Paul73

Definitely the wedge.

Hi Folks

I’m a bit at sea on the subject of mirror quality. I have read about 1/10 PV, Strel ratio and smoothness. What measure is most important?? Or, just point me to the idiot’s guide!😁

Paul

There isn’t much to go wrong in a Dob. If, it moves freely, the focuser works smoothly and the mirrors are clear, i’d Go for it.

Paul

Looking good for tonight and tomorrow too!

One eye or two. Bright planets seem to be all about the conditions..... although, to get the most out of the conditions, playing around with the magnification can be the key. That, for me, is too much hassle with binocular viewing. Does anyone use a pair of zooms?

Paul

I’ve tried it a few times and have found eye placement problematic. Probably just down to practice, but I’m not going to risk it! One set of eyepieces is quite expensive enough....

That is what they call “a noticeable increase in aperture!”.

A lovely pair.

Morning seems to be best for me.

Nice capture. What gear were you using?

Paul

There are days where there is nothing to be seen. There should be some texture on most days.

To give yourself the best chance. Use a longish eyepiece (20-25mm). Focus to get a sharp limb. Then play with the etalon tuning ring.

Good luck.

Paul

Good job Mr Niall. Here’s my effort.

Paul

Fine focusing certainly helps. Also, I find that fiddling with the magnification can uncover loads of detail. That is why zooms are great for solar.

Paul

So how high will the eyepiece be at the zenith? About  7 feet?

We tend to forget that these big beasts can be hard to live with!

Paul

Nice writeup Stephen. M101 seems to be much overlooked. I’ll have to give it another go next time we get clear & dark sky.

I still have my first scope. A 10” Skywatcher which hasn’t had a look in since the 16” OOUK arrived.

Paul

Nice report Stu. I haven’t done any White light for a while. Had the first go for ages with the Ha Mod on Wednesday. I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed solar observing.

I’m off to google “Spicule” now.

Paul

1 hour ago, JOC said:

This is really interesting - thank you.

If you view it through a big scope, you loose some of the ringyness as you can see the thinner face on section too.

Good capture.

Paul

Ok with a 120mm scope here! I’m not sure that I would leave it tracking for hours, but certainly fine for manual work.

Paul

😁First view of Jupiter through the big Dob! Not the best view ever due to poor elevation, but steady air gave me a nice view of GRS and the shadow transiting.

Surprisingly mild here too.

Paul

At least he was walking, rather than wistfully gazing into the distance wondering what to spend his fee on.

Overall, I enjoyed it, but the glacial pace left me falling asleep!

Paul

I’m another Wood fan. They don’t have to be Berlebach prices! My current 100mm frac on EQ5 is rock solid on an old 1980’s wooden tripod that can free with a scope. Very little vibration (and looks great)😁

Although, I did have a 28c which was a marvellous piece of kit. Would definitely buy again!!!

Paul

Judging by your fleet of scopes, you’ve worked quite hard! 

Time to enjoy the fruits of your labours.

Paul

Ricochet has hit the nail on the head. To get something that is great in one variable is not expensive. To get something great in all? ££££ (read Ethos - and even that is debatable)!

Paul

They look pretty tidy for tablet images. Stacking multiple shots seems to be the way forward for planetary images. There are plenty of experts who can offer guidance on this.

Paul

You’ll never get it finished with an attitude like that!

@carastro you can hire marquee heaters quite cheaply. We did for a significant cold June birthday a couple of years back. Well worth the money!

Paul