Stardaze

A lovely write up of a very successful evening. I think that taking in some favourites is definitely the way to go if you don’t get away so often. I also am rather fond of the double cluster and wild ducks, they really are fascinating subjects that I can’t overlook when present. Can I assume you were south Shropshire? I’m originally from there and plan to take some family for a dark sky session next year. Hope that can be just as successful.

That’s really encouraging. I’ve had my mother make me one too and haven’t had chance on a moonless night yet but certainly helped with stray lights on the few occasions the neighbours were using their garden lighting.

That really is a wow moment, superb!

Super report @KonI haven’t tried to see the Helix yet but it does look like it might be a bit low from my backyard. Unfortunately the forecast this week, across the new moon, doesn’t look good at all. Haven’t really used my Nebustar yet either so I really do hope things improve in time.

Ah, not tried Almach either. I’ll try that next time too.

Definitely one of my favourites but I struggle to see much other than the eastern and western sections from here. Really hoping the weather plays ball with the upcoming new moon, I’ll try and spend some time on it, thanks for sharing.

The telrad (or Rigel) is a must imho. That and a RACI work perfectly together. The collimation kit also needs to be added of course.

Just a point on weight, I’m suffering with a long term stomach injury which means I can’t lift mine so, I’ve bought a sack truck with a longer foldable base. Very easy to use, though I just need to make an infill for the top. At the moment I’m stuffing a garden cushion in there. I’ve also had to make a ramp too. By the way, once you buy a dob, there’s endless upgrades. So far I’ve added the RACI, Telrad, dual speed focuser, handle, dew kit, cover for outside and the best was the click lock. Going to add a fan next year when I’ll probably clean the mirror.

I have the Bresser 10” and love it, however, if I were buying new now, I’d buy the Stella Lyra version from FLO because it has all of the additions that I’ve added since as standard. You’ll want to upgrade the EP’s anyway so don’t worry about those. But the dual speed focuser, RACI finder are worth the extra little bit up front. I too wouldn’t get too hung up on the mirrors at this price, they’re more than adequate for the job.

I find the 5mm quite long but those small nag zooms do look handy John. It’s likely to be my least used EP I guess, but on those special nights, maybe..

Maybe I’ll hold out for an HR. Was going to add the XW 3.5 at some point but fancy trying something specific.

How high is the top Slot John? Do you find yourself using it much around the top. I’m 5ft 9in so just wondering whether it’s viable. My drummers stool is great ut I do like the idea of these from a storage POV.

Definitely on my Christmas list. That’s a great job @johninderby

Really interesting thread. I’ve really enjoyed watching the two gas giants across these last 6 weeks and am very pleased with my XW 5mm & 7mm, the latter has really exceeded all expectation I had. Was toying with the idea of a 6mm Fujiyama but certainly will keep my eye out for a 3.7mm HR too. I think a TOE wouldn’t see enough use in my dob for the outlay.

Seeing was a bit hit and miss last night here, but I did finally remember to drop in on Iota Cas as recommended by @John

Missed that alignment too but enjoyed watching the GRS and Europa shadow transit. It’s a little choppy out there but seems better than last night.

Didn’t seem good here either so only had 20 mins with the binos.

Thanks for the informative reply Don. I’ll try and persevere as it’s better than reusing cloths.

I can’t seem to make a q tip (cotton bud) work, other than to get right into the edge. Had to touch up the binoculars earlier so gave it a go to no avail. Maybe the chunky baby versions might be best, or anyone have a particular brand?

Nice report Dave. I too must look into the moon really, I glance, but I have little knowledge about of much of it. I also fell foul of the high humidity Friday night. Left the dob cooling with an EP in, which I never normally do - it quickly clouded over. First time I’ve added a dew strap to an EP.

The seeing isn’t great here at the minute. Framed perfectly though now.

Suggesting the heavy cloud here might clear for midnight. It’s been mostly weing these last few weeks.

Sorry Louis, I might be playing a little dumb here but, I use all of the eye relief, preferring to nestle it into the socket with either 15mm-20mm depending on the EP used. Is that not so normal for a non-glasses user? Not that it really matters, I do find the 5 & 7mm XW eye position needing to be quite high for a comfortable placement, even hovering over the 5mm at times, so >20mm. I have long lashes too, so probably helps to keep the EP's cleaner for longer.

I could have sworn I've seen some suggest the opposite, thanks Stu, makes sense to me and fortunate I currently don't wear them. I do tend to use a lot though, so have the XW's wound to the top, for example.

I was always under the assumption Louis that most wearers don’t use the eye relief with glasses?