paulastro

I'm delighted you're up and running again Andrew, welcome back!

I'll look forward to reading about your second first light of the 10inch Starsense dob.

You've got a wonderful location there, lovely pics. I'm only a little green 😄.

4 hours ago, Stu said:

One more thing, something that does work well is to post a full report in the relevant observing section and then pop a link with a short description here. Best of both worlds then, so the more people that start doing that, I think the richer the forum will become.

Thank again Stu, some good suggestions there, I'll take them on board.

2 hours ago, Stu said:

Lovely report Paul, another one which would be well worth posting separately to get some more notice and discussion.

Many thanks Stu, thats very kind of you.  I had actually thought this myself before I posted it on this thread.  I did think it may be of interest in a couple of other places, but thought this may be a bit presumptious of me.

I must admit, though lots of interesting posts go onto this thread, I have had mixed feelings about it for a while.  I feel that the individual observing forums (and probably others) no longer have as many contributions as they used to because the 'what did you see tonight' forum is used as a catch all for any type of observation.

Before it was started I would browse  the different observing threads for things of interest, but they seem to be used much less often than they used to be.  This means I have to follow this thread, but I don't have time to read all of the contributions so therefore probably miss  a lot I would be interested in.

Just my own opinion of course, and it may not be an issue for anyone else. Also, having thought about it many times, I have no idea if, could or should anything be done about it.  Probably not 🤔 🙂.

Thanks again Stu.

Nice shot, it was lovely, nice through my 130 Newt.

On the night of 21st to 22nd I had a good session with a couple of surprises, which I'll get to in a bit.

Generally the sky wasn't very steady, and there were frequent hazy patches - luckily the 8inch Starsense Dob can punch through it to some degree, and the SS locating system meant I didn't need to use the finder - just as well with the absence of fainter stars.

Set up by midnight and then observed some objects less affected by any haze and had nice views of M13, M92, M57, M81 and M82 ( these two brighter galaxies where higher up so less affected by haze than most I looked at). I tried for M101 at this time to look for the supernova, but the conditions made it very difficult to make out.

I looked at M27, but it looked tather ghostly so I added my ancient Orion Skyglow Ultrablock (made in Japan) 1.25 filter to the Morpheus 12.5mm.  What a difference, it was a huge improvement, in the extent and detail of M27 itself and the increased contrast of the background sky - beautiful.  I must admit I don't use this filter as often perhaps as I should.

However, encouraged by this I turned to the Owl Nebula, with a similiar impressive performance compared with the unfiltered view.  Just for fun I used it on M81/M82, but as I expected I preferred the view without the filter, after all its not really designed for use on galaxies.

Undeterred I turned back to M101 with the filter on, more in hope than expectation, and there it was!  It was also visible without the filter so the conditions must have improved since my previous attempt.  I then took the filter off to look for the supernova, but I had only been looking  for a few seconds when a bright satellite rushed through the field (mag 5 or 6 I guess but it looked bright in the 8 inch) from right to left above M101.  Then for about thirty seconds perhaps, M101 was mobbed by a squadron of at least six more same mag satellites on parallel paths passing either through, above or below the galaxy!  I looked away from the eyepiece but couldn't see any with the naked eye.  The time was 1.30am (plus or minus a couple of mts) on 22nd.  I presume they were part of some commercial satellite launch.  Did anyone else see this, or know which satellites they were?  I then realised I wasn't sure of the exact location of the SN, so I've no idea if I saw it or not!

With still iffy skies, I looked at some more globulars for a while, M3, M53, M5, M10, M12 and M14. Itslways nice seeing and comparing a group of GCs, they all have their own personalities when you get to know them.

I then started to look to the SE to see what more southerly objects I could find.  There were few stars visible with the naked eye in that direction, but no problems finding objects with Starsense.  I looked at M23, a nice open cluster and then two of my favourite objects, M11 the Wild Duck Cluster, the Eagle Nebula  M16 then the  Omega/Swan Nebula along with the open cluster M17. Then M18 near the Sagittarius star cloud.  It wasn't the best views I've had of these objects but they all looked better than I expected in the conditions.  My best views had been getting on for 28 years ago when I spent three weeks in Crete with a C5!

The best was yet to come, when at 2.45am, I picked up M22.  This great globular shines at mag 5.2 and is 32' across (the same diam as the Moon). It contains half a million stars and is the third largest globular after Omega Centauri and 47 Tucanae.  At only just 11 degrees altitude it was rather subdued through the layers of haze, but very impressive by its size non the less.  If you can get a good view of it , it is almost beyond words. I left it at 2.58, still visible despite the haze and a brightening sky.

Just as I packed up, one of our local Tawnies was calling, and a hedgehog startled me as it rattled a neighbours metal gate as it squeezed underneath it. A lovely ending to a fine night.

On 21/05/2023 at 13:41, RobertI said:

@bosun21 @Highburymark Do you guys have any idea how big the database is? I’m assuming there’s plenty of NGCs in there and not just a dumbed down list of the brightest objects? 

You need not be concerned about the database, it has tens of thousands of objects in the database, the SS software is very similiar to that of SkySafari - it comes from the same company.

Read the Section on Starsense Catalogues in Alan Dyers  review.

https://astrogeartoday.com/celestrons-new-starsense-dobsonians-reviewed/

It's absolutely brilliant.  I've been a visual observer for over 50 years and it's the best development there has been in all that time for visual observers as far I'm concerned. A real game changer.  The best thing I ever did was to buy the Starsense 8inch Dob a year ago.

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/409968-may-21st-1200-great-ha-activity-on-sun

Nothing jaw dropping, but fine examples of all HA activity, at least 8 decent proms.  Also big prom on E limb indicating another AR round the corner.  It what you draw to show a 'typical' HA view.

I had good seeing and the view in the PST was close to the view below take  from GONG.

Nothing jaw dropping, but fine examples of all HA activity, at least 8 decent proms.  Also big prom on E limb indicating another AR round the corner.  It what you draw to show a 'typical' HA view.

I had good seeing and the view in the PST was close to the view below take  from GONG.

ARs, 3313, 3311 and 3314 close together in the NE quadrant are the most complex,  with the largest single spot  in AR 3310 in the SE.

Single frame and crop taken at 7.13am  with Olympus         E-M5 Mk11, 1/400 at 400asa,  Altair 80 ED-R.

On 18/05/2023 at 02:20, Sunshine said:

After seeing so many galaxies this past weekend I developed a sudden interest in AP, somebody please smack me. If you don’t my wife certainly will when she sees the bill for AP gear.

Have you thought of seeing a therapist?

Ags, it makes more sense than what I actually wrote 🤣.

MAY 15 TO 16TH

Only just written up these obs from my field notebook into my diary.  I haven't the energy to type up the obs on my phone (no working computer!) so I've taken a couple of snaps of my diary instead.  Apologies for my scribble.

4 hours ago, Stephenstargazer said:

Happy Birthday @paulastro !

Our forebears seem to have worked harder and recorded better with simple equipment. Maybe our "stuff" is getting in the way?

Many thanks Stephen, that's very kind of you. I still have another present to look forward to before my birthday ends - it's forecast to be clear all night so I'll be out by the time Nautical Dusk arrives - no more Astronomical Dusk this far North fir a while now.

To those of us of senior years, Alan Heath will be a familiar name, perhaps best known for his Saturn and Solar observations - and a man of many talents.

I received a copy of this book for my birthday today from a very long and valued friend.  I was so pleased with it I wanted to share it with others who might be interested.

It's well printed and profusely illustrated with nice b&w and colour drawings and photographs.  If you're a keen practical astronomer you'll love it.  If you're a naturalist and weather buff as I am as well, you'll think you've won the lottery.   Its available through Amazon.

1 hour ago, mikeDnight said:

I couldnt stop laughing at you comment Paul. You know me so well! 😂😂

I'm so pleased for you that you've got another FS128 Mike.  I know how much you've missed it and how long you've been lusting after another one.  It couldn't have gone to a better home.  See you soon 🙂.

I suggest anyone who thinks they have an FS128 in their observatory ought to go outside and check its still there - right now!  😂

There is a review of the Dwarf 11 by Ade Ashford in the forthcoming June issue of Astronomy Now.

1 hour ago, garryblueboy said:

Really nice Paul thanks for sharing 

Thank you for that Garry, I'm pleased you found it of some interest.

I attended the event with Andy from The Astronomy Centre nr Todmorden, leaving on 23rd to avoid some impending heavy rain - not good conditions for stowing away Andy's massive tent!

We had three good sessions on Tue/Wed, Wed/Thursday and Sat/Sunday. Some very transparent seeing and some hazy conditions.  Good for solar on many of the days, very cold at night if you didn't have heating in your tent.  Remember this if you're  planning to go next year when it starts on March 5th, around six weeks earlier! 🥶.

I took the Celestron Starsense Explorer 8inch Dob, and Andy brought a C5 (also with a SS facility)  and a 71mm refractor  for HA observations.

The SSE facility enabled me to make good use of the available observing time, and I actually achieved my main objectives in observing as many galaxies as I could in  Coma, Virgo, Leo and Ursa Major. Including all the Messier objects in these constellations  and other NGC targets.

As usual (when observing from Kelling), I had the best views of the year I will get of these objects.  Particularly impressive were the views of M81/M82, M51, and M66/M65.

However, the most impressive group I observed were those in Markarians Chain, a group of galaxies that form part of the Virgo Cluster.  From earth they appear along a curved line, with M84 and M86 at one end.  It was an absolute treat to work along the line of galaxies with my 17.5mm Morpheus in the 8inch.  Simply stunning.  Even better in larger scopes.  Worth the trip on its own!  

I also had superb views of NGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy, a beautiful bright edge on galaxy.  At  m9.6 and 16'x3" it rather puts NGC 891 in the shade and is a much easier object to see.

Kelling is much more than the observing though, and I met up with many old friends and chatted with many more - as well as sharing views with our scopes.

Below are a few pics, the one of Markarians Chain is not one of mine 🤣.

2 hours ago, Peter Drew said:

Did anyone end up attending? No reports yet.     🙂

Hello Peter.  Yes, there are people here.   Clear for 3/4 hours Tue/Wed, and beautiful sunshine all day today with an all - nighters forecast for tonight, Wed.  More people arriving all the time.Not had time to post report, will try tomorrow perhaps.  I sent you an email a few days ago and your inbox was full 😊.  Best regards, Paul.

On 16/04/2023 at 10:23, icpn said:

Unfortunately as expected the forecast has detirieoated significantly from a few days ago with rain at the end of the week and the clear slots, if any, getting smaller.

Really?  Just had a quick look at AccuWeather and this is it.

Looks good to me.  I really wouldn't worry what it says to be honest.  I've been to the Autumn version for most of the last 20 years,and despite some dire forecasts over the years, I've always had at least 3/4 goid sessions making it well worth while,and often more.

The trick is not to go to the bar early and then miss a perfectly good night - hard to believe it, but many people do!  Also, check frequently for breaks, both in the evening and early morning, it's surprising how often its clear despite a bad forecast. Especially if you're visual you can make the most of comparatively short breaks. People who only observe if it's clear from dusk to dawn will miss out on a lot of clear sky.

Must dash - I'm off to continue my packing 😊.

Mike.  You've done a great job with that, you must have a very steady hand as well as your steady eye.  Are you available June 27th, when my hip replacement is planned?  If so, could you be on standby just in case it should be posponed for any reason? 😊

29 minutes ago, mikeDnight said:

No phone number on their website. 

Mike, it's there if you follow the 'contact us' link, it's 01603721946, though I dont know how easy it might be to get through.

If a company has only email contact, its vital you get a rapid response.  In this respect FLO is top class, it would take some beating, or even matching.

Hope you get it sorted Mike.

19 hours ago, mikeDnight said:

 Thanks for all the feedback showing other brands being fully blackened.

 As suggested I have tried to contact Altairastro and come across obsticles all the way. First I tried logging into their website but receive the warning that the site is not recognised. Anyhow, I eventually managed to get onto their site, but there is no simple way of asking a question, or receiving advice. I did send a message to one link but recieved an e-mail back suggesting I try another. Why my e-mail couldn't have been passed down the line to the individual who deals with problems I'll never know. May be they're sick of people complaining?   Anyhow, I followed the direction only to come across another wall. I now had to log in and create an account. Then I had to request a ticket so that I can email, someone.  At this point I was seeing red! What the he'll is going on? I know I'm growing old and becoming increasingly intolerant of technology and anti-social business practices, but this beggars belief. At the very least the Altairastro site has been designed by a moron, while at worst, by the most uncaring and unhelpful company I've ever encountered in the Astro community. As a consequence I will never deal with them again.

 So onto the eyepiece. It wasn't my intention to return the 30mm Ultraflat, as unlike Altairastro, it really is very nice.  So I decided to dismantle the field lens to access the bare shiny metal and risk painting it.  I had a tin of stove black paint designed for touching up log burners & multi fuel stoves, and which dries dull black. After removing the field lens I very carefully managed to blacken all the internal parts without getting any paint on the inner lens. I should have been a surgeon! I'm very pleased with the results, although I shouldn't have had to do any of this. 

I suppose 'buyer beware' is an appropriate warning when dealing with Altairastro. Even if they were unaware of the issue, they appear to have little concern for the customer.

The original bare internal metal.

After removing the field lens.

A steady hand was needed to paint the bare metal with stove black.

And the reassembled eyepiece, all clean and in this case, better than new.

Lesson learned!  I should have bought from FLO - which incidentally I would have done had they been at Kettering. Not that I'm implying it's FLO's fault I bought this eyepiece,  but.... 

Perhaps my extra artistic skill has added to the resale value of my Altaire 30mm Ultraflat?   Answers on a postcard please! 

 

 

Mike, did you try phoning? 

By the way, your not getting more intollerant at all.  I've known you for over 20 years, and you've always been like that - and grumpy!  😊

1 hour ago, icpn said:

Unfortunately as expected the forecast has detirieoated significantly from a few days ago with rain at the end of the week and the clear slots, if any, getting smaller.

Really?  Just had a quick look at AccuWeather and this is it.

Looks good to me.  I really wouldn't worry what it says to be honest.  I've been to the Autumn version for most of the last 20 years,and despite some dire forecasts over the years, I've always had at least 3/4 goid sessions making it well worth while,and often more.

The trick is not to go to the bar early and then miss a perfectly good night - hard to believe it, but many people do!  Also, check frequently for breaks, both in the evening and early morning, it's surprising how often its clear despite a bad forecast. Especially if you're visual you can make the most of comparatively short breaks. People who only observe if it's clear from dusk to dawn will miss out on a lot of clear sky.

Must dash - I'm off to continue my packing 😊.