kerrylewis

You are right Gav - in my case I was perhaps relying to much on Sky Safari. However it has been spot on every other time that I have tried it hence my complacency

It seems that others were doing better than me on Mars last night. One possible factor is that it was just over the roof of the house opposite. After a warm day this could have been affecting the seeing. Next time I will wait until it clear the house e- but it will be lower

I got up a couple of mornings ago Dave and couldn’t see anything with the Tak despite careful positioning with Sky Safari. I also blamed the moon but I also assume it’s faded a little now. Kerry

It was clear earlier Paul. I was out until about 10.00 - sorry you missed it. I also found that Saturn was good. Sharp with detail on the disc etc. However, as I’ve noticed before this doesn’t seem to translate over to Mars which was its usual mushy self. I don’t really understand this as they are in a similar part of the sky, unless the dust storm is still having an effect. I didn’t pay much attention to any moons though - I will next time

@John - I could almost have written your post myself Having reduced my scopes to two: the Tak 4" and the 14" Dob, I am also conscious of the 'aperture gap', and as a Tak aficionado I am intrigued by the Mewlon 210 which would fill the gap nicely. I think I've seen the two for sale that you mention but they are obviously uncommon and you don't see much info about them. However, what is said is predominately positive. They look to be a good design and, above all for me, very manageable. I've seen comments about collimation but also it seems that if they are set up correctly then they hold the settings well. I will follow any responses with interest Kerry

I’ve still got one I will have to find it and give it a go!

Will consider offers.

It's 3 quid on Amazon too

Not a bad evening but Mars is still so disappointing. When I remember views I’ve had in the past..... Difficult to tell now how much is due to atmospherics on Mars and how much atmospherics here on Earth. Either way it’s a struggle. Need to look forward to the next opposition now methinks. Got up around 3.00 for the morning targets including Comer 21P G/Z. All clear out of the window - quick bathroom visit - all gone! Another one of those wind-driven cloud blankets had obliterated everything. Back to bed

Some good views tonight with the Tak. Widefield as suggested by John with Saturn and the moon. The moon was interesting with one crater (sorry not familiar with the names) just beyond the terminator with the peaks in one wall brilliantly lit and surrounded by darkness. Saturn was not bad with sharp views at times with the Cassini division, the planet shadow on the rings and some shading. Mars eventually appeared between the various obstacles. Polar cap fairly clear and a band of dark shading. Distinctly smaller now and showing a gibbous phase. Seeing deteriorated as it approached the roof of the house opposite. Now waiting with a glass of wine for it to reappear

SkyFI 3 unit for sale as I no longer have the mount that I used it with. https://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/skyfi-iii-wireless-telescope-control-system.html USB charging lead included - you then need the correct lead to connect to your mount. £150 including UK shipping. Bank Transfer preferred

She’s gone to a good home . It’s amazing how much affection the old girl generates I think the counterweights are fine as they are - rustic!

Lovely image Alex I just missed seeing this. I got up for a bathroom visit that night and saw that the sky was unexpectedly beautifully dark and clear. Got dressed and set things up, found the comet on sky Safari, just about to slew to it and a blanket of cloud swept rapidly across the whole sky! Couldn’t believe it. I waited to see if it would go as quickly as it came but no luck. Ah well........

Agreed. I have a set of the big ES eyepieces from 14mm to 40mm and love the views they give especially in the Dob. I then have various TVs for the shorter focal lengths. I feel no need for any more eyepieces . Ha!

Interesting report John. I have been thinking that I’ve perhaps had my share of the planets now and must spread my wings a bit. Looking promising tonight after some rain so will give the 14mm ES eyepiece a shot I think.