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Hello all, On another thread here in the doubles section, I was introduced by @Mircea to this great little list of Orion doubles representing a wide variety of observing challenges: Delta Ori / Mintaka/ STFA 14 AC Beta Ori / Rigel / STF 668 A,BC Zeta Ori / Alnitak / STF 774 AB,AC Sigma Ori / STF 762 AB, C,D,E + STF 761 AB, AC Lambda Ori / Meissa / STF 738 AB,AC 52 Ori/ STF 795 Not only did I immediately decide this to be my next set of targets when the clouds clear, but I realised I had already had observed some of the list, albeit over a couple of different nights last year. I'll note my observations here, starting with the (somewhat basic) notes from previous sessions, and make sure in future observations to be more descriptive in my note taking! Of course all credit goes to @Mircea for this great list and fun challenge. 12/02/2022 I followed with Sigma Ori and as expected could only make out the A/B as one object. I read initially that it is a quadruple system, and fairly sure I could only make out three total objects, but have since read that it is in fact 5, with A/B being the tightest. Impressive to view nonetheless, but I will try again and confirm how many objects I did see! Whilst here I also centred on Struve 761 - a lovely triangular triple, or as I wrote in my notes, an "arrowhead". Next up was Zeta Ori / Alnitak, which I could not split. I tried various powers but couldn't even make out an elongated shape. I did do a sense check to make sure I was definitely looking at Zeta, and moved over to Delta Ori /Mintaka which was an easy split, so I will have to go back and try again another time. 28/02/2022 Tried Zeta Ori again and succeeded this time at the limits of seeing around 238x - the secondary seemed very orange Lambda Ori - a very easy split at 159x and a lovely view Beta Ori - itself a bit wobbly but secondary a surprising pinpoint

@Mircea I found my notes, scant though they are, but avoid going too far off topic I'll create a new post, and give you a shoutout of course since it's your list!

Beckenham Place park yesterday evening.

A bit of Mk.I observing yesterday prior to a cheeky mulled wine from the cafe Beckenham Place park

This is excellent, thank you - a fun challenge I will most definitely take up! I enjoyed your additional notes at the bottom. According to my past observing notes, I have observed and split the first five in the list but not 52 Ori, and not in the same night, so this is something I will aim for. Tomorrow I'm going to compile what I wrote for each previous observation. I was not aware of Struve's wonderful description of Alnitak as olivaceasubrubicunda, though I had read something regarding his liberal yet specific use of language to describe various shades of colour in stars! I think the best I have managed are descriptions like "eggshell blue" etc.

Definitely haven't observed this before but will add it to my list of doubles to check out and report back!

Indeed. "Doctor, no I don't need glasses to correct my double vision. In fact, can you make it quadruple vision?"

Cheers, yes we discussed that briefly in the eye exam - they were very thorough and they understood the astronomy challenges I was describing, which was great. I'm going to get the dioptrx at 0.5 and see how I get on - fingers crossed. RE the zoom - thankfully in line with all the research and observing experiments I did, I only start to see astigmatism at larger exit pupils so should be fine with the zoom - though I meant I'd have to wait until my wallet will allow another purchases!

Haha I'm glad you think so, it cost me enough 😂 I have had it quite a while now and it is still in great condition, though that's probably because it needs to be like -15 degrees before you can wear the thing!

So the kind person on CN, PJ Anway, got back to me and sent me a PDF and Excel version of the updated star data; the original source is from the book "In Starland with a Three-Inch Telescope" from 1909, which they reviewed here. It's a nice review, and looks like a lovely book: https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/user-reviews/books-software/observing-books/in-starland-with-a-3-telescope-r1874 The book itself is available on archive.org: http://www.archive.org/details/instarlandwithth00olcorich With PJ's permission I've shared the data here as well for anyone who is interested. I appreciate it's a touch off topic being more about general double star observing with small scopes, rather than specifically about colour, but this thread sent me down the rabbit hole! Starland.pdf Starland.xls

Hello all, Finally went to the opticians today to have an eye test, which confirmed my suspicions that I have developed mild astigmatism - 0.5 in my left (dominant) eye. To be honest I was already prepared for this outcome and given the extensive reading I'd done on the topic plus what I was seeing at the eyepiece, but I obviously didn't want to self diagnose. I was looking back through my posts and it seems that it appeared around the middle of last year (@Louis D remember our conversations about the 40mm Lacerta ED? Probably the first point at which it showed up). Pretty annoying, but can hopefully be fixed with a Televue Dioptrx, which is compatible with quite a few of my EPs; was hoping to save up for the Svbony 8-3mm zoom but I guess it'll have to wait (even though it's on offer right now!). In comparison a Dioptrx is not an exciting purchase but if it fixes my eye I'll be happy.

I've not been pursuing double stars much of late but this thread, the CN post, plus the one it links to have renewed my interest, especially in digging out my SW 80ED. It had sort of always been my idea anyway to use it primarily as a double star scope since it's pretty compact but offers a bit more than the ZS73 and has a more suitable FR for doubles, but all this additional info has sealed it. Also, the book "In Starland with a three inch telescope" looks great. According to the linked thread, there are a few accuracy issues due to age etc but someone over on CN did a project updating the details and made a spreadsheet but the link to it is dead, so I'm trying to contact them for a copy. I'll share here if fruitful.

Cheers Mike, yes I noticed the similarities too when I saw pictures of the Sightron, and wondered if there might be some shared heritage somewhere. As @Franklin says though, the single arm fork mount is absolutely minuscule. As I understand it, there are two different options: the white one which is Borg / Arca Swiss, and a grey one which is vixen compatible (or possibly bolt holes spaced for a vixen saddle). Thanks @Franklin IIRC you've mentioned Buyee before Franklin, I might have to have a look!

Aha you got the Borg then! I looked longingly at the ad for many a moment! Regarding the single fork arm, where did you source it? I have also been cursorily searching for a while as well.

Glad to see it get some use @Mr Spock!

Hello all, I posted this many years ago I think, but recently rediscovered it when I was reunited with all my London storage. The poem is typewritten on a small bit of paper which was in the box containing the EPs of the first scope I ever looked through and lataer inherited; this was my Grandad's scope, which in turn he was given by someone from the Chesterfield Astronomical Society many years ago. We have no idea who wrote it (probably at least 40 years ago) and I suspect I never will, but I find it quite lovely.

Nothing for me tonight but lucky to have had two nights observing (and I believe at least a handful of targets I've never observed before) whilst I'm currently in Bortle 4 skies, despite some dew issues I've mentioned in another post. I think the session on Tuesday was in the region of 6-7 hours, and then at least 3 hours yesterday before it was time for tea and the clouds rolled in whilst I was gone. Wall to wall rain for the rest of my time here sadly. I'm planning to potentially move here at some point so I'm glad I got chance to "try before we buy" so to speak!

Yes I think my biggest error was not to set everything up from the start, and that way I could have followed what you do and keep it on for lower and longer. The objective was actually fine for a whome but then I was viewing stuff at higher altitude and it just suddenly just fogged over completely. Interesting move with the foil camping mat - I imagine it certainly can't hurt! I have looked at those purpose built dew shield/heaters before as well.

Cheers Paul. I've found quite a good place to put the heater controller as well and keep the cables out of the way thankfully. Interesting that you put two bands on - do you find it doesn't work so well with only one?

Hello all, Managed a really great session a couple of nights ago and the weather played nicely with one exception: Dew! Loads and loads of dew! I do already have a 4-port lynx astro heater controller, two 50cm dew heater bands and a Celestron 7.2Ah power tank, but have rarely had need for them, so I admit I'm not super experienced in best practice. Initially, I did not set up with them, but after an hour or so of observing dewing became so bad that simply moving my eye away from the EP for more than 30 seconds meant it would be unusable. I hastily set up, but ended up losing probably 45mims adjusting and waiting for things to clear. The finder was a complete write off, but I did initially set up one strap to clear it, then capped it. I pretty much didn't use it for the rest of the session, only occasionally uncapping, observing quickly, then capping again. Not really very helpful for a finder! I had the band on the scope set to max, and used the other band in the case I'm using to keep EPs covered whilst not in the scope. It works very well actually, like a toasty little bed for the EPs to stay warm and dry. I might develop this into a more permanent solution going forward. Anyway, a couple of things I wondered about. Firstly, where is optimal placement for the band on a frac? Obviously it varies from scope to scope, but I placed mine where the objective is, which is actually on the dew shield (photo below). Whilst this seems sensible, it also means it has to warm up the dew shield and OTA before it even reaches the OL assembly. Would it be better on the OTA itself, which puts it slightly behind the OL? I noticed that once it's up to heat, dew was not on the OTA for at least 10cm so maybe it's more efficient on the OTA itself? Secondly, what power to use? I put it on full because the situation was bad, but running two bands at full whack did fully empty the battery during the session, and I'd assume that full power is not always necessary. I estimate I had it running for approx 5-6 hours, and according to the manufacturers specs I should get about 4h20m running at full pace. I guess it varies and the answer is as low as possible whilst still keeping dew free - but how do you know without potentially wasting ages figuring it out on the fly? Is there a method which anyone can recommend like heat on full until the dew is gone, then turn down to half and see how you get on? Lastly, do coastal areas have more of an issue with dew? Or places near woodland and national parks etc? I'm potentially moving to the Folkestone area so it's something to consider, whether I might need to invest in better dew control stuff at some point. Anyway, any experience folks might have would be interesting to hear! It's a new area for me as mentioned, and I'm always keen to hear from people more experienced than myself. Thanks!

It was not immediately obvious, nor were any of that trio, however after a couple of mins at the eyepiece they became apparent, and once I'd got them they remained in view for most of the time. I did also have a touch of glare in the atmosphere but not much. I think local LP plays a huge part here too, even though the skies are pretty dark. Views improved significantly when I pulled my parka hood over my head.

Had another crack at Enceladus the other night from a Bortle 4 location with the 102mm. Titan and Iapetus were easy, also managed Tethys, Rhea and Dione - but sadly Enceladus was probably just too close to Saturn to make out, and conditions were good but not perfect at that point. Annoyingly, conditions actually improved even more later, and Enceladus was much further out away from the planet so I may have been in with a chance, but it was all hidden by a house. Stellarium screen grab from the approx time of observation below.

It is a shame that it doesn't really live up to its reputation. I recall after trying many times from Bortle 7/8 (I was clearly dreaming, with only a 4" frac at my disposal), I eventually got it last year from a good dark B4 sky with the same scope, and was thoroughly unimpressed. I am in not-so-good B4 skies at the moment (lots of local LP) and observed it a couple of nights ago. I wrote in my notes "Hunted down M1 as I was near, but just really an unimpressive grey smudge, regardless of FL" Sidenote: many years ago I had a couple of Redclaw crabs (Perisesarma bidens) and named them Nebula and Pulsar 🙂

Actually, the only non ideal thing about it is the fur (fake, obviously) sometimes tickles your nose 😅

Yeah I bought this parka years ago initially because I needed a warm coat for Berlin winters and it is basically like wearing a down sleeping bag. I only realised later during an observing session that the hood trim folds over in such a way that you can use it to block out stray light as you can see! I am observing NGC 1778 in the photo 🙂