jetstream

I use a pair of 25mm TV plossl's which give stunning performance in my binoviewers. In mono one of these is a preferred eyepiece for viewing the Horse Head.

May as well put the wear on the Moonlight and keep the Tak focuser as new? I have no issues with my Tak focuser after adjusting it.

Congrats for a fine purchase! The Tak TSA's seem to take unlimited mag, I've not reached the limit of mine yet.

Me too, and under lighter skies the OIII provides the best views IMHO. Merlin66 knows much about spectra.

@Ships and Stars do you have Massimo Zecchins planetary nebula guide? https://www.webbdeepsky.com/publications/free/

I don't remember seeing that one. The 24" shows galaxies all over the place and most of them I don't report or keep track of- I just like seeing them. Theres some pretty cool Pns out there too, but need large aperture to pull features out.

Simbad lists 11.7 mag but I find I need mag to bring out the "toes".

What did you see?

I get 4 in HCG 55 and it is a very unique and cool object. I'm into the stranger looking objects these days. Have you tried ARP 6- the Bearpaw galaxy in Lynx? With these objects mentioned orthos are the way to go as well as Delos. Up the mag lots...

A good way to practise B33 is just trying to see IC434 no filter, which is do able in smaller scopes than one might think. This object frustrated me for quite a while actually- I should have started observing dark nebs, like in Aquila first to get a handle on them. Have you tried the even more frustrating Cone nebula? With my 24" I've settled into observing bright objects strangely enough as well as unique ones like Hickson 55 and the PNs.

For me M42 is best no filter, revealing its blazing mottled green core in most of my scopes. Each filter will show the object a bit differently IMHO. Back to my OIII recommendation- many observe under LP skies so really only the brightest objects are on the list and the OIII will make visible many of the brighter ones. Most Hb targets are tough..... Rob, in another thread I mentioned Hb doesnt work on dark neb- upon reflection I thought I would clarify with respect to B33, the HH. What the Hb is actually doing is framing the dark notch, allowing a profile of it to be seen. @Don Pensack I totally agree that we need all of the filters- OIII, Hb and UHC in my case.

I don't find that an Hb or any filter of any type works on dark or reflection nebulas.Just me...

I see it easily no filter with my 15" and the 24" that much easier again. With the Hb in these scopes the object is no challenge at all. These observations mandate excellent transparency and darkness. Back when I started on this object with a 10" it seemed near impossible...it to me a long time to see it. My still favourite combo, borne out of success, is the 25mm Televue plossl and the Astronomik Hb. If I was using a 12" dob these would be my goto selection. I easily see IC434 in my fracs and yet Ive not been able to tease out and confirm what must be a pimple sized notch of the HH in these scopes. Re: the 25mm TV plossl idea- I just copied what some serious USA observers reported using with success- and they were right. @Captain Magenta give the 25mm plossl a try with a Hb, a 1.25" will do the trick and this narrow TFOV combo will keep Alnitak at bay in your scope.Good Luck!

These filters work with small apertures. My 90mm likes the tight Lumicon OIII, as does the120mm fracs and the H130. I was easily observing the Flaming Star neb in Auriga with a DGM NPB and the H130 the other night. The reason I said if I could only have one filter it would be a quality OIII is that in lighter skies it will give needed maximum contrast and under darker skies it will give stunning views. Obviously on targets that have a lot of OIII . I do find that filter transmission matters- mind you I'm sure someone will debate this. My finding is using my eyes and not scientific formulas etc. My very best filters all have really high transmission.

Sounds like a plan lol! I see green and salmon pink in M42 with my 15" and green, pink and also blue with my 24". Skies can be pretty good here darkness wise. A note about dark adaptation- M42 ruins it for me, too bright. Mind you maybe the brain fills in information (color) after repeated observation- is it an illusion?

Great report Mike! I'm envious... M81/M82 is a favourite set of galaxies, vg observing.

Excellent report Robert. The Hb is a preferred filter on Barnards Loop but I actually prefer a UHC myself and don't have much luck with the OIII on it. I'm not sayings its impossible to see it with one but I think there might be better options. For reference I can see the brighter portions of the Loop with no filter. I think you may have caught and followed an edge of Barnards Loop. With a 20" scope seeing both "sides" at once is probably impossible. This object is a worthwhile pursuit- keep up the good work! Yes I have traced the loop all the way around with a few lower sections getting patchy. But, I think Robert has a new challenge coming... @Ships and Stars have you see the Witchead nebula? This will challenge you possibly or maybe youve seen it already? and of course the Meissa up top is always a panning feature when in the neighbourhood.

If I could only have one filter for dark or lighter skies it would be a top quality OIII, hands down ( just my personal preference).

Explore Scientific offer 2 nice widefields for the H130- the 26mm ES 62 and the 24mm ES 68. I can attest to the 24mm and I think @Nyctimene can verify the 26mm performance. Sterling Plossls have a good reputation as well. Its great your Dad has a scope! and an excellent one at that!

For the first time in a bit clear and nicely transparent sky was out there, with some wolves across the bay howling, a great setting to observe in. The H130 and one eyepiece, a 24mm ES 68 were set out and a 10 second collimation had the rig ready to go. A NPB was also along as well. First M42, M43 and a glow of Running man were observed. M42 had its lower loop partially visible - this scope sure works on big stuff. The Flame had 2 segments visible and had I used a narrow ortho,18mmish, the Flame would had even looked more complete. Gotta love orthos. So what can the H130 pull out? Tonight the Flaming Star neb was easily visible with the NPB.The Merope (and more) was a direct vision, contrasted object- obviously with no filter. M81/M82 were vg brightish streaks in the 24mm. These are very capable telescopes and many more objects were observed as I panned the sky in beautiful -10c , crystal clear skies.

Its an excellent eyepiece

Just an observation- I have not seen any 82 deg or 100 deg eyepiece that controls scatter as well as an ortho, the exception being the 84 deg Docter UWA. There are a few 70ish degree widefields that do-Pentax XW and Delos. Scatter is a pet peeve of mine, whether it comes from the eyepiece or scope.

They are the same optically but I do like the eyecup of the Tak. I have 2, 18mm and 2, 12.5mm Tak orthos- they are very good. That being said the 10BCO is as good if not better on axis and is a deeper eyepiece with more contrast. I'm splitting hairs here.

Thanks Olly, I see the hole easily but never paid enough attention to try to see more. I'm going to drag the 24" out and play with the mag to see if I can pull it out.

Olly, what feature in the circle are you talking about exactly? I'm intrigued actually as I too like to dissect M42.