Stu1smartcookie

Honestly not wishing to be pedantic here Stu , but the clever thing is definitely the software not the camera . The camera is pretty standard fare , but Google ( being primarily a software company ) have found a brilliant way of enhancing photos like the ones you took . Lets face it , thats about as good as you are going to get from a mobile phone .. truly fantastic . And the pixel 7a which is out soon will have the same camera .

I believe the pixel 6 and 7 share the same camera sensor and most importantly for a pixel , the same software . Delfinitely the best the mobile phone for astrophotograhy .

Had a brief spell of clear weather last night and decided to have a play with the dwarf Labs scope . I took dark frames first and then attempted to set up in EQ mode which wasn't that successful so i went back to Alt-Az . After callibration i chose the leo triplet as my target . Ufortunately this is where the "brief spell of clear weather " came to an abrupt end , although i managed 10 x 15s exposures at a gain of 80 . The photo wont win any awards but for 2 1/2 minutes i think it was ok . Edited the photo on the phone .

Logical , Mr Spock

Have to admit i have a "manual " starsense module , modified for my manual mount , technology helping visual. BTW , most if not all can recall their first view of Saturn , maybe in a very basic scope , but nontheless one of the most rewarding views . Looking at a photo is nice but nothing compares to seeing those rings with your own eyes .

Alan , you are spot on .Visual will always remain as the most basic , yet most satisfying aspect of astronomy in my opinion .

Personally no but my mate does

Hi , I would be interested in the batinov mask … a real necessity in my book . As for polar aligning , the unit uses plate solving so getting the pole star in the centre of the view should be enough .

Hi , I benefitted from Steve’s knowledge on this and purchased mine from 365 Astronomy. It was the first time I had bought from them and experienced excellent service . They still have their promotion on regarding the dwarf labs 2 … check out their website for details . Stu

Could be , or Hard Maple ... but ash is a good shout ... as long as its a hardwood .

Many thanks Ian i certainty will do that Stu

So another few purchases but I reckon I am almost there when it comes to my Astronomy gear .. A lovely pair of 8-24 mm Celestron zoom EPs ( one of which was a freebie from Amazon as they somehow messed up my Easter Sunday) and then a nice Bino viewer courtesy of @cloudsweeper( Thanks Doug) , and finally a very pretty SVBony mirror diagonal .

I have been waiting months to order one from a uk outlet . They were available direct but when the Easter Deal came up at 365 Astronomy , it was too good to miss .

What and spoil that lovely unboxing feeling you only get when you are calm and quiet indoors Call you tonight mate ... i'm sure there will be loads to talk about .

Will certainly post an update , Jeremy .... tonight will be one of nervous excitement as i get to grips with setting up and charging the internal battery . lol

My first purchase from 365 Astronomy , shout out to Zoltan , who took my initial call on Good Friday… and processed my order to arrive today . Box looked a bit battered by the DPD guys ( that’s what happens when you use “fragile” tape ! but all looks A1 . Looking forward to trying this lovely little scope out as I’ve been doing loads of research over the last few months . As far as I know 365 Astronomy are the only uk outlet to have these in stock ( unless anyone knows different ) . Stu

A lovely image where , for once the clouds actually play a positive part in a photo .

Lovely report Lee . A really simple set up which sets a great example to all new members that Astronomy doesn’t need to cost thousands . I would call it inspiring and using the equipment to its potential . Really enjoyed reading it mate . Stu

I believe you really did know what I meant but if that’s the way we are going on here then , hmmm ..

Care to elaborate Louis , for the record .

Don't diss your purchase ... the most expensive scopes on the planet still need an eyepiece

The Amazon man arrived and bought this very interesting SVBony 3-8mm zoom . This EP got a very good review by AVT Astro so I’m expecting good things … if we get a few clear nights . Reasuringly weighty too .

hmmm... firstly taking the OP exactly as he wrote , then YES .. its possible , but , the principle of adding an imperfect glass pane will introduce all sorts of bizare distortions . However its down to the individual to determine if its bothersome or not . Stars are only points of light in the best and largest telescope of course , but the idea is to see them as precisely as possible . For some people , viewing through a small window is the only possibility . ie in a small flat in a high rise building with no balcony . Astronomy is a hobby that can be enjoyed by everyone , to varying degrees. From what i gather the OP can move the scope to a place where he is able to view outside ..so its a no brainer really . There is a YouTube channel ( hertfordshire allotment) where the guy in his early days did view through an OPEN window . Still not ideal , but it kind of worked .

6” Starwave out cooling and the Starsense returned to its rightful place in its own clamp on the skytee … it looks happy on there Not a cloud in the sky but annoyingly a few hours to go before observing ,but , Elena is making hot cross buns as well as a rather tasty curry so I will be in an ultra good mood and totally relaxed ( although 2lbs heavier) when stepping out into the evening along with a cool beer . Yes , I’ve got it all worked out lol . Moon will be out in force so I will be giving it some serious attention with my Baader orthos . Clear skies to everyone tonight .

Hi @Bogmonster... the "trick" with Mars observe it as much as possible . It doesn't give up its secrets too easily and is a difficult planet to view ( even more so now ) . Even at opposition details were not that forthcoming on the planet , although with patience surface detail was apparent , but , when the planet is at opposition is the best time to view it .