Thondwe

Just found this as noted that DarkSky API was dying soon, so ClearOutside I expect to also have issues? From this much appreciated effort, seems all much of much ness across the sources, though presentation matters I guess. Anyway, seems the Window and the "Sky Windows" - Satellite feeds are the best way to extrapolate viewing conditions! Tend to use zoom.earth but sometimes a little hard to interpret night time cloud cover. Met Office %age cloud cover map also looks good. As ever, micro climate (Gower Peninsular - sticking out into Bristol channel), has a big bearing! Thanks for the analysys!

That was my thought, I sort of expected to get a Rigel/Telrad from the off, but wanted to see how we got on with the RACI first. Whilst the RACI is what I wanted (from a back ache point of view), I suspect those with a straight through finder probably have less issue getting lined up quickly?

Just to update - followed some of the advice above, so now have the scope, Cheshire, and added a 6mm in leiu of the barlow idea. I did in the end get a moon filter. As far as I can tell collimation is good out of the box, and we've had some good planetary views - Jupiter/Saturn - seemed to hooked my youngest daughter already which is a bonus. Glad we got the moon filter - it's bright down this part of the world - We're in an area which is trying to get Dark Sky designation. We were struggling a bit with the RACI finder, so splashed out on a Rigel Quikfinder - brilliant - umed and arr'd about that vs Telrad, but decided it the smaller/taller Rigel would sit better between the finder and focuser - I think they are closer together on the StellaLyra's vs Oriion/Skywatchers? Back to waiting for another clear night!

Thanks - advice noted. Have seen plenty of other comments re +/- of Barlow vs individual lens and about laser vs other tools. Will start with Cheshire and see how I do “out of the box”. Have been using various star charts and apps for years, but seen so many recommendations for “Turn left at Orion” I might well invest.

Was going to go with an Orion XT8 plus (treat for my significant birthday), but came across the StellaLyra which seems cheaper for a slightly better starting point? New to scope owning, been on/off visual/bino observer for years, and lucky to live in a dark sky area (application in for official designation!) So thinking about adding in a couple of extras - so some advice please… Collimating - Cheshire - which one? Astro essentials or premium? Also Bobs knobs for secondary seems like an idea - avoiding risk of dropping tools onto main mirror? Seems odd that the scope only comes with knobs for primary? Not planning to rush into new lens straight up, but Barlow seems a worthwhile early purchase - so you need one for both 1.25 and 2 inch lens types or can the converter help? Same Q if I want a moon filter? Guessing I’d want one for the 9mm rather than the 30mm - so 1.25 assuming it’s essential for any lengthy lunar viewing sessions?