Xgaze

My 9yr old says, it looks like a tie fighter!

Excellent replies, thank you both.

Hi all, I may have missed a topic on this but, I only found one discussing the OTH filter. So, two questions: I have a budget of around d £30-40 for a solar filterfor my SW 150 Dob. what would people suggest? Secondly, what type of EP is suitable? something that seems to be missing from the topics I have found here. TIA Tony

Looking gloriously clear here, if a little hazy, hope that doesn't spoil the viewing. Haven’t been out for so long. Going to get setup soon and plan a browse of the southern sky. Clear skies🤞

@FroengLovely sketches! Glad I didn't bother warming up the scope earlier. About half an hour later the high cloud rolled in - somtimes laziness pays!

Thank you both for the replies and advice. I bought them and promptly donated them back to the charity shop after I tried them and, my Swift Ascot Mk1 30x50 out peformed them! On a brighter note: my inlaws had original Carl Zeiss Janoptems they have given me - immaculate condition and outstanding seeing! Although, they are low power, I am still looking forwards to testing them on the night sky.

Hello all, These are for sale in my local charity shop for £15. I had a look through them, they seem okay. They don't seem to be coated and not 'Japanese made'. I think they are the Admiral II model? Does anyone have a set - are they worth the £15? Thanks, T

Is this the 'Shorty' ? I'd be interested to know what you think... Best, T

That's it! Thanks Z

Crikey people! 😆 I was pondering " how many do I need, what would be the essentials" and found this recent topic. Will I really need to get into double figures, wonder if that's where I'm heading!?😅 Thought I saw a topic on the essential or basic EP's somewhere but can't find it now? I've just bought my fourth one (including a Barlow if that counts). So, with the two stock EP's that came with my only scope that's 6 in total. I'd love to try something like the Televue brand just to see where that extra money goes, but can't afford one at the moment! Best, T

Many Thanks Stu! That is both useful and encouraging! I hadn't thought about getting a smaller EP but, it seems as you say, I could manage a 3.5 which I might go for. I'm guessing it would make a bigger diference than that between 8 - 5mm. Best, T

Many thanks! I thought that a 5mm would be on the upper limit. I do have a barlow but I always find I loose too much definition so, don't really bother with it.

Skywatcher Heritage 150p Dob.

First view of Mars at 5:30am this morning. Was a little underwhelmed, I have to say! but the seeing was pretty bad so much wobble. Although, I was just about able to make out the dark shape in the middle of Mars. Jupiter was okay, I kept swithing between the two. My eyes adjusted and seemed to improve a little more of the blured detail on Mars. Still quite pleased as it was my first view of the red planet. Looking forwards to December when it's closest! I wonder if it's worth saving for a 5mm EP? currently using an 8mm BST. What do people think? Thanks, T