banjaxed

Excuse me sir, the eyepiece is at the other end 😀

I have just discovered that a plastic milk container screw cap fits the 1.25” eyepiece. I have an eyepiece that is missing a cap and have been meaning to get one for ages so as my wife was cleaning the plastic milk container I though the top looks like a similar size and it is. Worth knowing it you need one.

Hope everything goes well for you. If I have learned anything in the last few years, it's not to be overly ambitious as it is easy to think you are still 24 in your head but then you realise your head isn't doing the work.

Thanks for posting Jim, very well executed, I really enjoyed it.

Hi Derek, welcome to SGL and welcome back to this fascinating hobby.

We all have our own ideas on Astro photography Mick and is is great that we are all different. My interest is purely observing but I love to see any images whether it be from someone like you or the NASA space telescope. I don’t think I will ever be interested in the photography side of astronomy but it doesn’t stop me enjoying other people’s contributions, please keep it up.

Hi and welcome to SGL.

Just done a search for Dolland binoculars and it looks very much like they have not been in busuness for a long time, in fact a lot of their items are regarded as antique. Maybe an optical specialist is your only option if you can find one to make you a prism.

The one thing that makes a big big difference for me is food. When I'm out at night and it's genuinely cold, apart from lots of clothes I eat, lots. A lot of the food I'll have is fatty stuff too like cheese. (OK, I'll usually squeeze in biscuits and/or a pot noodle too). On nights that I don't eat lots I feel the cold even when comparatively warm, when I do eat lots I don't feel the cold. Just don't leave the food out in the cold. Chewing frozen food really isn’t helpful! Great tip for anyone who is not already overweight 😀

Hi Lorenzo, welcome to SGL.

Hi Andrea, welcome to SGL.

Thanks for your reply. After reading quite a few articles on collimation I cannot remember seeing any information on the orientation of the Cheshire. It will be interesting to find out what it is and how it affects the prceedure.

Hi Gary, welcome to SGL. As the old saying goes it’s not what you have it’s the way you use it. Most amateur astronomers started with equipment which is not ideal, but with imagination and ingenuity it can give lots of pleasure. Astronomy has a very long learning process, enjoy every moment 👍

Could you please explain the approved orientation, thank you.

Hi Peter, I have been searching for heated gloves for years without success as my hands go white and loose circulation in the cold weather. About a year ago a friend recommended USB rechargeable hand heaters which have 3 heat settings and my cold hand days are (thankfully) now over. There are many different makes and types on the market which I assume I can't mention on here but if you PM me I can give you the details. BTW I don't use ordinary gloves but mitts as you can keep the hand warmers in the palm your closed hand. They are so good I have 2 pair so I am never without. Maurice.

Do you realise that now things are all set to start viewing it will be cloudy for at least 3 weeks 🙁

Hi and welcome to SGL.

I am sure you will love it 👌

Have you tried Youtube ?

I can’t understand why astronomy suppliers don’t give the weight of telescope OTAs as it can be quite critical for choosing a mount.

Hi and welcome to SGL. Very nice images.

IMHO the skywatcher 200P is a great scope for a beginner. I bought mine about 8 months ago and along with the RACI finder it suits my needs perfectly.

Hi and welcome to SGL.

Hi and welcome back to SGL.

The star discovery mount has payload capacity of 5kg so the 150P should be ok.If I remember rightly the OTA is less than 5kg.