skyhog

Hi, sorry to hear you are having problems with the scope. The only thing I would say is that the scope 'stopping in the wrong place' is to be expected prior to alignment. Is it possible for you to move the scope to the required guide star at that point and enter it? Ed

I suppose the problem of familiarisation was already pretty much embedded when you worked your way up to these kinds of scopes. Now starter scopes can come with this level of tech so it can't be easy I'd imagine. There was always a skip to next alignment star with Meade goto, I'm pretty familiar with the sky but asked to centre on 'shedar' always had me scratching my head....now alpha cassiopeiae.....thats different....👌😉 Ed

Goto has been around for over 30 years now, hardware problems not withstanding, is it the fact that lack of knowledge about the sky in general is the biggest issue here? Beyond that modern goto mounts should be foolproof surely?? Ed

I've always based my thoughts on the Arizona crater when I read about near earth objects and a possible strike. It was in the order of 50 metres.... Sobering thought when you look at the list of observed rocks on the neo websites...

Right, never assume as they say!! I did intend to pop out last night but it was cloudy up here and the forecast looked ropey to say the least... Next few days don't look any better...

Nice image Frank, is that the native f10 of the meade? (I'm assuming it's an lx200?) Ed

yes, saw this in the news. What surprised me was they said it would have burned up and not reached the ground. I thought something that size might have made it to the ground as at least a small meteorite. Also, as the detection method is purely visual, wouldn't we expect this?? Ed

Hi Mat, some good advice already. I'd opt for the best scope on an EQ mount with a RA drive. That way you will have nothing to worry about in the setup department. Once the mount is set to your location, and assuming you aren't travelling that far to observe, simply align the mount north and away you go. I say this because I just couldn't imagine observing without tracking. I know a few here seem to do it but for me at medium and high magnifications it must be a right pain. All for the application of a simple dc motor!! Ed

Nice image craig. Ed

Very Nice that Paul. Ed

Hi All, Thought I'd say hello from the north east of England. I'm nearer 60 now than 50 and retired back in March. I never expected the world to retire with me but such are these strange new times. Enough on that subject. I started this hobby when I was a small child, remember my father pointing out the plough. Still feel deeply nostalgic whenever I see that familiar shape where ever I am in the world. First scope was the truly awful table tripod mounted 40x40 refractor, soon replaced by a set of 10x50 binos. I then got a 90mm reflector and used it during the early 70s. My parents kindly got me a subscription to sky and telescope magazine at that time. Having that drop on the mat once a month was a biblical experience, no internet then!! I bought myself a 8 inch SCT and 16 years ago bought an LX200 12GPS. I had every intention of wheeling it out whenever I wanted to observe but a handful of times later trying that I realized I had two options, sell it or mount it in an obsy. So I built a roll off roof obsy and stuck it on a milburn wedge where its sat for the last 16 years. I have a 'jack of all trades' approach to this hobby. I'll pop out to spend a night visually spotting whatever is in season, stick a webcam on to grab a few images of the planets or moon, a DSLR to maybe dig a bit deeper. Piggyback a small refractor to play around with or a PST during the day for a bit of solar. I may return to the AP game. now I have a lot more time on my hands. I can remember being hunched over an OAG keeping a star in the crosshairs, then waiting to see the results arrive through the post!!! This is a great website with a treasure trove of info for the new starter and experienced amateur. Credit to you all. Some fantastic content. Keep it up!! Ed