Second Time Around

What phone are you using?

Thanks, Artik, I stand corrected. 👍

I'd add that it doesn't work on my Pixel 6 despite being on Celestron's list of compatible phones. From a bit of searching in the undergrowth there seems to be a problem with the gyros. This is affecting other aspects of this model, that uses a new type of processor. Hopefully it will be fixed by a software update.

Here in East Kent there were a lot of clear nights in June. However, as you can see in July there was a very high proportion of part cloudy nights. This was despite many days being largely sunny. This is the first time I've recorded Ventusky's forecasts, so I've started adding a total for the last half year so the data can be compared.

I'd add that it's an update to the software, and so even my early Starsense Explorer now has the much enlarged database. However, it's not immediately apparent how to access the new objects as they don't appear in the "more deep sky objects" section. If you want an NGC, IC or Sharpless object etc you have to click the search button at the lower right and enter what you're looking for. Alternatively, you could just enter NGC for instance and all 7987 NGC objects come up. I suspect that, as the makers of Sky Safari were involved in the project, Starsense Explorer now contains all the objects in Sky Safari Plus.

Yep, they do.

Many lights are way too bright for astronomy use. So I insist on ones that can be dimmed right down. I also much prefer a headlamp to a torch. I very rarely observe with anyone else, and so my headlamp doesn't have a chance to shine in anyone's eyes. This is because on the very rare occasions I'm with others I'm carrying the headlamp in my hand - just the same as a flashlight! So a headlamp is multi-purpose, and to my eyes preferable, especially as it keeps 2 hands free. I'd recommend one of the inexpensive Black Diamond range of headtorches that can be set very dim. Moreover, they can be set to always come on with the dimmest red light whichever button you push - so no accidents! The red beam is wide and even, as is one of the two white beams, the other white one being a spotlight. You do need to avoid the higher priced ones that have a battery check on starting up though. This is because they light up an intense blue that'll ruin your dark adaption. Additionally, those with the Powertap feature can be knocked on accidentally. BTW, the so-called Astro models aren't suitable for astronomy as they don't have a red light! I'd suggest the discontinued Cosmo 250 that's sold at a reduced price from £17.60 on at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Diamond-Cosmo-250-Headlamp/dp/B07S2ZJ6CG

Exactly what I have and was going to suggest. I compared several eyepieces for h-alpha solar work. These included Televue, Baader, GSO, and Vixen NPL Plossls. There was minimal difference between them, even on prominences that are a stiff test. However, I kept the 25 and 30mm NPLs as they were the most comfortable. This is because of the twist up tops. I find getting the optimum eye position makes a particularly big difference with a Quark. Some have criticised them as the tops are either up or down. However, you can easily secure them in the best intermediate position with an elastic band or hair grip.

Not had that problem myself on any of the 4 designs (all different) I've bought. There do seem to be lots of variations from different factories. Which was your one, Louis, so we can avoid it? When I've time I'll post links to the 3 of the 4 models I can recommend.

The problem with many chairs for me is that they don't go nearly low enough for my scopes, especially my 8 and 10 inch Dobs. I posted my views in depth on the various type of chair on this topic https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/385955-new-model-observing-stool-on-the-market/#comment-4241858 You'll see I prefer the new collapsible stools that recently came on the market; below is one of many. Note I also posted though on one type to avoid. Very light (about 1kg/2.2lbs), small footprint, folds up very small indeed, built-in hand and shoulder strap. Great when standing in a queue. Good range of heights from 6cms (2.4ins) at the low end - great for Dobs. Inexpensive - typically around £25 on Amazon. Search for "telescopic stool".

On the rare occasions I share my scope with others I do use my glasses. However, we're all different and I much prefer a Dioptrx over glasses for the following reasons. 1) I wear my glasses on a cord and have no problems taking them on and off - it becomes automatic 2) In any event, I have no presbyopia and so don't need glasses at all for looking at close range objects such as screens or maps 3) I have a Dioptrx on my finder eyepiece, but even without this I don't find astigmatism critical on a finder as it's doing just that - finding 4) The coatings are better than on even the top of the range Rodenstock lenses on my glasses 5) The angle of my astigmatism changes between my annual eye tests. With a Dioptrx I can adjust this at the telescope 6) I find that, like many, I need an extra 0.25 correction for astigmatism at night 7) And most of all, having done head to head tests I found that I can see more with a Dioptrx than with my glasses As I said, we're all different, and so there's no right or wrong. I just wanted to put across a different point of view.

No experience myself. However, you may be interested in this site that does scientific tests of tripods: http://www.thecentercolumn.com/rankings

One point to bear in mind is that some phones change as to whether they work or not after an update, especially to the operating system.

Superb!

Another problem at the moment is the moon will be washing out DSOs. As you probably know there's a roughly 4 week lunar cycle. In a fortnight the moon won't be up in the evening and DSOs will then be very much more visible. For the times of moonrise and moon set go to http://www.timeanddate.com/moon

It works fine on my wife's Pixel 4a 5g, and this is what I now use. The recent huge increase in the number of DSOs is a great help. It looks as though it may include all the objects in the Sky Safari Plus database.

Cheers, Neil.

What is your IPD please, Neil?

What a huge amount of detail!

Here's the June data. As you can see, from being easily the worst in May, Wunderground was easily the best in June. From today onwards I'm adding an 8th cloud forecast. This is from Ventusky that was recommended on Cloudy Nights.

Another from East Kent here and a SEKAS member.

Love the handle, Mark! 👍

One word, wow!

In the UK we have an additional model, the LT 70AZ, that is even less expensive.