globular

I got a pair of these (when they were a lot cheaper than they are now) and they are great at freeing pinched connections and/or getting traction when wearing gloves. Not sure if it helps with your restricted space issue though? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B018I84358

Nice to see you are still gushing all over the forum, Magnus

I have a few XWs (7,10,16.5,40). Mostly I'd describe stuff as in black and white. This is not a negative - just that there is not a lot of colour out there in the dark. Actually it's a positive... I prefer stars to be white rather than yellow (on the whole). But then there are lots of things that do have colour. I never tire of looking at Neptune and being overjoyed by the blue. I spend lots of time on globulars deciding if it has a yellowey core, or bluey, or white, or violet? surely not! I'm sure that nebula has a green tinge and that one is red. Comparing the colour difference of doubles' companions. And my wife and I play endless games of coming up with colours of the bands on Jupiter... brunette, cinnamon, walnut, buff, fawn, .... anything but brown, reddy brown, creamy brown and cream. Picking out slight colour variations on Mars surface is also a nice game to play - and vital to produce a sketch that goes some way to represent what I'm seeing. Ok so mostly stuff isn't black and white. My XWs do a good job in giving me nice sharp views with good colours. But I have no idea if the colours are 'true' or 'cool' or 'warm'. I'm just glad they are there because they make my observing more fun than if they weren't. I know that's no help... but it's my two penn'orth. I'll go back to my corner 🤩

I use mine in hushed tones, so as not to disturb my neighbours. They are relatively heavy, as eyepieces go, so they do tone your muscles in use. I'm so sorry for lowering the tone... I'll tone it down by going and standing over there in the, slightly cool, warm corner ..... 🧍

Takes a break from the forum for what felt like far too long. Comes back and starts a thread that presses all the right buttons in all the right people. Almost as if he planned it all along? I, for one, am so glad you're back John

My Holy Grail scope can be used on all targets and in all weathers from my back garden. Oh and it costs very little too.

🤩

From their caption on the image: "The black strip in the center is a chip gap, the result of the separation between NIRCam’s two long-wavelength detectors. The gap covers the dense center of the cluster, which is too bright to capture at the same time as the fainter, less dense outskirts of the cluster. " i.e. cover the bright centre and you see more of the outside.

Amazing. I'll have to see about introducing a chip gap in my visual set-up..... 😉

Thank you for gushing all over the forum - it's joyous 🤩

I may have read it wrong, but this: "Short overall length: shortening the overall length by 30 mm for the use of DSLR or Binoviewers" may be useful for those with back focus issues.

Some info here.... https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/baader-cool-ceramic-safety-herschel-prism-markii.html

From WO website..... (https://williamoptics.com/wifd) Introducing the WILLIAM OPTICS Internal Focus Design (WIFD) Apochromatic Series. This innovative and revolutionary design combines a precision (Patented) internal focusing mechanism with the highest quality optics available, providing the ultimate Apochromatic refractor for astrophotography. Designed from the ground up with the ability to handle the newest generation of large, heavy, high-resolution cooled cameras, the rock-solid optical tube assembly is uncompromised in quality. The movement of the focuser is integrated inside the main tube assembly, so there are no movements of a focuser drawtube visible from the outside. The user can enjoy the benefits of a traditional two speed fine focuser, while not worrying about limitations typically found in traditional rear mounted focusers.

Mine is an Astro Essentials Super Plössl 56mm. When paired with my 8" Edge in nice dark skies it makes a lovely dark nebula hunter. Because of it's 5.4mm exit pupil it opens up objects to me that would otherwise need a different scope to find.

Nor me. Need in capitals is my code for 'don't need but really want'.

Thanks Mark - something else I now NEED 🤩🤣

One of these?

I think you might me right 😉 I already have an N22T4 that I love, so I won't be rushing to get an XW23 - but I do already have the XW 7, 10 and 40 so I know the range and rate them very highly. If the 85 degree ones can match the 70s then I'll be very happy.

Amazing how 'star shaped' HR 8799 is. . . . I'll get my coat.

I've given up waiting for an ES92/17 (to go with my ES92/12) and am excited to try the XW16.5 instead....

I'm not in the area so I can't sign up - but I thought I'd reply to say I think it's a great idea.

I imagine the baby's hand would struggle to span the cable needed to withstand the forces exerted - although yes, probably strong enough to hold on if she could get a grip. Maybe another thinner cable, attached to the first after the capstan and then going around a second capstan, would make it easier for the baby? You'd need to keep social services well clear too.......

Practical Astronomy Show

Very sad news. Condolences to everyone missing him. 🖤

You don't have to remove it. The clamp can be squeezed apart to slip over it. CARE NEEDED. See this thread.... https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/315553-cracked-celestron-cpc-tripod-leg-clamps/