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Everything posted by paulastro
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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. 😊
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I have to do my shopping in charity shops 😔
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Excellent description of what sounds like a great evening Andrew.
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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. 😱 😅.
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don't post a picture of a meteor on Twitter
paulastro replied to Tomatobro's topic in The Astro Lounge
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Celestron StarSense Explorer Dobsonian Owners
paulastro replied to Astro_Dad's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
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 😊. -
Celestron StarSense Explorer Dobsonian Owners
paulastro replied to Astro_Dad's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
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 😊. -
Celestron StarSense Explorer Dobsonian Owners
paulastro replied to Astro_Dad's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
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. -
CELESTRON STARSENSE EXPLORER 8 INCH DOBSONIAN REVIEW
paulastro replied to paulastro's topic in Member Equipment Reviews
Many thanks for your comments. I'm delighted that your scope is making such a difference to your observing sessions. -
Explore Scientific Reflex Sight LED Finder
paulastro replied to Astro_Dad's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
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
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Single frame below taken at 2.06pm, Altair 80 ED-R, Olympue E- M5 Mk11, 1/400 at 200 asa. AR3141 facing earth.
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I'm with you on the Scope Tech Zero mount Stu - I use my Altair 80 ED-R with it.
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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? 😊.
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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.