Stu

You should be able to manage much better than that, so don't be too disappointed. What is the scope mounted on? I tend to agree it does look like camera shake rather than focus but it is hard to tell. Do you have live view? If so then use that and zoom in so you can fine tune the focus. Mirror lock is also worth trying to reduce any shake. Let us know how you get on.

Great session Nick! Impressive stuff, have never found splitting tight doubles that easy with a newt, you've clearly got it collimated very well!

I agree with this, a small scope seems to deal with these splits surprisingly well.

You need to be careful about using f number in reference to magnification, it makes no difference, or at least it tells you nothing without knowing the aperture. It is focal length that determines magnification. I could have an f2.5 30” dob with a focal length of 1900mm and an f10 4” frac with a focal length of 1000mm, the faster scope would still give a higher mag with the same eyepiece.

Just to confirm Chaz, are you interested from an astrophotography perspective?

That looks like a very nice and well equipped observing area, I do like the pads! I really must have a look for this comet soon.

Wonderful shot! The Milky Way from Dorset can be spectacular! I’ve spent many happy nights camping on the Purbeck peninsula

I think I remember splitting the somewhere in the region of x55 a few years back. Will give it another go next time I get a chance with the Tak. I must admit I like them at around x100, still tight but nice clear splits, and the lovely bulleyes you get with a refractor

In my opinion yes, a Herschel Wedge will show a meaningful improvement over solar film. I think at higher powers the differences show through, and granulation and finer detail is easier to see.

Yes, excellent choice and a great bargain! Have fun, you will see plenty with a 10”!

Sounds like successful night Peter, despite that local club not meeting .... I had no idea you had such kit, glad you got a chance to dig it out and that it is all clearly functioning well. A very decent set of targets found, nice report.

Great stuff Rushy. Despite appearances we are a friendly bunch so I’m sure you will have a fab weekend

Thanks Derek, they look great. Will ask, or try to find something similar

Hurrah! Fab session chap, great report! I have some ‘aperture’ plans which I hope to hatch soon, need to see the Veil up close I think

Sorry Peter, was sent out to the WhatsApp group, forgot you weren’t on it!