paulastro

10 hours ago, RobertI said:

Thanks for the reminder Paul. It makes you realise how good Mars was at the last opposition when it was nearly 22” diameter. Your post made me investigate a bit more to remind myself what’s going on - there’s a really good explanation here. So basically we can look forward to Mars decreasing in size at every opposition (approx every two years) until it reaches a minimum of 14” in the 2029 opposition and then increases again until it reaches a maximum of 24” in the 2035 opposition. Unfortunately it seems that the declination is decreasing so it reaches a max altitude of around 60 degrees from the UK at the moment but will only be at 30 degrees in 2035, so another good reason to be observing NOW.  🙂

Yes, I find it's often better observing wise when at opposition Mars is only of moderate size but a good altitude. When it's a very favourable opposition and large with a very low altitude it's seldom you have very good seeing - in the UK at any rate.

3 hours ago, Stu said:

Thanks @paulastro! I finally managed a decent view for this time around the other night through the 8” f8. As you say, Syrtis Major well positioned and very clear, as well as the ice cap which looked quite extensive. Clouds have returned now for a while but I’ll keep trying 👍

I must get the EQ Platform out so I get steadier views.

Lots of cloud here too Stu.  For Mars, I'm sometimes out when there are only short breaks in a mostly cloudy sky.  I've had far more views than if Iwas waiting for completely clear nights - these are currently quite a rarity.  It's qood when the cloud is moving quickly as I don't have to wait too long for a view.  I've had some good views with the 8 inch observing like this.  😊

8 hours ago, pipnina said:

I should make a point of viewing mars this winter... But it seems to be sinking a bit and I'm not sure if my current eyepiece set is planetary optimised?

I currently have a 10mm vixen SLV (which is quite nice) as my highest power EP. With my 10" dob I get ~120x mag with that but even jupiter looks a tad small still at that power. That said, going too high power might make it more difficult, as I find it hard to nudge my dob all that delicately...

Have you a x2 barlow?  Your 10 inch will manage x240 well when the seeing cooperates, and at the higher power the details will be far easier to make out.  With my 8inch, for Mars I'm using between x200 and x300 with a binoviewer, mostly the higher power.

23 minutes ago, Nigella Bryant said:

I imaged Mars yesterday, best ever view I've seen. A bit frustrating because of fast moving cloud's but managed a few three mins each of data. I was able to image at f30 with my C11. Forecast this coming week is cloud and cloud's unfortunately. Can't wait to my birthday next month. I've heard I'm getting a new zwo camera hopefully, lol. 

Have you posted these images Nigella?

You can't fool me, if you really live at Syrtis Major, the earth's phase will be 'new' 😊.

I have to do my shopping in charity shops 😔

Excellent description of what sounds like a great evening Andrew.

Sorry Sunshine and bosun21, when you read this I'd only written the first two lines and pressed the post button by mistake.  At least you now know why I'm shouting at you 🤣

I had some great views of Mars last night, superb in the 8 inch StarSense Dob, Syrtis Major, and Sinus Sabaeus were striking.

There are many people, some on these pages, who don't start observing lt until its actually at opposition.  Big mistake.

Older hands will know this, but not only does Mars only come to opposition every 2 years, not all oppositions are equal. At this opposition it attains a diameter of 17.2".  If you want to see it bigger and brighter, you'll have to wait until July 2033 !!  

Particularly if you're getting on a bit, don't delay - make the most of it. I' won't see it better until I'm 78 years old. 😱 😅.

Here's a pic from todays i newspaper. 

22 minutes ago, Astro_Dad said:

I agree Paul - StarSense in many ways makes other finding systems (including other Push to approaches) seem old fashioned, and GOTO is not as convenient (in my review I compared StarSense very favourably against Syn Scan based on my own experience of them). We are luckily spoilt for choice with the range of options available depending on budget, requirements etc. 

Definitely  with you on the finding being (ultimately) a means to an end, but I won’t be the only one who despite being a big fan of StarSense, derives some joy and satisfaction from learning the night sky the “hard way” and having that reward of finding an object manually. (Perhaps minority! who knows?).  I suspect this wears off after many many years of observing though.  BUT, I’d still prefer to have StarSense than not on balance - and I’ve read a good analogy that likens the need to star hop manually to the need to use a road atlas to get anywhere- it’s just not a skill that is required anymore. Still fun though, and as always horses for courses 😀. 

Some good points there Andrew.  I did actually derive some satisfaction when I came to the point that I could find my way around the sky fairly well, but as the years went by it became more and more of a chore. 

Also, at the age I am now, and not without some health issues,  I like to use my time more efficiently, and it's not only the time. Using a finder is difficult and painful for me so StarseSense has made a huge difference to my observing on that account as well.

I also find that using SS actually enhances my knowledge of the night sky.  As you push the scope toward an object you can't help but notice (on the phones' screen) objects you might not be familiar with or have just plain forgotten they were there.  What's more, you can also 'pull over' and take a look at them.

As you say, we are lucky to have the choice of many options, and people can follow the path that suits them best.

On your last point,  I love looking at star maps, in fact any maps, but I confess I wouldn't want to be without a satnav any more than I'd want to be without my StarSense 😊.

39 minutes ago, Astro_Dad said:

I interpreted his point here as being that for some people a piece of electronics (gadget / screen) could as a distraction from the “pure” process of finding and actually observing. This could be true, but it’s also true that it increases the speed of locating objects and hence maximises previous observing time. It was useful to mention though since the ‘scope is essentially designed to be used with a phone as the default - a concept that could be anathema to some traditionalists, and also removes the psychological motivation-reward loop inherent with tracking down a faint fuzzy manually.  Nevertheless I’d surmise that for very many beginners and experienced observers alike (who have done their time observing the hard way!) it’s an absolute game changer from Celestron and as Ed noted in his review, has the potential to become the de facto standard. 

I'm not sure about 'psychological motovation-reward loop" Andrew.

Many, many years ago when I first started observing using a finder, I do remember being amazed that the object was where it was supposed to be and delighted to be able to observe my Quarry once found.

Having said that, I've truly never enjoyed the actual process of searching using a finder which, for me, has always been a means to an end.  The joy for me came from actually observing the objects - and this is still how I feel. 

I've  used some goto mounts in my time, and  enjoyed that less than using a finder.  Too much to go wrong both electronically and mechanically, and for most of them, too noisy.  

I'm certainly no smartphone guru, but with my StarSense dob  I can find objects quickly, quietly and make best use of the all too brief opportunities our climate in the UK allows. I can use the majority of my time at the telescope doing what I like doing most, - observing.  Bliss 😊.

Thanks Andrew.  I too found this about a couple of weeks or so ago, I was going  to post it and promptly forgot 🙂.

One thing I thought was rather odd, was that Ed said people might spend more time looking at the phone screen mounted on the scope rather than looking through the scope.

I only use the phone screen to find objects, which it does far quicker than using a finder.  So I spend much less time searching for objects, and far more time actually observing.

If the user wants  to spend time listening to all the descriptions, or playing around with it in some other ways,  it's up to the individual. 

To me the BIGGEST advantage of the SS is the fact that it's possible to spend a much bigger percentage of every session observing than I could before. Its a game changer in this respect.

15 minutes ago, MiladyB said:

Great review. 

This scope is a game changer for me. I  had been finding my attempts at star-hopping in my Bortle 6 back garden quite frustrating, but the starsense has meant I've now actually managed to see things I had struggled to find.

Even my husband - who is usually quite disinterested in stargazing - was very impressed.

I think if you have a reasonable budget, this is a scope really worth considering as a first buy. Being able to find objects without having to learn the sky is maybe not something everyone agrees with, but for the casual scope-user it makes short observing sessions so much fun!

MiladyB x 

Many thanks for your comments.  I'm delighted that your scope is making such a difference to your observing sessions.

4 hours ago, Astro_Dad said:

Not a whole set up but could be added to one - not sure where else to post an accessory discussion topic?

Looks to be an interesting NPD from ES in the finder space - similar principle to a Rigel Quickfinder but with a standard dovetail type finder base fitting, and more compact than the Telrad. 

I’d be interested in members thoughts on this.  I currently use a RACI finderscope in combination with a RIgel Quickfinder magnetically attached to my Stellalyra Dob  - works well but always looking to optimise. One of these in say a TS dual finder mounting bracket alongside a RACI could be interesting?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/explore-scientific-reflexsight-led-finder.html

I'd noticed this before, as already said it's prettier than a Telrad if anyone is bothered, but £65, blimey 😱.

PS when I've used a Telrad, I've always used a shower cap to keep the dew off it.

This has more data than the S&T version - which Ade also co-authors.

I prefer this one, but either are fine.

http://www.nightskies.net/skyguide/mars/mars.html

Single frame below taken at 2.06pm, Altair 80 ED-R, Olympue E- M5 Mk11, 1/400 at 200 asa.  AR3141 facing earth.

Many thanks, thats really helpful.  They look just the ticket, I'll get a set ordered.

Thanks again, Paul

13 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

Sure. These:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mutuactor-Neodymium-mounting-Vertical-Pull-force/dp/B07K2SKFYP?pd_rd_w=MiHO4&content-id=amzn1.sym.1e2a4e0f-2e12-404a-a171-2e456b4b564a&pf_rd_p=1e2a4e0f-2e12-404a-a171-2e456b4b564a&pf_rd_r=QR3F4R31R6H3TEX3NWPF&pd_rd_wg=Kt9ts&pd_rd_r=e88ca76b-bac7-475f-a93d-cc667f38a4ff&pd_rd_i=B07K2SKFYP&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_rp_1_t

Be warned, though, they're very strong. Although they're covered in rubber, it might be worth sticking a felt layer on to weaken them slightly and make the sliding smoother. I just use three so one is always within easy reach.

 

1 hour ago, cajen2 said:

Great and very even-handed review, AD.

As a fellow SL 8" owner, I agree with everything you say, though a knob on it is not necessary for me, as like Louis, I just use the front edge of the scope. A handle, though, would be of great benefit.

The adjustment on the alt bearings is theoretically an advantage but (like I suspect most users) after setting mine I haven't altered them as it's such a faff. I just use a few small magnets to achieve balance.

It's worth noting that several of the other GSO labelled brands don't necessarily offer all the good accessories like the RACI, though I believe the Orion one is identical.

Cajen, can you tell me what magnetic weights you use to balance the tube, and where you got them from?  

There are lots on Amazon - too many!  If you can point me to the ones you use it will save me a lot of time wading through them all.

Many thanks.

Event timings ftom SkySafari.

Timings for Oakworth, West Yorkshire, not London 😊.

I managed to take a few single frames between heavy rain  this morning.  The frame below was taken at 11.11am, Altair 80 ED-R, Olympus E-M5 MK11, 1/250 at 200 asa.

27 minutes ago, Stu said:

I have my ScopeTech Zero and Gitzo GT5542LS tripod permanently in our garden room, normally with either FC76Q or FC100DC on it. Either case is a single handed lift out into the garden, even with a CoolWedge and Binoviewers fitted to the 4” so it can be set up in about 30 seconds.

Strangely the FS60C gets less use!

That’s one of the reasons I love the FC100DC so much. Fantastic performance in a really lightweight package.

I'm with you on the Scope Tech Zero mount Stu - I use my Altair 80 ED-R with it.

2 hours ago, mikeDnight said:

Currently I have six refractors of different flavours just to prove to myself that I only need one. 

Well Mike, you're well known for licking telescopel lenses.  So I presume you choose them by flavour rather than aperture  Anyone for a raspberry telescope?  😊.

On 30/10/2022 at 14:44, Alan White said:

Two recent delivereies, one by hand and one by DPD.
Both make me very happy indeed.

Firstly a book kindly given to me by a friend, thank you.
This is something that I have wanted a copy of for some time and am enjoying reading it already.



Secondly another pair of Binoculars, bought a set for one of our Daughters for Christmas,
I was so impressed purchased another for myself.



All arrived at a great time and lifted me back to normality 🙂

10x50 

The Scotty book is a great buy Alan.  Even after all these years since the articles were published in S&T it has so much of value.  I regularly consult my copy.

1 hour ago, wesdon1 said:

Hi. So YOU are the guy who stole this from me!!?? LOL. You bought this with a SW EQ5 GoTo Mount a couple days ago from a person up in Scotland!? I was actually planning to buy it, but didn't have the money until I got my wages yesterday, and the person selling told me another person was travelling to see it and likely buy it, but they'd sell it to me if the other bloke didn't show up! I was absolutely GUTTED!! It was all practically brand new!! You got an absolute BARGAIN!!! I'll still be hurting over this in years to come!! LOL.

I don't like to say it, but he who hesitates....  its at times like this you need a kind friend who can sub you.