Owmuchonomy

Hi there. Regarding point 1, the equatorial system coordinates of objects do change with time. This is due to the precession of the Earth. However the effect is small, for example for objects near the CE the effect is to change RA by about 15 arc minutes every 18 years. The datum point of your particular software is denoted by the term 'Epoch'. So Epoch 2000 is based on the year 2000. M31 is also very large (about 3 degrees in the sky, or 6 full moons). For visual purposes, the slight differences you describe will not affect the GoTo accuracy sufficiently to cause a problem.

The Esprit will be too heavy for the AZ Gti. I use a SW ED80 on mine and that’s at the limit. If you are using the scope for visual then there are cheaper and lighter more appropriate choices. The Esprit is designed for imaging. If you intend to image then a more substantial EQ mount will be required.

Have you the Pro version of the App? If not then do that first. Touching the ‘Deep Sky’ button in the app will automatically open a dialogue box into which you can type any Messier number you like. Then assuming your scope is aligned just press GoTo. For alignment I find the North Level method the most reliable and remember to finish the centreing of the target with the up and right arrows. They remind you by blinking at you!

Yes it is possible. I tried it with my Lunt 60 in imaging conditions. The problem I had was focusing the extremely dim image. I would imagine viewing under such conditions is impossible. The inbuilt 4.2x of the Quark is difficult to work around under UK seeing conditions.

What type of mount do you propose to use? This will help us answer your query about finding/tracking the Sun. Many of us use one of these to locate the disc, or you can try the smallest shadow method https://www.firstlightoptics.com/lunt-solar-accessories/tele-vue-sol-searcher.html

Of course. Thats what the Synscan polar alignment routine does after accounting for cone error.

Ok, I haven’t used it for a while so thanks for clarification. I have also used AS!2 for spectra images and often for other work.

I’ve not done this for a while but from memory I think BASS project software does the stacking for you. Have you got a reducer for your 6se? I got excellent results with my SCT 9.25 + .63 reducer, an SA100 and my ASI174mm camera.

It is highly likely the problem lies with your power supply. I had exactly the same problem with my 12 inch Synscan Dob. I solved the problem by using a 12V 4 amp mains power supply. My Powertank was supposed to be 17 Ah but it would not power the Dob for more than 30 minutes.

Are you using the pillar extension tube? If so, I find you have to make absolutely sure that the one of the pins is definitely in the receiving hole on the pillar otherwise AZ ‘slop’ is pronounced.

Maybe so. I've not tried to align from scratch mounting it the other way, but somebody may have done so and will comment. Also, don't forget to use the UP and RIGHT arrows to align your targets before hitting enter on the App.

That is great work Robin. Must be some feat to pick individual stars out of the noise.

Ah well, I found this out to my cost at a solar observing outreach event when the crowd kept complaining that the Sun was drifting out of view. Woops, I had it 180' out. This is the setup that always works for me when pointing North for a North level alignment; offering perfect GoTo and tracking ability. 🤩

Great to see a shot with the shadows across the uplands.

I have pursued both options in the last few years. A purpose built obsy helped with the imaging but for me it was a lonely pursuit, long nights just in the company of Alice Cooper on Planet Rock. I still do Solar and Lunar imaging with my Alt AZ mount but I have moved on and am almost fully observational in the company of others. For the public events I do the joy is in seeing the faces and hearing the pleasure in observing a few juicy targets. It also means I take portable kit to dark places and tonight I will be presenting at an event in Keld, the darkest place in N Yorks.

Ooh, that’s a beauty. Well done Charl.

My view of it has only got rosier. It’s definitely a keeper. The views are exceptional. Just be aware of its bulk and that others have had collimation issues. Mine appears perfectly set up. I don’t see any difference in CA generally compared to my previous APO. (AA 102mm)

Yes, as above I use the App in conjunction with Sky Safari on my iPad and it is an excellent set up. You could easily star hop that way.

Very thorough advice above. The juicy planets are poorly placed for a few years. As part of your need is to keep the interest of others then I found that showing the moons of both Jupiter and Saturn and explaining their movement and positions to be an option. Your C6 should show the major moons. The views of Saturn’s moons through my 9.25 were very good the other day. As above, check your collimating is spot on.

If you are just viewing and not imaging then only a rough polar alignment is necessary. So ignoring a step like you describe won't make any difference to your GoTo setup. The Barlow is probably just a focuser issue. Adding a Barlow can change the 'in focus' point dramatically so make sure you have racked your focus in and out fully after adding the Barlow.

Could be. It's only an estimate based on a density of 6gm/cm3 from memory (which isn't what it was).

Electrostatic forces dominate up to a radius of 1km, then gravity takes over. Above about 1000km radius the forces are sufficient to cause the formation of a sphere. That’s what I was taught and can be demonstrated via maths for substances of similar density to solar system debris. I still use the examples for outreach when chatting about my space rocks.

Remarkable work.

There are plenty of ‘apps’ that can do this for you or at least give you the data. Sky Safari for example.

I only use the 0.63 reducer for Spectroscopy. The visual or larger chip experience will be severely hampered by vignetting as described in previous posts. The reducer is not really a visual aid.