Deepblue12

59 and started a few weeks back 😀

I think thats one of the frustrating things about this...not knowing if what is on the Corrector is causing any real issues despite what it looks like to an admitted novice. What it really needs is someone with a bit of experience to take a look and go "leave it or clean it". There are a couple of Astronomy clubs nearby so think its now worth joining one and seeking the advice of others with much greater knowledge than me. 😀 Thanks to everyone that has replied to my post, all comments much appreciated.

I've actually just found a link how to remove the Corrector plate on the 127 so i'll do that which should then allow me to see the mirror directly. (which hopefully will be clean) Just need to buy the necessary cleaning products first

I just looked again and wondered the same thing. Theres definitely something on the mirror but I can see some marks on the both the inside and outside of the corrector plate so it looks like i still need to clean it somehow.

managed to take this pic...

You can see the mirrors but there’s clearly a lot of dirt on them

I've just noticed that both the Primary mirror and the Corrector plate on my Celestron 127SLT are extremely dirty. The previous owner kept it in the lounge of his house so i can only assume the general dirt and crap that floats around has go into it over time. Being totally new to Astronomy and Telescopes would it be advisable to take it to a local Astronomy shop and let them clean it or is it within the realms of a total novice to undertake.

Louis Came to that conclusion myself last night, i'm an inpatient [removed word] (not the best trait for Astronomy) and think i was just looking for a shortcut Thanks

excellent thanks...so much to learn

ah thanks, i'll have a look

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I'm no maths whizz and whilst i understand the basics of vlaiv's explanation i think i'm after a more "rule of thumb" calculation. So i have a Celestron 127slt (1500mm Focal length) and 25mm, 15mm, 8mm Eyepieces and a 2 x Barlow. if i take dannybgoode's calcs then i have a theoretical maximum magnification of 254 and the nearest i can get to this would be using my 15mm and the Barlow (1500/7.5=200) That means my best option in optimal conditions would actually be to use a 6mm eyepiece giving me 250? Fully understand that this isnt a hard and fast rule but are my maths about right.

I previously came across an excellent thread which explained how to calculate the max magnification you could effectively use given i believe the focal length/aperture of the tube devisable by a specific number. The problem is i cannot find it again! I know the author was a well known and long standing member of the group and countless people said it should be posted as a sticky! Apologies for the vague post but being extremely new to astronomy i'm still struggling with some of the concepts.

So purchased a 25mm Starguider switching between it and the supplied Celestron and can definitely tell a difference when viewing the moon so I’m going ahead and purchasing the 8mm and 15mm as well. May throw in a Barlow for good measure 😀 Extremely frustrating at the moment, total cloud cover for the last week or so. Finally got out again tonight with intermittent gaps in the clouds and had a crack viewing Jupiter. It wasn’t that dark but still just made out streaks of red which hopefully with the 8mm will improve. Onwards and upwards 😀

I have tiered garden and the concrete affords a higher aspect but think next session i'll give the lower lawn a bash

Must admit mount was on loose stones…first time ever with a telescope so a lot to learn 😀

Apologies for not replying sooner...work and my first stargazing session got in the way 😀 Have heard of Barlows but they seem to get mixed reactions when looking at other threads...so something to think about. With the option of the Starguider and Svbony red line ranges i have plenty of options so thanks. Think i may buy a single piece such as the 25mm and see what the difference is before shelling out any more cash. So my first session tonight both good and bad. Started with the 25mm and the good old moon switching to the 9mm. Clarity seems good but with the 9mm a bit of image shake which i'm not sure where it came from. Bad bit was i couldnt get it to align! No matter which stars i used it just kept failing so thats my first issue to troubleshoot!

Have purchased a Nexstar 127SLT and currently waiting for the skies to clear so i can start gazing. In a lot of discussions i see recommendations to immediately upgrade the supplied 9mm and 25mm eye pieces and I've seen mentioned that BST Starguiders are a reasonable upgrade. I'm considering an 8 and 25 as replacements with a 15 as an addition. Is this the right way to go or is their anything more suitable i should consider before parting with my hard earned.

Update. So i've actually purchased a used Celestron Nexstar Mak 127 SLT for £250. I may have paid a bit over the odds and I won't go into too many details, but the guy who was selling it and the surroundings i picked it up from (Think pristine house worth around £3-4 mil) lead me to believe its in perfect condition and very well looked after. Its powered up ok but obviously the proof will be the first time i get to use it in anger. (of couse its peeing it down tonight 😀) Lots of terminology to get used to and questions like what Eyepieces i need to purchase etc but at least i have a starting point now.

no it was a proper Astronomy Shop but i thought i'd ask the question of a wider audience before committing any cash

What additional eye pieces would you suggest?

I’m looking at around £400 if that helps

For years I’ve often sat outside in the evening looking up at the stars (Glass of red in hand) I’m now after an actual telescope to see a bit more but don’t want to break the bank. My local store has recommended a NEXSTAR 130SLT Which being computerised takes all the effort out of manual searching which suits me fine. Would this be suitable for a true amateur astronomer that doesn’t have expectations above the usual view of the planets or is there something more suitable that I should consider. Thanks