LukeSkywatcher

My 1st view of Saturn was with a 90mm Celestron Fistscope refractor (F11.....IIRC). I cant remember the EP. I remember me words to this day. I cant post them here. It was in 2010. Probably a 10mm Celstron Plossel.

Ive used a 4mm eyepiece ONCE here in Ireland to view the Moon . It felt like i was hovering a couple of miles above the surface. Ive never had that experience again. It was a night when everything was perfect.

Never breath on lens to clean them. your breath contains a lot of corrosive organics that can damage lens.

Ive seen the Rosette with an OIII filter visually. Im guessing imaging it would bring out more detail, but ive seen it.

You're on the right forum for advice. Absolutely DO NOT GIVE UP. Astronomy can be, and is very frustrating at times. The current situation we are all living in, doesnt help (stress, depression, financial worries, kids at home). I dont know your gear, so cant advise. All i can say is that many of us here have thought about giving up at some stage. Ive been into astronomy for the last 40 yrs, and im still here. Its not a hobby to me, it a huge part of who i am. DONT GIVE UP. It will all fall into place.

I hope that i have this right: A UHC filter enhances what is already visible to the naked eye. An OIII makes objects invisible to the naked eye, visible. Feel free to correct me if i have this backwards. I have both. I couldnt decide on one or the other, so i get both. Baader branded.

So I’ve just ordered 3 new eye pieces, BST Star-Guider 8mm & 12mm and a Vixen NPL 30mm. Possibly the only 3 eyepieces that you will ever need. BST, are held in high regard, as are Vixen. 8,12,30mm is a nice range of field of view to own. You have 8mm (high mag), 12mm (medium) and 30mm (wide field). If you ever want an eyepiece that is truly submersive, the GSO 32mm Plossel is a stonkingly brilliant eyepiece.

The Vixen NPL 30mm is also a very fine eyepiece... Indeed it is. You cant go far wrong with any NPL (of Vixen products). Great price and quality.

I have an 8SE. Brilliant scope in most ways. If you want to turn to the dark side (imaging), its not really suitable because its an Alt-Az mount. Imaging requires an EQ mount. For $1,200, id say you got a bargain. Best advice that I can give is: Use your scope and other stuff until you know it inside out and backwards. You will learn what works for you, and what doesnt. Dont rush to buy anything else. Astronomy is a slippery slope (imaging, even more so). The scope is the cheapest part. Its all the accessories and eyepieces that empty your wallet.

Its always a good idea to keep a small bottle of Baader Wonder Fluid in your kit, as well as a rocket blower (as above).

I bought the same a couple of years ago, along with an AZ5 tripod/mount. Its a great scope. I really cant fault it apart from the plastic finderscope. The R&P focuser is the best ive ever had. Its sulky smooth.

I've tried Cloudy Nights, and all they seem to be interested in is who has the biggest/most expensive gear. It's not for me. SGL is upfront honest experience/advice.

I think reputable companies will/are maintaining the same quality control. I can understand your point though.

Eyepieces go on the end of a scope that you look through. Lenses are the glass on the opposite end of scope (refractor)

You reckon?.

In the last 10 yrs.....I've spent about 15K on astronomy.

FLO are the sponsors of SGL.

I've been here since Dec 2010. I was given a 6 month ban by mods for a semi political comment I made at some time. Best forum that I've ever been a member.

I'm a self employed freelance web designer for the last 20 yrs. I work when I want. I always deliver on time.

Post Woman delivered these today. Two meteorites (one is a slice). A Moldavite (green). Also a chunk of Egyptian Glass (yellow)

I didn't know either. The technology is sound in theory. Using the solar wind to power the craft. I've seen experts on TV talking about it. I'll bookmark your links and read them at a later date.

I wont have been invented for another 5 yrs.

Wow......looks amazing. Where ca i spot this comet. In the west im guessing from other pics. Will certainly be grabbing the bins tomorrow night.

Is that a scratch?. Looks a bit dirty. Probably needs a clean

I'd be more concerned about all the veggies down your scope.