Armand Popa

josefk, thanks for your appreciation! Spring is when most Herschel objects are on the sky, most of them being galaxies through Virgo, Coma,Cvn, UMa, Boo, Dra, Hya, Leo and others.That's why we had the big bump in observation. Then I couldn't have done it without using the SkySafari app, which I can set up so that I can see on my phone's screen exactly what I see in the eyepieceand finderscope. This helps a lot in identifying objects, basically becoming a kind of manual goto Between parts 1 and 2 of the list, the main difference is that in part 2, many galaxies can only be seen with adverted vision, while in part 1 they can be seen with direct vision. Part 2 is recommended for 12" telescopes, so I am pushing the 8" telescope, but compensating the aperture with dark sky...I think the 2nd part of the list it's definitely harder. The remaining objects are visible in summer and autumn, so I'm on the list. The only remaining objects from Uma are 2 nebulae in the galaxy M101, which cannot be seen with my 8" telescope, but Uma is circumpolar, so in summer and autumn mornings also try M101 with the large telescope. Good luck to you too in completing the lists!

In 2021, I finalized the complete Herschel 400 part 1 observing list. When you have a list to complete, you find extra motivation to plan your observing sessions, select constellations to explore, and roughly note the location of the object in relation to the stars of your chosen constellation. There is then the satisfaction of success and the joy of planning the next session; all in all, you have a great motivation. After completing the Herschel 400 list, part one, I thought about starting the Herschel 800 list (Herschel 400 part two), but somehow quite a long time went by without noticing after the lists. I used to write down all my observations in an Excel file, so I had all the details since my first observation sessions... The cloudy nights of December 2023 prompted me to look in my observing logbook to see what objects I have observed so far from the Herschel 400 II list, without knowing that it was on this list. I've observed a lot so far over the times and I was sure I`d find H400II objects and. I have identified 54 H400 II objects observed over time, so as of December 19, 2023 I started systematically observing the list , and as of today I have observed 335 Herschel 400 part 2 list objects. Below there is a short description of each observing session in which I observed the objects on this list. I mention that up to 335/400 I used exclusively my 8" Dobsonian telescope (203/1000) together with the Baader Hyperion 8-24 Mark IV zoom eyepiece. Update 19.12.2023 (87/400) On 19 December 2023 , with clear skies, I went out to observe at Tarnova (Romania) with a Bortle 4 sky, this time prepared with the H400 II list. During the course of the evening, I added another 33 objects, bringing the total number of Herschel 400 II-listed objects observed to 87 out of 400. This time, I observed sporadically, limiting myself to only a few constellations, but choosing "lighter" objects to keep the motivation Update 09.01.2024 (114/400) On 9 January 2024, I continued observing the H400 II list at a StarParty organised by the Galaxis Astroclub at Tarnova, under a Bortle 4 sky. I added 27 more objects. The list is difficult for an 8" aperture telescope, but not impossible. Most galaxies in constellations close to the horizon are barely distinguishable with peripheral vision, and those directly visible all seem to look roughly the same - like a diffuse cloud, a barely observable speck in the field of view. The SkySafari app is a great help, showing me exactly what my field of view is. This makes it much easier for me to identify what I'm seeing, or to make sure I've actually seen the object. Update 13.01.2024 (120/400) This evening I went out to a Bortle 4/5 sky in fairly windy conditions, which made the -3 degree temperature seem much lower in the field of view I observed from, using the Dobsonian Omegon 8" telescope. I added 6 objects to the H400II list, so I now have 120 Herschel 400 II objects already observed, although I realise that to see the list with an 8" telescope, I need dark skies, below Bortle 3 and good transparency conditions. In this relatively bright polluted sky, it was very difficult to observe the object in the eyepiece. Update 30.01.2024 (138/400) I went out to observe at Tarnova. I managed to add 18 more H400II objects, so the list reaches 138/400. I used the Omegon 8" newton telescope on dobson mount. Update 15.02.2024 (173/400) On 15 February, it was finally clear sky again, I went out for observations. Although the Moon was in the sky in a high enough phase to see my shadow on the field near the village of Tarnova. In the sky of bortle 4, with the Moon in the West, I observed 35 galaxies to the East, belonging to the Herschel 400 II list, so I reached 173 objects observed out of 400. Update 03.03.2024 (200/400) I went out to observe at Tarnova. The sky was not perfectly clear, there was a layer of fog or some moisture in the atmosphere. However, I managed to observe 28 more galaxies from the Herschel 400 II list, bringing us to the halfway point of the list, i.e. 200 objects observed out of 400. Update 11.04.2024 (257/400) After a period with a moon in the sky or an atmosphere full of Saharan dust, tonight finally looked like it would be clear enough, and worth trying a stargazing outing. I decided on the spur of the moment to go to Târnova, to fill in some more from the H400II list. Arriving at the location, I noted the presence of some transiting clouds, so I moved on to all sorts of observations, from Comet 12P to all sorts of known objects. Later, after complete darkness, I attacked the Big Dipper and Virgo, and sporadically a constellation that got in my way I managed to see everything in Ursa Major except two nebulae in the galaxy M101, for which I'll be using larger telescopes, 8" being below the limit for these objects. Then I started the constellation Virgo, where I orient much harder, but determined. I managed to add 57 objects to the list, so that currently I have observed 257 out of 400. Next time I will continue in Virgo. Update 12.04.2024 (281/400) This evening, being clear, I couldn't help going out and observing the H400II objects, especially the Hydra constellation, which I was in danger of setting if I waited too long. The conditions were not ideal, and the Moon began to brighten the sky, but I observed 24 H400II objects. This brought me to 281 objects observed out of 400. Update 28.04.2024 (316/400) I went out to Tarnova for observations with the 203/1000 Dobsonian telescope. Under a Bortle 3/4 sky, using the Baader Hyperion 8-24 zoom eyepiece, I observed 35 galaxies, part of the H400II list. The constellations taken for the "Herschel purge" were Bootes and Virgo. With that, I reached 316 objects observed out of 400, i.e. I'm entering the last (difficult) hundred, where I'll definitely need a larger aperture on some galaxies... From Ursa Major I still have 2 impossible to see in 8", from Canes Venatici 2, and there are more through Hydra, Crater, Corvus that will require 12" aperture. Update 29.04.2024 (335/400) I'm out observing again, this time at Grosii Noi , where the sky has a Bortle classification of 2. I'm realizing again how important a dark sky is, especially for observing very faint objects. I was able to see galaxies that from other locations I couldn't see at all. I ticked off 18 galaxies from the Herschel 400 II list, bringing me to a total of 335 objects observed out of 400. I also managed to observe those objects that didn't show up from other locations, and the remaining 65 objects will be visible in the summer and fall. I estimate that in the fall I will complete the observation of this list, especially since I will also have access to larger telescopes in the summer if needed.

Has anyone had any experience of the Tecnosky Eyepiece UWA 82° 28mm 2" ? If so, do you know how they compare to the same type of eyepiece from Wiliam Optics , Lacerta, TS, Nirvana and so on Thank you

https://www.omegon.eu/instruments/omegon-binoculars-nightstar-20x80/p,12461 Hello I am looking to buy these pair of binoculars. Is there someone who tried them, or someone who heard something about them. I think is the same category as the Bresser Astro 20x80, the Celestron skymaster 20x80, The TS Le and the other in this price range. What is your opinion about this pair of binoculars Thank you in advance! regards, Armand

I add 4 more under arc second double to my list, observed for the firs time last night. I used my 12" dobsonian (as 14th of september is John Dobson`s memorial day) and a 3.2mm Skywatcher planetary ep Name Constellation Separation Mag A Mag B Delta Mag STF 2597 AB Aql 0.7 6.94 7.98 1.04 a difficult double . Splited STF 2729 AB Aqr 0.8 6.4 7.43 1.03 quite difficult. Splited BU 163 AB Equ 0.9 7.31 8.88 1.57 splited. Even with big magnitude difference it was easy to split STT 435 Equ 0.7 8.31 8.2 0.11 easy split, same magnitude. Nice pair of double. Easy

Last night the seeing was near perfect at my site, so I observed other under arc second double stars from my list. I used my 305/1500 dobsonian with a TMB 2.5mm planetary eyepiece (the Chinese clone) and the 3.2mm Skywatcher planetary ep. All the starts from the list below are separated with clearly visible airy discs. A1110 ab Boo 0.7" eyepiece:TMB planetary 2.5mm Stf1866 Boo 0.7" eyepiece:Hr planetary 3.2mm STT288 Boo 0.9" eyepiece:Hr planetary 3.2mm STT 313 her 0.9mm eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm STT 319 her 0.8" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm STF 2203 her 0.8" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm STT 338 AB her 0.8" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm HU 674 her 0.7" eyepiece:tmb planetary 2.5mm STF 2292 her 0.8" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm BU 641 her 0.8" eyepiece:tmb planetary 2.5mm STF 2320 her 0.9" eyepiece:tmb planetary 2.5mm STT 359 her 0.8" eyepiece:tmb planetary 2.5mm STF 1860 dra 1" eyepiece:tmb planetary 2.5mm STF 2054 AB dra 1" eyepiece:tmb planetary 2.5mm H1-41/HD161692 dra 0.9" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm STT351AC/HD170109C dra 0.8" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm STF2438 dra 0.9" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm STT369 dra 0.7" eyepiece:Hr planetary 3.2mm HU66 dra 0.9" eyepiece:hr planetary 3.2mm

As the sky was clear last night, a took my 305/1500 dobsonian to hunt some underarc doubles. Sadly the seeing was poor, and I struggled to obtain some results. So I managed to resolve some doubles, but I have some doubt of seeing surely the separation, so I decided to not report them as separated LY Aur Aur 0.7 7.17 8.35 1.18 resolved but not split Hya BU 591 1 7.79 8.87 1.08 Resolved but not surely separated, due to the atmospheric conditions 15Lyn Lyn 26051 STT 159 AB 0.7 4.45 5.5 1.05 Y Resolved but not separated. It is clearly elongated but I cannot separate them Lyn STF 1093 0.9 8.79 8.98 0.19 Y two 8mag stars, two tiny pairs. Very beautiful Lyn 61411 STF 1338 AB 1 6.72 7.08 0.36 Y very easy split in the 3.2mm Skywatcher HR Planetary ep

Thank you cotterless45! Is https://bestdoubles.wordpress.com/ your site?

In the last 3 month, there were few nights with good conditions for under arcsec double stars. Meanwhile I bought a 3.2mm Skywatcher planetary EP for double stars and I am impressed with it`s performance. As the 2.5mm TMB, it need good seeing conditions. This is the list of the under arcsecond doubles observed in the last three month, made with my two dobsonian telescopes. HO22 ori 1" A difficult double, separated in the 4mm Kasai ortoscopical ep ORION 305/1500 14Ori ori 1" easy split OMEGON 203/1000 52Ori ori 1" easy split OMEGON 203/1000 7Tau tau 0.8" easy split OMEGON 203/1000 BU332 cmi 0.8" AB is only resolved. I couldn't see the airy disc, it only appeared as an elongated number eight. AC has big separation OMEGON 203/1000 HR2950 cmi 0.8" splited with the 4mm Kasai ortho ep OMEGON 203/1000 OME Leo leo 0.9" easy split in the 3.2mm HR Planetary Skywatcher ep ORION 305/1500 STF1037 gem 0.8" a very easy split ORION 305/1500 STF1074AB pup 0.7" I couldn`t separate the surely, but the double is resolved OMEGON 203/1000 STF1331AB uma 0.9" it is a very beautiful triple star, separated in the 3.2mm HR Planetary Skywatcher ep ORION 305/1500 STF1426 leo 0.9" It was the most spectacular double/triple star ever splited. AB are the 0.9" star, splited in the 3.2mm HR, and AC is 7" ORION 305/1500 STF1517AB leo 0.7" easy split in the 3.2mm HR Planetary Skywatcher ep. The HD name is HD97561 ORION 305/1500 STF799 aur 0.8" it vas very difficult to split in the 3.2mm HR Planetary Skywatcher ep. I observed it for more then 10minutes to split it for seconds ORION 305/1500 STT152 aur 0.8" resolved bunt not splited ORION 305/1500 STT182 cmi 0.9" hard to split, due the big mag difference, and the main star is mag 8 OMEGON 203/1000 STT217 leo 0.8" easy to split in the 3.2mm HR Planetary Skywatcher ep ORION 305/1500 STT227 leo 0.9" easy to split in the 3.2mm HR Planetary Skywatcher ep ORION 305/1500 STT235 uma 1" resolved but not separated in the TMB 2.5mm ep ORION 305/1500

I observed the nova tonight. Here is the easy way to see it: First you must find NGC1582. I started from Capella Auriga to Almaaz (epsilon Aur) then to a triangle asterism which filled the fov of the 9x50 finderscope. the top of the triangle is the m Per double star. very close to m per is the open cluster NGC1582. Near the open cluster there are 3 stars in a row. Near the middle star is the Nova. I estimated a mag of 8.5. The Moon was very close and it lit all the sky This is my firs ever drawing , so i am sorry if it is not as good as it should be

is there a map for this nova? thank you

Thank you for the advices. I bought the Skywatcher 3.2mm HR planetary. Should I wipe off that grease on the eyecup? I couldn`t try it yet due the clouds

John, your telescope is the good version of my scope! That is an amazing instrument. As I know it is made in the UK. Please let me know when you will make close double observations with it!

The sky in my location is not a big deal..it is bortle 7 , I live very close to the center of my city. When I do astronomy from my backyard, I do doubles (light pollution in that case is not a problem at all), and I am shure everybody can split close doubles, but the eye needs training. So I do not have any special eye or ability, I have a lot of training and many hours at the ep...basically I do 2-3 hours of astronomy every time the sky is clear (thanks for my loving wife fort accepting this :) I am also sure that my telescope helps a lot. It is an Orion Skyquest 12" Telescope on Dobson mount.

observed it last night on a bortle 7/8 city sky.... It was visible only with adverted vision in my 12" telescope. I am sure it is an easy object even in binoculars under dark sky

Last night I continued to make observations. Beside some DSO, I observed some under-arc-sec double stars. I used a 12" Dobsonian telesope, with Baader Hyperion Zoom 8-24 Mark IV, and two ortoscopical ep Const Name Separation Mag A Mag B Comments Aur STF657 0.9 8.3 8.81 easy to separate in the zoom baader 8-24 Mark IV eyepiece Aur STT 112 0.9 7.92 8.21 Easy to separate in the 6mm BGO ortoscopic ep Cam STF 531 0.9 7.69 8.76 A beautiful double star. Separated. It looks realy nice due the 1mag difference between the components Cam STT 88 0.8 7.21 8.34 A hard double. The mag. Difference is more than 1. I had to wait more then 5 minutes to split is. Separated in the 4mm Kasai ortoscopical ep Cam STF 635 1 8.56 8.82 Easy to separate in the 6mm BGO ortoscopic ep Cam STF 3115 6.55 7.51 A bit difficult to separate due the mag dif. The secondary component is visible under the main star in the 4mm Kasai ortoscopical ep. Cam STF 566 AB,C 0.9 5.56 7.49 Resolved but not separated. Perhaps due the big mag difference Cas STT50AB 0.9 8.43 8.46 a very nice double star. It is easy to see in the Baader Hyperion zoom 8-24 ep Ori STT 517 AB 0.7 6.79 6.99 A very beautiful and easy double. Separated in the 4mm Kasai ortoscopical ep Psc BU 1093 0.8 6.73 8.55 Big mag dif. I separated it, but it was the limit for me Tau STF 412 AB 0.8 6.6 6.86 part of a triple star. Easy to separate Tau A 2419 0.8 8.73 8.93 Beautiful double. Separated in the 4mm Kasai ortoscopical ep Tau KUI 15 AB 0.8 6.26 6.56 Beautiful double. Separated in the 4mm Kasai ortoscopical ep Tau STT 95 1 7.02 7.56 Easy to separate in the 6mm BGO ortoscopic ep Tau KU 23 0.9 6.97 8.59 Resolved but not separated. Both of the components is visible as a small 8 but I cannot separate the, Perhaps due the big mag difference

did anyone compared a Skywather planetary to a TS planetary. Both of them are TMB designs, am I right? I have a TMB planetary II, 2.5mm chine clone, but I am very pleased with it. It has good image and is is well corrected at the side of the field. I want to buy a 3.2mm one but I am stucked at the differences between Skywather (5 elements) and TS (6 elements) Thanks!

Hotech is a great laser, but just to be sure maybe you should check with another laser.

You can check the laser on a 5m distant wall. You put in on a mount that hold`s it strait (v-block jig) and you can put a piece of paper on the wall where the laser point is. Make a sign on the paper than turn the laser, then make another sign and so on. I the marks you have done on the paper ,makes a circle, then your laser has a problem. Mine had the same problem. I solved it after 2hours it is not so complicated as it looks

Great idea, thank you!

I don't know yet. As the nema 17 stepper motor is controlled with Arduino, i can make it to move slow enough( hopefully) , what i am not sure is how smooth the movement will be... It must be just usable, for visual observations only at sidewalks. It has to keep the moon in the middle. Hope will do it

i solved the problem like this. I will test it tomorrow

It will be ok! AZ8 will handle the 8" Anyhow, for visual observation only, In my opinion the best mount is the Dobson mount, but I am curious how an AZ8 performs (I heard good things about that mount)

thank you for the answers. I will make a combination between the options Vlaiv and James gave to me. I will come back with pictures when I will find a good way

@wookie1965, that`s why I said your observational skills are great. The theoretical resolving power of an 5inch telescope is somewhere around 1 arc second. To do a 1.2" split with that, so close to the 1 arcsec limit is a great achievement. The 8inch reflector`s limit is 0.58 arc sec, so I encourage you to try the 8" reflector. I am sure that 0.9-1" will be very simple task for you! It is very important for the reflector to be well collimated for double stars The Tal, as I know has amazing image, so I am sure that double stars looks great it that scope!