ProfHippo

Hi! I live in NW London (NW3/NW6). I searched older posts and found tons of information on really good sites far far West or SW/SE around London, as well as the far darker sites far from London. - I got there on special trips but want something closer by for quick on the day jaunts out. I'm keen to find accessible nighttime locations that are more North or NW of my location. Main need is not having too many obstructions high up on the horizon (my main problem in central London); reduction in streetlight is always helpful but I'm realistic about what's around Greater London 😛 I'm happy to drive for e.g. 20-40 minutes outwards, maybe even 1 hour for better site and to return on the same night. I have a Celestron C6 SE and got a set up that I can put easily into a normal car; will go with another soul for safety and non-boredom. My main issue is finding parks that are open to anyone at nighttime with unobstructed views. (If car parking is impossible then I can get a taxi but then journey back may need prior booking.) I'm less interested in meeting up with scheduled star parties or observatories days at the moment (I have had a look at the locations these guys use: https://www.wolas.org.uk/observing_events). I've done that before but I now fancy the freedom of seeing a clear sky, jumping out and going out on a whim. - Denham Country Park is only 40 mins drive away, used by lots of star parties, but isn't open without prior private arrangement. - Morden Hall Park is south but otherwise looks like my best option if I can't find anything N or NW. - I see greenery on the map north of Barnet, Borehamwood, Cheshunt and not far off by motorway, but have no idea what is accessible and decent. So.. Welcome any thoughts for NW or North of Hampsteadish for 40 mins jaunts in a car. Preferably with parking of some sort and access at night without arrangement. Thanks for your advice.

Thanks Geoff, that's very helpful. I'm not keen on a mount being shakey or wobbly, so I'm now thinking the Celestron 6SE may be better as it's much more widespread in its use without having people complaining about the mount. I'm not fussed about wifi vs handset - other than that, is the Celestron 6SE "too old" or likely to become unsupported in terms of future accessories or firmware updates etc, or is it reasonable to buy a 6SE in 2020? I realize it's been out for over a decade, I think? Just want to make sure I don't buy something that is really on its way out?

Hi! I'd be really grateful for advice comparing these two GoTo scopes: Celestron Astro-FI 6 inch vs Nexstar SLT 6 inch. I've read a number of reviews for these online, and compared the specs. I'm not fussed about any price difference - and from shopping around, the price difference is minimal from some suppliers. The main differences that I can see are: - Eyepiece: 25mm + 9mm with AstroFi; 25mm and 10mm with Nexstar SLT (but over time I will have more eyepieces. While 9mm gives more mag, I know seeing and shakiness is more important than mere mag power so this is a minor difference, right?) - Control: Nexstar SLT has no Wifi connectivity to the smartphone unless you pay £100 more,; instead it has a handset. Astro-FI has wifi connectivity and relies on an app on your phone/tablet. - Weight: a) OTA weight: SLT is 3.4-3.6kg; Astro-FI is 4.54kg?? b) Total kit weight: SLT is 8.2kg on one site, unknown on manufacturer website; AstroFI is 6.71kg? Overall, diff websites say diff things about weight of these scopes, so it's hard for me to know whose OTA + mount/tripod is heavier than the other for transport purposes. Different stats all seem to contradict each other. Tripod weight is 2.3kg for both; one review said SLT 6 inch could be shaky on the tripod? Otherwise both have F10, same basic focal ratio, same alumimium OTA, same OTA length, both have Starbright XLT coatings. My queries are around comparing these two so I can pick one: 1) Smartphone v handset: I don't mind which I use, I'll go with whatever is best. What's the advantage to a handset - is it less buggy than wifi + phone? If all else is same, no handset = less weight to carry given that I would be carrying a smartphone + battery back for the smartphone anyway when I go out? 2) Does anyone know which of these is more stable on the mount? 3) Weight-wise/transportation-wise, which is better? SLT has a handset whereas other one doesn't. SLT has ?lighter OTA though I'm sceptical about all these different weights quoted everywhere. Kit weight I'm not sure which is lighter overall. Does anyone know of the relative weights of both scopes/tripods for transportation purposes? I should say I'm aware of the pro's and con's of GOTO scopes vs non-GOTOs, and want to go down a GOTO scope route here. I have previously used non-GOTO reflectors and binos so have had some experience in amateur astronomy. I have no desire to do astrophotography. Thank you for your help