Spile

I have given SkEye Indirect mode a couple of outings and I have been impressed so far. Indirect mode allows you to place the phone on the OTA (mine is attached to the finder) and align it using known targets. My comments sort of turned into the review...

I have given SkEye Indirect mode a couple of outings and I have been impressed so far. Indirect mode allows you to place the phone on the OTA (mine is attached to the finder) and align it using known targets. As expected, I have became more proficient as I got used to the app and how it works. Key points I used a phone mount that I purchased for cycling. It attaches to the EP tube of my straight through finder. I have tried using the phone so that screen points upwards (as in picture) and also towards the eyepiece so it is facing me. The latter makes scanning a bit of sky to see what is there very easy. Last night I found a number of DSOs that i wasn't planning to visit by this method. Placing the base of the Dobsonian on a horizontal surface is important (I know, I know). Initial alignment was made using three easy to find objects. Last night I used Arcturus, Mars, Castor and Polaris. After a period of use I used the Insta-align function when I have acquired an object to improve accuracy. I still use the straight through finder but not as often; so my back is grateful. The finder is used if an object doesn't come into view of my WA 42mm EP with SkyEye only. The finder iced up last night so SkEye was my only finder for a time and it did a good job. That said the finder, WA EP and SkyEye work help each other out. SkyEye has its quirks. It can suddenly jump a few degrees but does seem to "find itself" again. I have not any stray magnetism warnings due to the metal OTA but this could be the cause of the jumping. Given that the app was free, I am delighted with the results so in order to support the developer (brilliant support btw), I bought the Pro version (about £8) which has more objects and more interesting for me, allows me to add my own data base of object. Ref: https://lavadip.com/skeye/index.html , https://lavadip.com/skeye/book and https://lavadip.com/skeye/media/v0_skeye_user_manual.html

Thanks AstroTim and yes I think the more interactive the better. I definitely am not looking to monetarise this if it comes off. I've DM'd one of the mods to see if this will be allowed and I will find out who organises the StarGazine events and discuss with them. As I said, I am keen not to tread on any toes.

Thanks but I was thinking of something a little less polished and more interactive. Each event would have a theme that would appeal to those starting out or to someone experienced or both. There could be a guest speaker or perhaps more interestingly after the initial question is posed, contributions could come "from the floor". Think Question Time format. For balance and interest, contributors would be from all ranges of experience - stalwarts, intermediates and novices. Depending on numbers, questions could be posted in a chat window and the MC would direct these to the contributors. Off the top of my head... (I am sure forum members could come up with suitable themes) Finding your way about - Asterisms, Constellations and bright stars 101 great Binocular objects How to begin stargazing Choosing a first telescope and avoiding pitfalls Collimating for beginners Choosing an eyepiece Astrophotography for beginners D.I.Y astronomy 101 activities for amateur astronomers when it is cloudy Top tips for observing with a .... (insert telescope here) These are largely going to be of interest to beginners but meatier themes could also be chosen. The MC would keep things moving, lively and interactive so that it doesn't become dry and boring. My background is in education, so I am used to planning these type of events but I'd welcome an opportunity to discuss further (by DM) with anyone else who is interested. The workshops could be recorded and placed on the forum. Moderators - please delete this if it falls outside the remit of the forum.

I am using the time to plan targets, ponder over star maps, get ideas for diy Astro projects, read this and other forums and sort out a blog. Lots to do.

There is some great reading in the beginners section of this forum and I can recommend checking these sites over... https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/choosing-astronomy-equipment/hobby-killers-what-telescopes-not-to-buy https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/what-to-know-before-buying-a-telescope https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/how-to-choose-a-telescope https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/choosing-astronomy-equipment/telescopes/types-of-telescopes https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/a-buyers-guide-to-telescopes-choosing-your-first-scope https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html

I would also recommend setting it up in the daytime by focusing on distant trees and antennas. Use one of these to align your finderscope and see the difference between the 25 and 10mm eyepieces. Usual warning about not pointing at the sun here.

I think the important phrase you used was “get into it”. The learning and gradual approach is the one that I believe makes perfect sense. The pretty pictures don’t help because (as you realise), they don’t tell you the whole story. Observing a fuzzy blob in my Dobsonian might not be as sexy as a recording of beautiful coloured ellipse. However it is just that, a recording. Seeing a live view with nothing between that galaxy and my eye apart from a bit of glass, two mirrors and Earths atmosphere is just as big a hit as the pretty picture for me.

I took a different approach when I got my 200P and didn’t get any “upgrades” until I had become more familiar with the instrument. I enjoy finding limitations myself and see it as part of an ongoing learning process as I don’t know what direction the hobby will take me. I also like to work with what is in my hands. If I can get results with what I already have , that’s a result for me. That doesn’t mean I haven’t bought kit. I have a Zoom, Barlow and WA low power EP but it was good to see how the stock EPs performed. I haven’t even bought a Cheshire as Gary Seronik’s advice currently covers off that base for me. I find this approach appeals to my minimalist tendencies and is good for my bank balance. That said, I would have no hesitation recommending a star atlas, boots, warm socks, hat, accessory bag, red torch and an adjustable chair.

I have the 8” Skywatcher and follow Gary Seronik’s no-tools collimation advice https://garyseronik.com/a-beginners-guide-to-collimation and can recommend the Small Optics guide at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVi6UI5BvXm9lyZg5AG0X1g/videos

I am keen to enhance my skill in finding objects for viewing with my 200P Dobsonian. I'm getting used to the 9x50 straight through finder but I want to make life a little easier for my back, so I've been looking at enhancements. The stars indicate my current "appeal" rating... Telrad*** or Rigel Quikfinder****- Both get lots of positive comments and clearly loved by many. But can I achieve the same for less outlay? Maybe a DIY version? Ref Chuck Lott Setting circles and inclinometer * - Like the price but seems a fiddle and not easy to do in the dark Right angle Finder * - Easier on my back but a few people have said they struggle with them and I don't think it is going to solve the issue that I need a 'finder for my finder'. More expense! RACI** - See above. The correction may help I am not convinced and even more outlay! Sighting tube** - Very cheap and already implemented. It helps to an extent. Split Pupil Finder ***** - This is cheap and simple to build and I love the write up. So why isn't everyone using them? Ref Jerry Oltion SkyEye**** - I have found a suitable mount for my phone and after a very brief (thanks clouds) last night, I was impressed with the free version using Indirect mode. The app is being developed and I like the idea of adding my targets to a log which you can do with the pretty cheap Pro version. I am impressed so far. ref Site Other Push To systems * - I don't fancy adding lots of hardware to my telescope. I chose the Dobsonian because I wanted simplicity. Green laser / Rifle Scope (minus *) - Errr, I am not out in the wilderness. I would really be interested in knowing if others have explored SkEye's Indirect mode and the Split Pupil Finder as reviews of these seem a little thin on the ground. Or perhaps I am missing an alternative solutioN?

So why don't we create our own "Star Gazers Lounge LIVE" programme? I am thinking a "live" call with short presentations, questions and answers, topics, themes etc. This could be recorded and put on YouTube. I've done quite a bit of this in the past and would be happy to facilitate/MC this if there was interest in this idea and people were willing to help out. My apologies if this has already been done or if I am treading on toes.

My guess would be man made object. Watching the things flyby on Stellarium is mesmerising and a little worrying.

I can also recommend the 200P. I would put your order in and asked to be kept informed if there are any returns etc. With the weather we are currently having you may not be missing much and you can use the time to be downloading applications, planning targets, reading the forums and looking at star maps.

I upgraded the stock oculars of my 200P with a Baader Hyperion IV zoom and Barlow combo. The flexibility and convenience works for me and the view is much improved. I chose this zoom based on reviews and positive comments made by users.

The star test is my first port of call for collimatrion, If it checks out I know any issues will be down to another factor. I got a lot of enjoyment from Castor (ice white) and Almach (yellow and blue) last week using a 8" reflector.

I chose a Dobsonian (a 200P) as my preference is for "live" analogue viewing rather than going down the digital path. It is important for me to to set up my telescope, acquire a target and then sit in wonder at a live view. I don't see it as an either/or though; if I decide to explore Astrophotography then I can always add another telescope but the Dobsonian will remain my default device. Well apart from my eyes.

I think the star test is the simplest, easiest and most accurate way to check collimation. I follow Gary Seronik’s no-tools collimation advice https://garyseronik.com/a-beginners-guide-to-collimation and can recommend the Small Optics guide at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVi6UI5BvXm9lyZg5AG0X1g/videos

My decision to get the Baader Zoom/Barlow combination was based on quality, price and convenience. This is my total ocular collection (apart from the two supplied) and I do not plan (I know, I know) on getting any more.

Prompted by this thread, I got the urge to attach my phone to the OTA using the finder scope (I can still see through it) eyepiece barrel to see if SkEye will perform as an alternative finder. I plan to use this guide - https://lavadip.com/media/SkEyeIntro.pdf

I like your style but it got a bit high-tech towards the end 🙂 This was how I "made" my first equatorial...

My reasons for choosing a Dobsonian rather than a go to mount... Speed = I want the minimum delay between seeing a bit of sky and looking through the viewfinder KISS = I like tech enhancements but too much of it and I feel more divorced from why I wanted to enhance rather than replace my vision Fun = I enjoy learning skills like star hopping and putting little circles on maps Time = I am in no rush and the pandemic has taught me to appreciate slow things like walking through a wood, listening to music, writing code or building a circuit Money = I want to get the maximum bang for my buck Sustainability = See money. I want to minimise risk of having something that ends up on EBay

Astronomy Talk - Dozens of small galaxies have been discovered orbiting our Milky Way galaxy over the past decade. These “ultra-faint” galaxies are less luminous than any other known galaxy, and are several million times fainter than the Milky Way itself. W. M. Keck Observatory has played a key role in showing that the ultra-faint galaxies are the oldest and most dark matter-dominated galaxies in the known universe. These ultra-faint galaxies are dramatically reshaping our understanding of galaxy formation and may hold the keys to deciphering the nature of dark matter itself. Thursday, January 14, 2021 5:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time Free and Open to the Public Keck Observatory Astronomy Talks are supported by the Rob and Terry Ryan Foundation Zoom Webinar Connection https://bit.ly/Keck-Geha or Zoom ID: 928 1916 0762 This talk will also be live-streamed on Facebook

Is the proof of the pudding in the eating? If the star test shows that alignment with a cap has worked then what is the problem? Has anyone carried out a survey of Newtonian owners to find out which method they use? I would find the results interesting but then I probably need to get out more. I am currently going with the cap method as that involves less expenditure.

Lots of transferrable skills - Patience and tenacity, numeracy, estimation, co-ordination, communication, map reading, observation, diy...