astronomy guides that can be useful. The popular astronomy mags have a central section on things to see. Hercules, Lyra and Cygnus are three prominent constellations to the South at the moment. M13 in Hercules is rather splendid. The Double Double and the ring nebula in Lyra are definitely worth a look. Albireo is a lovely "double" in Cygnus and close by is the Dumbbell Nebula. That's a few to get you started!

I have a couple of folding tripod camping chairs which are comfy enough to use with the 8" dob.

You'll have to enlighten us on that one, please? Are you related to Paddington?

Big wheel creeper? Dunno if they're available in the UK. Sorry, it's raining outside!

Would some kind of trolley truck fit the bill?

What made you feel you needed to adjust the mirrors straight away? Maybe I'm lucky, but my 'scope tends to hold it's collimation well. I don't think three hours on your first attempt is too bad though. I spent a very wet and rainy afternoon getting to grips with collimation the first time I did it. spillage's advice is spot on. I've always used a cheshire and a collimation cap as in Astrobaby's guide, but having just watched the video above, it does seem a lot easier with a laser! Saying that, it does get quicker and easier when you get the hang of it. Stick in there, you will get it.

Nope, release the bolts slightly and your EP should rotate. Not that it should make any difference, unless you have the same set up and EP! Now, EP suggestions are a completely different matter all together! As a replacement for the 20mm, I don't think you could go wrong with a Vixen plossl. Wouldn't break the bank and would happily transfer to another 'scope should you get hooked and need an upgrade!

Are they good for that too?! The wonders of TV never cease! (I tend to use a plaster. )

Whilst at home I prefer using the individual EPs. I'm sure it's marginal, but it's a little less glass without a barlow and a little less faff.. It's taken me a while to build up EPs in the focal lengths I like though, so in the interim, the barlow has helped fill the gaps. However, a barlow can be good for cutting down on the number of EPs whilst on the go too.

Measured from its base, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain/volcano in the world! There, totally non-political. I think I'd prefer a bit of peaceful sitting in the road myself.

Do you have a link to the thread please? Can someone explain this phenomenon to me please? I understand there can be variation between faster and slower 'scopes, but this is usually because the slower 'scopes are less demanding so it is harder to see the difference. But are you suggesting this would be the same in two 'scopes of identical aperture and focal length but different makes? In which case would it be that the deluxe ep is just identifying the flaws in the 'scope that the less deluxe ep isn't?!

I think there might even be a Youtube vid! I'm sure someone had done a home made TEC cooler too.

Too right bro! There was a NASA feed too. Slightly odd, but did have footage of a prominence too.

Lovely! I found a link with a simultaneous feed from Argentina and Chile so you could see the time difference too!

<2mins!

My problem is that, if it happens, I can't get them to pop back in! There are satellite images of valleys and river estuaries on earth that pop out for me too: Mars too!

That's a lot of solar eclipses! Were you practising? The Lidl's jaffa cakes are definitely smaller (but still pretty good!). Other German discount supermarkets are available.

Other biscuity/cakey confectionary with an orangey jammy middle and chocolatey topping are available.